This article was
written by ErgoRisk
Posted in: Back Care
Printable Version: Back Injury Risk Factors.pdf
- Back injuries can come from many different causes.
- While causes can range from your fitness level to stress, there are some factors you can look for every time you start a task.
- DISTANCE * – The farther away an object is from our body, the greater the pressure on our back. The combination of the weight of the object plus the hidden weight of our body (arms and torso) can add up to a problem for our back (* Number 1 Risk Factor).
Your goal: Keep the load as close to your body as possible.
- HEIGHT – When lifting an object from ground level, most of us have trouble keeping good back posture. Lifting a heavy object with a flat or slouched back decreases low back stability.
Your goal: Store heavy objects above knee height and use carts or other tools to manage the work height.
- TWISTING – Due to the structure of the discs (shock absorbers), twisting makes them weaker.
Your goal: Move your feet when lifting and carrying rather than twisting. Check the layout of your work area to eliminate or minimize twisting.
- HIGH REPETITION and lifting are a bad combination. Fatigued muscles can lead to bad posture and poor technique.
Your goal: Warm-up prior to starting, work at a sustainable pace and take frequent breaks.
