Backpack Safety for those Hefty LoadsKeep school day pains away

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), almost 5,000 individuals visit the emergency room each year as a result of backpack injuries. This may seem almost unbelievable, yet what’s more startling is that these injuries can manifest into long-term problems because carrying a backpack can alter the mobility of the spine, leading to restrictive back movement.

To better explain, think about this scenario: If a child carries a backpack weighing 12 pounds and lifts that pack 10 times per day for the entire school year (180 days), he or she will have lifted and carried 21,600 pounds in total. This is the equivalent of six mid-sized automobiles.

To ensure that you and your family avoid backpack injuries, consider these safety suggestions: Make sure backpacks are

sturdy and are sized properly. Purchase a child-sized version of a backpack

for children ages 5 to 10. These styles weigh less than one pound and have shorter back lengths and widths so they do not slip while being worn.

Select backpacks that have padded shoulder straps and waist straps to stabilize loads.

The maximum weight for a loaded backpack should not exceed 15 percent of the individual’s body weight. This means that the carrier should be able to stand up straight without any discomfort.

When loading a backpack, try to balance its contents. This will assure that the body does not shift into unnatural postures to compensate for an awkward load.

Lifting RecommendationsHere’s how to properly lift a backpack to avoid injuries: Face the backpack in front

of you before the lift.

Bend at the knees. Using both hands, check the

weight of the backpack. If it is too heavy, remove some of its contents.

Lift with your legs, not your back.

Put one shoulder strap on at a time and always use both straps.

Make sure the shoulder straps are snug, but not too tight. Buckle the stabilizing strap around the waist.

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.Content © 2008 Zywave, Inc.

Health and wellness tips for your work, home, and life—brought to you by the insurance and healthcare specialists at Solutions Insurance Agencies.

Did You Know...?Carrying a heavy backpack on only one shoulder can provoke posture misalignments, which can trigger back problems. This creates dysfunctional areas in the spine where movement is restricted and bones are misaligned. Eventually, heavy backpack carriers can suffer from neck and back pain, headaches and osteoarthritis.