​Warehouse worker lifting boxes with proper back support.

Back injuries and back pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical care in the United States and can be a leading cause of disability for people in their working years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 212,080 cases involving injuries to the back in 2013. These cases include sprains, strains, and tears; bruises and contusions; fractures; and soreness and pain in general.

According to data from some industry sources, back injuries accounted for a third of all lost time cases, and the average medical cost for each injury totaled over $42,000, which includes medical expenses and employer costs.

These statistics highlight the importance of implementing and enforcing safe lifting practices in the workplace to prevent debilitating back injuries. Improper lifting, twisting, or bending can strain or sprain the back, cause ruptured or slipped disks, muscle spasms, and other pain.

Back disorders can develop over time due to repetitive motions, or they can be triggered by a single movement or accident. OSHA says manual materials handling is the main cause of compensable injuries in the American work force, with four out of five of these injuries affecting the lower back.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing a back disorder:

• Poor posture and bad body mechanics
• Stressful living and working activities
• Poor physical condition
• Poor design of job or work station
• Repetitive lifting
• Twisting or bending or reaching while lifting
• Heavy lifting
• Fatigue
• Poor footing such as slippery floors, or constrained posture
• Lifting with forceful movement
• Vibration, such as with lift truck drivers, delivery drivers, etc.

While protecting workers from back injuries does not fall under any one particular standard, OSHA points to the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act of 1970, which requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

If you have employees who are involved in manual lifting, you know it can be tough to get the word out on safe lifting practices.  To learn more, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/.