you are at risk - cpwr | a world leader in construction ... injuries are the most common injury in...
TRANSCRIPT
Back injuries are the most common injury in construction.*
•Constructionworkersreportbackpaininhighernumbersthanallotherindustriescombined.
•Backinjuriesarethemajorcauseofdisabilityinmiddle-ageconstructionworkers.
•Longrecoverytimesandchronicbackproblemscanmeanyouwillnolongerbeabletoworkinconstruction.
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©2013,CPWR–TheCenterforConstructionResearchandTraining.Allrightsreserved.CPWRistheresearch,training,andservicearmoftheBuildingandConstructionTradesDept.,AFL-CIO,andworkstoreduceoreliminatesafetyandhealthhazardsconstructionworkersfaceonthejob.ProductionofthiscardwassupportedbyGrantOH009762fromtheNationalInstituteforOccupationalSafetyandHealth(NIOSH).ThecontentsaresolelytheresponsibilityoftheauthorsanddonotnecessarilyrepresenttheofficialviewsofNIOSH.
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Let tools do the work Ifmaterialsweigh more than 50 pounds, do not lift them by yourself.Usecarts,dollies,forklifts,andhoiststomovematerials–notyourback.Getanotherworkertohelpliftheavymaterials.
To prevent back injuries …
If you think you are in danger:Contact your supervisor. Contact your union.
Call OSHA1-800-321-OSHA
BACK INJURIES
You are at risk
Think before you move Lifting while bending and twisting will cause injury. Youcanpreventaseriousbackinjuryifyoustep instead of twist.Turnyourwholebodyratherthantwisting.Liftandlowerinasmooth,steadyway.Trytohandlematerialsbetweenyourkneesandchest.
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Change your work routine Re-positionyourbodysothatyouarenotcontortedorrepeatingamotion.Raise your work to waist level.Havematerialsdeliverednearyourwork.Takerestbreaks.Whenyouaretired,youcangetinjuredmoreeasily.
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Does your back hurt?
*The Construction Chart Book, 2013.
Workers use the two-mason lift technique to reduce stress of lifting and twisting.
Back injuries have consequences
Work with your employer and union rep to prevent back injuries.
•Reducedincome•Lostworktime•Chronicpain
Last Tip: Housekeeping!Makesurefloorsandwalkwaysareclearanddry.Slipsandtripsareabigcauseofbackinjuries.
Back pain doesn’t stop when you leave work.
You take it home!
Abricklayerliftinganaverageof200blocks–each38lbs–perdaylifts:
Most back injuries are from:
What do YOU lift in
a day? •Medicalbills•Reducedworklife
•Lifting•Carrying
•Bendingatthewaist•Pushingandpulling