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Overview
Sprains and strains to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the back are common injuries that are
often avoidable. Be aware of
the
causes of back injuries
and your lifting limitations. Remember, back injuries don’t just happen at work; they can happen at home, or while you’re out having fun.
And, a back injury often
limits all of
your activities, so remembering a few pointers on lifting techniques can help keep you healthy.
Avoiding back injury
Poor posture can put stress on back muscles. Poor physical
condition can lead to weak back muscles. Practice a regular exercise program to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. Bending or twisting while lifting can cause injury. Repeated minor strains can develop into an injury. Back injuries are not always caused by
lifting something too heavy. Stress and tension can contribute to back pain.
Size up the load. Test the weight by
moving a corner of the object, and
get
help for heavy or awkward loads.
Make sure that you have a clear path to carry the load, and a clear area to set it down.
Stand
with your feet close
to
the object, and center yourself over the load. Bend your knees. This is the single most important part
of lifting. The large muscles in your legs are designed to carry weight, and
bending your knees gets your legs ready to support the load. Get a good grip
on the object. Clean and dry
surfaces are
easier to handle than wet and greasy ones. Straighten your legs to lift straight up in a slow,
smooth motion.
Keep the load held close to your body. Do not twist or turn while carrying the load. Sudden
twisting motions can injure the disks in your back. Bend your knees again as you lower the load to set
it
down.
Loads on carts or wheels should be pushed, not pulled. Get help for lifting items that are
long, bulky, that don’t have a good place to grip, or
are too heavy for one person. Know when mechanical lifting equipment
should be used instead of manual lifting; follow your
company’s guidelines for weight limits. If possible, divide a heavy load into several smaller ones.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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