Avoid Back Injuries at Work - 6 Easy Steps

Back pain is the No. 1 cause of job-related disability and a major contributor to missed work days in the U.S. Heavy or repetitive lifting on the job can cause or contribute to back pain if done incorrectly. Here is a brief list of proper lifting techniques to minimize stress on the lumbar:

1. Stand as close to the object as possible. Spread you feet shoulder width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other to maintain balance.
2. Squat bending at the knees instead of the waist. Tuck your chin while keeping your back as straight as possible.
3. Grasp the object firmly before starting to lift and slowly straighten legs without twisting the body.
4. Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close as possible to the body since the farther away the object's center of gravity, the greater the stress on the lower back.
5. Use your feet instead of your torso if you must turn holding the object.
6. Follow the same procedure in reverse when putting the object down. Keep in mind that your back should be as vertical as possible while bending at the knees.

In addition to proper lifting techniques, the use of a neoprene back support can be extremely helpful in reducing strain on the back by providing support. Additionally, if there is an existing back injury, the neoprene material helps retain body heat and increase circulation which promotes healing.