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Back Safety & Lifting

Back injuries caused by lifting are a frequent occurrence, but they can be prevented, at least in part. Employing proper safety techniques when lifting can help reduce the risk

  1. Facts

    • Back injuries and back pain are extremely common. According to LiftWithTheLegs.com, anywhere from 50 to 70 percent of the United States population is affected by lower back pain.

    Causes

    • In addition to lifting an object that is too heavy, back injuries can also be caused by twisting when lifting and by repetitive lifting such as when shoveling or stacking objects. Lifting objects over your head can also cause back problems.

    Effects

    • Think of your back as a seesaw, with your waist being the fulcrum. If you are properly positioned when bending over, it will put 10 pounds of pressure on your back to lift a 10-pound object. If improperly positioned, it can put up to 100 pounds of pressure on your back when lifting the same 10-pound object.

    Considerations

    • Being obese can increase your chances of back injury when lifting. According to SafetyInfo.com, if you are 25 pounds overweight you will add an additional 250 pounds of pressure to your back just by bending over.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Proper technique when lifting can help you avoid back injuries. You should get as close to the object as possible with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down and grasp the object firmly. Lift the object slowly while returning to a standing position. This allows you to use your knees and legs for leverage instead of your back, which should be kept straight during the process.

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