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What is Material Handling?
Material Handling includes lifting, transporting and depositing material by human means using a variety of hand or hand-operated accessories such as hooks, bars, jacks, hand trucks, dollies, wheel barrows or other mechanical means. Manual material handling entails lifting, but also usually includes climbing, pushing, pulling and pivoting, all of which pose the risk of injury to the back. Recent studies show that nearly 70% of low back injuries are related to manual material handling.
How can I keep my back safe?
Ergonomic lifting techniques can reduce your risk injury and help keep you pain free:
- Assume a diagonal foot position, with one foot slightly in front of the other
- Get as close as you can to load, keeping it close to you throughout the move
- Test the weight before you lift. If it is too heavy or you are unsure, ask for help!
- It is always easier and safer to move things at waist-level. Sliding and carrying present less back strain than lifting and lowering.
- Review our tips for safe material handling techniques
Non-occupational risk factors related to material handling injuries include:
- History of a prior back injury
- Poor personal fitness levels
- A second job
- Recreational or Avocational activities
- Smoking
- The aging process
- Physical Stature
- Psychosocial Issues (job-related stress, job dissatisfaction, personal or financial stress)
Should I Use a Back Belt When Lifting?
Whether or not to wear a back belt during heavy work seems to be an age-old question without a clear answer. While we do know that back belts provide some support, we cannot assume that a back belt is going to prevent back injuries. Not all back belts are created equal. There are numerous styles of back belts available, ranging from lightweight elastic belts to those with rigid stays. The variety of back belts results in a variety in the amount of protection that the belts can offer. Find answers to the most common questions regarding the use of back belts.
Your Back
Your back is a column of 24 vertebrae (7 Cervical, 12 Thoracic, and 5 Lumbar) as well as 5 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the 4 coccygeal bones. Your spine is also comprised of soft tissue structures (ligaments, muscles and tendons) and intervertebral discs. The discs act like cushions to absorb shock. In addition, your back provides movement and stability. To do this, your back must stay healthy though good posture, proper material handling techniques, and healthy habits
How do I keep my back safe and healthy?
There are many things you can do to avoid back pain. Some healthy habits include:
- Adopt good postural habits. Maintain the natural curves in your back, they provide strength and support for you back. This is especially important when doing anything strenuous (such as lifting) or when sitting/ standing for prolonged periods of time.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Added pounds can cause added strain on your back.
- Keep your back strong.
- Improve your flexibility. Did you know that having flexible hamstrings can often reduce your lower back discomfort?
- Participate in a regular exercise program (be sure and seek approval from your physician before starting any exercise program)
What causes back pain?
While back pain can occur from a single incident such as car accident or a fall, most back pain occurs as a result of:
- Poor Posture
- Poor Physical Health
- Poor Body Mechanics
- Repetitive Strain
These factors can cause wear and tear on your back and may eventually lead to pain and disability.
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