Back pain is the second most common neurological disorder in the US - only headache is more common. Back injuries are second only to the common cold in accounting for lost work days in all aspects of employment. In construction, they are the reason for 25% of all nonfatal injuries requiring days off work.

Back injuries in construction are expensive and make up the largest proportion of claims costs and days off work. Liberty Mutual, the largest workmen's compensation insurance company in the US, says injuries due to lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying cost employers $13.4 billion every year!

Work related back injuries are caused mainly by repeated lifting of materials, making sudden movements, vibration involving the entire body, lifting and twisting at the same time, bending over for long periods of time, or lifting heavy objects. Workers in construction perform these activities on a daily basis.
Planning for Safety in the Workplace

• Have materials delivered close to worksite.

• Try to store materials at waist height.

• Raise your work to waist level.

• Make sure floors and walkways are clear and dry, free of obstacles and debris.

• Remove stools, boxes, and other obstacles that might cause you to trip or fall.

• Split up large loads into smaller, lighter loads.

• Use a manual lifting or carrying device like carts, dollies, a pry bar or hook.

• Use a mechanical lifting device such as a forklift, hoist, crane, block and tackle.

• Use carrying tools with handles.

• Use tools with longer handles to minimize bending and reaching.

Plan Your Move

• Stretch and warm up before starting work. This loosens up the muscles, improves circulation, and helps avoid injury.

• Before lifting, assess the load and decide if it can be handled safely by one person.

• Would it be better to use mechanical equipment? Can lifts or other equipment be used?

• Get help when needed. Many tasks, such as stacking, can be done faster and safer by two people.

Lifting And Moving Heavy Objects Safely

• When lifting, bend your knees and get as close to the load as possible. Keep your back straight and use your legs to do the heavy work.

• Don't bend over to pick up a load; instead, kneel on one knee and pull the load up on to your knee before standing.

• If materials weigh more than 50 lbs., do not lift them by yourself.

• When lifting or carrying materials, keep load as close to body as possible.

• Avoid twisting when lifting and lowering materials. Turn your whole body.

• When changing direction while moving something, turn with your feet not your waist.

• When carrying heavy objects, carry them close to you.

• Lift, push, and pull with your legs, not your arms and back.

• Do not work for long periods in a bent over or strained position.

• Avoid wearing tool belts that are overly heavy.

• Try to avoid repetitive twisting, bending, reaching overhead, or lifting.

• While walking, maintain a straight posture and wear slip resistant, supportive shoes.

• When stepping down from a tractor or forklift, step down backward not forward.

• Rest a few seconds after completing a heavy lifting task.

• Remember, a back belt does not prevent back injury and can provide a false sense of security.

Do not ignore slight twinges in your back. Construction work is one of the most physically demanding jobs and produces a great number of back injuries. All injuries should be reported and evaluated for treatment.