Q. Are my employees at risk for a back injury?

A. If your employees are in jobs that involve lifting, reaching, bending, pushing or pulling, working in the cold, using a computer for extended periods, standing for long periods without a break or have a potential to slip and fall, they are at risk for a back injury.

All industries have employees who are at risk. The good news is that back injuries are very preventable:

Workstation

• Provide adjustable workstations and fit the workspace to the employee.

• Design computer workstations and accompanying keyboards that encourage a natural posture.

Lifting

• Do not carry loads that are too heavy. Know your weight limits.

• Keep heavy materials close to the work area.

• Ensure that items to be lifted are stored at a level that is between hand and shoulder height.

• Avoid twisting your body when lifting materials.

• Lift with your legs, not your back.

Standing

• Encourage employees to wear shoe insoles that cushion the foot.

• Provide cushioned floor mats at workstations.

• Offer sit/stand stools and foot rests so employees can shift their positions.

Reaching/awkward posture

• Place needed tools or other items in front of employees, below shoulder height and as close to the employee as possible.

• Position items for the shortest arm reach to avoid over-stretching while reaching up or down.

• Position shared items to accommodate both taller and shorter employees.

Pushing/pulling

• Do not push or pull loads that are too heavy. Again, know your weight limits.

• Ensure carts, dollies and hampers are in proper working order with wheels that run straight and smoothly.

• Clear all pathways of debris and ensure they have dry, even surfaces.

General

• Provide regular break periods and encourage employees to stretch.

• Rotate employees to tasks that require different body movements.

• Regularly remind employees of safe working procedures.

• Conduct new hire training as well as regularly scheduled safety training.

Many resources are available to you to help with employee training. Contact the loss control department of your workers’ compensation carrier for help. Make safety a priority in your workplace.

At Nonprofit Resources, our insurance programs offer a wide range of competitively priced packages. Remember, profits earned by Nonprofit Resources are used to support Colorado Nonprofit Association programs. Contact us at (303) 894-0298 or (866) 537-1142 when you are purchasing insurance for your organization.