unh dining lifting safety training
DESCRIPTION
UNH Dining Lifting Safety TrainingTRANSCRIPT
Office of Environmental
Health, & Safety
Back/Lifting Safety
Objectives
Learn what makes up our back Understand biomechanics of lifting Understand your risk factors Learn what you can do to protect
yourself Know where to go with any questions
Back Injury Facts
According to the Department of Labor:– There are almost 1 million back injuries per
year– They account for approximately ¼ of total
Workers Compensation claims filed– Nearly 80% of the general population will
suffer back pain at some point in their lifetime.
UNH Injury Facts
Dining Services– 2009
12 overexertion resulting in ~$9,000 in losses– 2010
12 overexertion resulting in ~ $11,100 in losses– 2011
8 overexertion resulting in ~$2,000 in losses– Averaging ~10% of claims– Averaging ~15% of losses
The Spine
Consists of three major parts
Made up of discs and vertebrae
Structural support for body
7 Cervical
12 Thoracic
5 Lumbar
The Spine
Base attachment for muscles, tendons, ligaments
Protects the spinal cord Provides flexibility for
motion Is bodies shock absorber
The Spine
Vertebrae/Disks– Vertebrae protect
the spinal cord and nerve roots
– Discs provide a cushion between each vertebrae and allow the back to flex and bend
Disc
Biomechanics of Lifting
How much force does it take?
10 LBS
?
Biomechanics of Lifting
Biomechanics of Lifting
10 LBS
100 LBS
With fulcrum moved we now have a 10:1 ratio
Biomechanics of Lifting
Average torso approx 105 lbs
Lifting 10 lbs 105 lbs + 10 lbs =
115 lbs x 10 = 1150 lbs of force
exerted on spine!
Biomechanics of Lifting
Increasing risk factors can lead to injuries
Risk Factors for Lifting
Weight of object Size of object Location of object
– Reach to get– Bend to get
Material Handling– Lift/Carry– Push/Pull
Risk Factors for Lifting
Twisting while lifting Awkward Postures
Preventative Measures
Weight and size of object– Mechanical device– Get assistance– Make smaller loads
Preventative Measures
Location of objects– Proper placement– Safety stairs for access– Stack/store neatly
Preventative Measures
Material handling– Proper lifting techniques– Push don’t pull– Use elevators– Plan the lift
Where it is Path of travel Where it is going
Preventative Measures
Proper lifting technique– Think before you lift. – Do I need to lift this?– Is it too heavy or awkward to lift alone?– Should I use a mechanical device such as a
cart or dolly?– Can I split the load?
Preventative Measures
Proper lifting technique– Squat down with back straight, knees bent,
& feet shoulder width apart Avoid bending at the waist
– Grasp the object– Bring it close to your body– Slowly rise and let the thigh muscles do the
lifting
Preventative Measures
Twisting/awkward postures– Pivot and turn with feet– Remember the mechanical advantage?
Proper lifting technique Proper placement of items Do not bend over objects
– Provide handles– Purchase/use smaller sizes
Preventative Measures
Stretching and exercising– Improves muscle strength, reduces muscle
tension – Improves circulation – Reduces anxiety, stress, and fatigue – Improves mental alertness – Decreases the risk of injury – Makes your work easier – Makes you feel better!
Summary
Think before you lift anything Make sure your path is clear Get help (mechanical device or another
worker) if necessary Keep your back straight and head up
during a lift Keep your body in good shape, it will
lessen the likelihood of an injury!
Summary
Your back is used for both work and play.
Protect it at work and at home. Questions?
Office of Environmental
Health and Safety862-4140
Thank you and have aSafe Work Day!