Notes

Outline

Strain Prevention

What’s the problem? It is our 2nd leading cause of injury Strains represent 18% of all COV claims 2001-2002 fiscal year there were 4105 cases Total incurred costs of these claims:

Strain or Injury by Claims Breakdown Lifting 1659 (40%) Twisting 1147 (28%) Pushing/Pulling  793 (19%) Holding/Carrying 291 (7%) Reaching 137 (3%) Jumping 36 (.9%) Misc 23 (.6%) Using Tool/Machine 14 (.3%) Wielding/Throwing 5 (.1%)            4105

Your Back Back (spine) =  33 bones Cushions known as discs Spinal cord controls activity below neck. 31 branches of nerves off spinal cord.

Back Injuries 1,000,000 + workers suffer from back injuries No single causal factor Damage over a long period of time Certain actions, motions and movements are more likely to cause and contribute to back injuries than others

Common Causes of Strain Injuries Heavy lifting Twisting  Reaching and lifting Carrying and lifting

Common Causes of Strain Injuries Working in awkward positions Sitting or standing too long Slips, Trips and Falls Bad sleeping positions

Three “Zones” of Lifting Safety Zone At-Risk Zone Danger Zone

Preventing Strain Injuries Place objects up off of the floor Raise or lower shelves Use carts and dolleys Other lift-assist devices Test the weight of an object

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Prepare for the Lift Weight Carrying Path Placing

Making the Lift Move close to the load Feet should be shoulder width apart One foot slightly in front of the other Use your palms

Making the Lift Bend at hips and knees Lift gradually Point feet in the direction you want to go

Low Down Lifts Drop to one knee Lift the load and balance on knee Adjust your grip Rise to standing with the load as close to you as possible.

Carrying and Lowering Waist level Hold the load close Balanced Pinch Points Travel direction

Pushing and Pulling Objects Pushing Push with both arms Back = neutral position Pulling Pull with both arms Check for clear path

Hard-to-get-at Places & Awkward Positions…

Body Management “At risk situations” Stretch Slow down Rest Get into shape

What can YOU do? !!!!EXERCISE!!!!

Wall slides to strengthen your muscles . . Back against wall Feet shoulder-width apart Slide down into crouch Knees bent to 90 degrees Count to 5 Slide back up wall Repeat 5 times

Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles . . . Lie on stomach Tighten muscles in one leg Raise leg from floor Hold to the count of 10 Return leg to floor Repeat with other leg Repeat 5 times (each leg)

Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles . . . Lie on back Arms at sides Lift one leg off floor Hold for count of ten Repeat with the other leg Repeat 5 times with each leg

Leg raises while seated . . . Sit upright Legs straight and extended Lift one leg waist high Slowly return to floor Repeat with other leg Repeat 5 times with each leg

Partial sit-up to strengthen stomach muscles . . . . Lie on back Knees bent Feet flat on floor Slowly raise head and shoulders Hands toward your knees Count to 10 Repeat 5 times

Back leg swing to strengthen hip and back muscles . . . . Stand behind chair Hands on chair Lift one leg back and up Return slowly Raise other leg and return Repeat 5 time with each leg

Decrease Strain on Back Lie on back Knees bent Feet flat on floor Raise knees toward chest Place hands under knees pull knees to chest

Decrease Strain on Back Lie on stomach Hands under shoulders Elbows bent Push up Raise top half of body Keep hips and legs on floor Hold 2 seconds

Decrease Strain on Back Stand with feet apart Hands in small of back Knees straight Bend backwards Hold for 2 seconds

Let’s take a look around (Your Agency Name)

Can you tell me what is wrong in the following pictures?

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???Questions???