University of California, Davis
Oh!
My back is killing me!!! How often have you or your co-workers
said this?
We tend
to take our backs for granted until we are in pain! Statistics
show that such strains are the most common among workers especially
in California agriculture where bending and lifting are common
work tasks. Back problems are costly. This includes taking
off precious work time. Medical experts say that back injuries
have little to do with the weight of the lifted objects and
everything to do with how they are lifted.
Here
are four things to remember before you bend or lift an object.
One:
If the object is too heavy get help.
Two:
Before lifting move as close to the object as possible.
Three:
Bend your knees and lift with your legs gradually and slowly.
Four:
To change directions turn your feet. Never twist your back.
These
tips also apply to setting objects down.
Remember
it's your back...don't take it for granted.
This
message is brought to you by the Agricultural Health and Safety
Center, Applied Behavioral Science of the University of California
at Davis.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
radio public service announcement was produced by the Agricultural
Health and Safety Center, Applied Behavioral Sciences of the
University of California at Davis. For further information
contact Jenny Rodriguez, UCCE, Ag. Bldg., County Civic Center,
Visalia, CA 93291-4584, (209) 733-6491.
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