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Keep Pain on the “Back” Burner – Practice Safe Lifting Techniques
Back injuries are painful, and if you’re one of the millions of people that are suffering with back pain due to unsafe lifting of heavy an object, then you’ll need to know how to lift correctly. Acute back injuries can happen anywhere, but more than likely you’ve injured your back at work. Knowing how to lift on a daily basis is the key to remaining employed, and physically free of pain. There are correct ways to lift and many injuries can be prevented, so read on to learn how to lift safely at work.
The Bureau of Labor states that every year back injuries are one of the leading causes for injury and sickness at work. In fact, 25% of all workman compensation claims for injury are back related. Huge amounts of claims and lost wages drive health care costs up, and the medical insurance costs. Most of the injuries are directly tied to inappropriate lifting techniques, and damage to the lower back of employees. Of course, there is no totally fool proof way to prevent all back injury for all employees, but you can learn how to help lift properly, and avoid injury and rising insurance costs for your employer.
Before you lift any object, consider safety first. Ask yourself if the load that you’re attempting to lift is too heavy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you think the load is too heavy. Injury is a result if you don’t because the back muscles and spine can be seriously damaged if you don’t ask for help. Your back disks can be cracked and ligaments can be torn. Compressed nerves and inflammation will cause severe acute pain, and if you’re not careful a life long chronic injury will result. Some back injuries from to heavy objects could result in a permanent disability with debilitating pain.
If you feel that it’s not too heavy, look at the route that you’ll need to carry the object through. Realize there could be things in the way that could force you to lift the item higher, or even cause you to trip over. Take the time to rearrange the items in your way, or just pick a new route, but always check before you move. Next, look over your load and clean it off if it’s wet or slippery, and clean your hands too. Do not try to hurry a job either by trying to carry other things on top of, or in your fingertips. Keep your finger and hands away from the edges, so they won’t become bent or pinched. Before you lift the object get a good grip. Always insure that your back is aligned and straight, and your feet firmly planted.
You could feel that all of this preparing before you even begin to lift an object sounds like a lot of unnecessary work. The point is that you are trying to save your back from any strain that could cause you injury and time off from work. After a while this routine will become like a second nature for you, and it won’t take as much time as you think. An extra precaution for injury due to lifting is wearing a back belt too. If you feel that you need extra protection ask for one from a supervisor at work. They will be more than happy to provide you with one, so you’ll be safe at your job, and work can continue on as normal.
After you’ve done with your preplanning, the actual lifting procedure is simple. When your feet are firmly planted and you begin to lift bend down, and keep your buttocks aligned with your back. You’ll need to use your upper thigh muscles and calf’s of your legs to lift. Fully bend your knees and use the larger leg and calf muscles to lift. Don’t put your body in an awkward position by twisting at all. You will want your hips and feet directly in line with what you’re lifting. Slowly lift the object because this will give your leg muscles time to adjust to what you’re lifting. You don’t need leg muscles damaged by a jerking motion. Those muscles can be damaged too, which will put your back in strain, and it would result in back pain. As you’re lifting always keep the item close to your body, which way all muscles remain in alignment, and potential damage to your back is reduced too.
Remember; be safe when lifting by preplanning. Take the time to know what to lift, how to lift it and what to do before you ever move. If you don’t serious accidents and injuries can occur to yourself, and those who work around you.
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