Preventing Back Injuries
Back injuries sustained at work can seriously affect a person’s quality of life and their ability to do their job, so steps should be made to help in preventing back injuries at work wherever possible.
About back injuries at work
Bending at the knees when lifting heavy objects is a simple way to greatly reduce the likelihood of back injuries at work from occurring.
Refraining from lifting or moving very heavy objects, or only lifting heavier objects with the help of someone else, are also sensible measures to help with preventing back injuries.
How to prevent back injuries at work
Employers’ duties towards their staff include taking all reasonable steps to help with preventing back injuries at work, especially in jobs where there is a risk of back injuries occurring. This will include roles where employees are required to lift or move objects around regularly.
Steps towards preventing back injuries where possible will include employers making any necessary practical steps to make sure workers are trained in how to prevent back injury from occurring when they lift or move heavy objects. This alone can prevent back injuries from happening in many circumstances.
As well as training employees in how to lift safely, employers’ responsibilities in preventing back injuries will also include employees being trained in when to seek help to lift something heavy, and when to refrain from lifting an object which is too heavy and providing any safety equipment necessary for preventing back injuries at work.
Lifting: tips to prevent back injuries
There are several techniques to use when lifting heavy equipment to guard against having a back injury at work. According to NHS guidelines, these are the main points to bear in mind:
Think before lifting
Think about whether you need help to lift, and where you will place your load afterwards. Think about taking a break midway to rest your load and recover your strength.
Keep loads close
Keeping the load close to your waist will help. The closer the distance to the spine, at waist height, the less likely it will be that your back will be strained.
Make sure your position is stable
For good balance make sure your feet are apart and one leg is slightly forwards. Wearing loose clothes and sturdy shoes will help.
Don’t bend or twist your back
Bending to reach a load at the start of a lift, instead, try to squat so that some of the weight is taken by your legs. Avoid leaning sideways or twisting the back in any way.
Move slowly
Keep in full control of your load by moving slowly and avoiding sudden or sharp movements.
Know your limits
Finally, be realistic about what you can and can’t lift. If you think you might not be able to manage, always ask for help form someone else. It isn’t worth risking a back injury to try a heavy load on our own.
Employees’ duties in preventing back injuries
Employees also need to take care of themselves by preventing back injuries wherever possible. This will include lifting safely in the way they have been trained to, which usually means by bending the knees and lifting the object close to the body.
Employees with known, existing back problems have a responsibility to tell their employer this so they can take special care in preventing back injuries at work from happening to particularly vulnerable staff. If back injuries at work can be prevented in this way, it makes the work environment a safer place to work.
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