Back injuries are the leading workplace safety problem, affecting more than one million workers each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. Use these tips and additional resources to help prevent back strain when lifting or carrying loads in the workplace.

1. SAFETY TIP:
Prevent Back Injuries When Lifting
Back injuries are the leading workplace safety problem, affecting more than one million workers
each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that back injuries account for one of every five
workplace injuries or illnesses.
Here are some tips to help prevent back strain when lifting or carrying loads:
• Reduce large loads into smaller ones, or get assistance
• Place objects up off the floor so you don’t have to bend down to pick
them up. Raising or lowering shelves or work tables can help
• Test the load to check its weight. Ask for help if it’s too heavy.
• Use proper lifting technique:
• Face the load with feet shoulder-width apart
• Keep heels down and turn feet slightly out
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Hug the load
• Keep your head up
• Take small steps and turn with your feet to avoid twisting the
upper body
• Reverse the lifting process when setting down the load
• Use a cart or dolly to move heavy loads. Pushing is usually easier
than pulling.
Back injury and safe lifting resources:
 Check the OSHA Technical Manual section on back disorders and injuries.
 Visit the manual material handling page of Canadian Centre for OH&S.
 See what NIOSH and the CDC say about back belts.
 Browse Lifting and Back Belt signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com.
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