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Many factors contribute to back injuries, but by training employees to recognize and avoid the most common causes, employers can reduce these injuries. The main risk factors include working in awkward postures or positions, and working too hard or too long (overexertion).
Working in an awkward position, or using unsafe motions, can quickly cause discomfort. That is the body’s warning to stop! Examples of awkward movements include:
Employers should eliminate awkward activities, or minimize the time spent performing them.
If workers stretch their backs to relieve back tension or soreness, that’s a sign of fatigue and a warning of potential future injuries. Evaluate workstation design and work assignments to alleviate back strain.
Lifting heavy or awkwardly-shaped items causes strain on the back, increasing both fatigue and the risk of injury. Exertion is a factor not only of weight and repetition, but ability to grip, duration of task, and body position. Preventative steps include:
Any back injury can cause long-term problems, potentially requiring surgery. These injuries can even be permanent and debilitating (life-changing). Preventing injuries simply requires avoiding actions that may cause injury.
Train workers to develop habits that reduce or prevent straining the back. Where back injury risks cannot be eliminated, consider alternating tasks to relieve strain and duration. In addition, allow additional breaks, ideally with stretching during breaks.
Back injuries can result from awkward positions or movements, or from overexertion. Evaluate work tasks to reduce or eliminate these factors.