presented by tom tamshen, csp pinnacol assurance
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by
Tom Tamshen, CSP
Pinnacol Assurance
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Introduction
Despite the advances, nearly 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their life.
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1996 Leading Causes of Lost Time Injuries
1. Overexertion
2. Struck by, against, caught
3. Fall
4. Chemical Exposure
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COLORADO Work Related Injuries
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Lost time injury by type
Strained by
LiftingHolding or
CarryingPushing or
Pulling
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Back Injury Prevention
Objectives Improve understanding of the anatomy, function and
limitation of the spine & back. Identify workplace risk factors. Discuss proper lifting techniques. Demonstrate stretching and conditioning techniques
for strengthening back and abdominal muscles
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Back/Spine Anatomy
• Vertebra
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Disc
• Nerves
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Get To Know Your Back
The bones, or vertebrae, together make up the spine. The basic function of the spine is to provide support for the upper body, protection of the spinal cord and allow for movements such as bending and rotating.
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Get To Know Your Back• The discs function
as the shock absorbers of the spine.
• Nerves travel down from the brain and group together to form the spinal cord.
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Get To Know Your Back
• Tendons are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones.
• Ligaments are tough connective tissue that connect bones to bones
• Muscles provide support and movement for the spine. Stomach and back muscles work together to keep the spine in a balanced position.
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Mechanics Of The SpinePosture
The spine works most efficiently when you maintain good posture.
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Mechanics Of The SpineThe Crane Effect
There is no such thing as a “light” lift if you lift incorrectly.
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Back Injury Facts
An OSHA study of back injuries found that: Majority of movements at the time of injury were
bending and twisting under load Average time an object was held at time of injury was
less than one minute 30% of those injured lift more than 100 times a day
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Back Injury Facts
An OSHA study of back injuries found that: Average weight of object lifted was 40-100# in 70%,
and 30% were over 100# The distance traveled at the time of injury was less
than 5 feet 50% of the cases the object was lifted from the floor 83% of the cases the back was fully or partially flexed
or bent
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Facts About Back DisordersBack and neck problems are generally the result of repeated misuse rather than the result of one specific event.
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Facts About Back Disorders
Your back is potentially at risk regardless of your occupation.
Back problems are not just lifting problems.
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Back And Neck ProblemsDevelopment
• Work habits and personal lifestyle habits.
• Physical environment, condition, or trauma.
• Previous injuries
• Attitude/stress
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Maintaining A Healthy BackStanding
• Maintain the normal curves.
• Anti-fatigue mats and/or soft -soled shoes.
• Foot supports.
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Maintaining A Healthy BackStanding, Cont..
• Proper Stance.
• Keep your stomach muscles firm.
• Stretch periodically.
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Maintaining A Healthy BackSitting
• Maintain the normal curves.
• Place feet flat on the floor or footrest
• Materials location.
• Limited leg room.
• Sit/Stand workstation.
• Change positions.
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Maintaining A Healthy BackLifting
• Check the weight.
• Proper positioning.
• Assume a wide base.
• Keep the normal curves.
• Firm stomach muscles.
• Smooth, controlled movements.
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Picking Up Items From The Ground
No single lifting technique will work in all situations. This means that problem solving or, in some cases, making the best of a difficult situation will be necessary.
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Miscellaneous Back Facts
• Smoking
• Nutrition
• Stress
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Conclusion
You may go through your day with little or no regard to the demands you place on your back. In Fact, until it hurts you may think your back is virtually indestructible.
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ReviewKeep it close, keep the
curvesStretch frequently
throughout the dayMaintain the normal curves
in your spineListen to your body
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Where to get more information
• Other training sessions
• List books, articles, electronic sources
• Consulting services, other sources