Workforce Development Safety Topics

Traininginfo@polytron.com www.polytron.com 678.328.2999 ©Polytron 2017

Introduction:

53 Weeks of Safety – 5 Minutes at a Time provides 53 weekly safety topics. Each topic includes a packet which supports a 5-minute-per-day safety conversation. The tool may also be adapted for a single safety training session.

Each downloadable packet includes:

• 1 front/back Information Handout that includes a case study & activity

• 1 page Lead Notes (topic guide talking points)

• 1 8X10 (or 11 X 17) reference Poster

How to use the materials:

5 Minute Daily Safety Discussion: Cover one topic section each day

• Day 1 – Overview & Importance

• Day 2 – Discovery

• Day 3 – Case Study Discussion

• Day 4 – Activity (complete)

• Day 5 – Activity (discuss findings/review)

Specific to Preventing Back Injury:

• Share organization-specific lifting guidelines.

• Walking 30 minutes each day will help strengthen muscles and prevent weight gain, both benefitting your back.

• Strengthening your back to prevent injury should include not only back muscles, but related muscles such as the ones in your stomach and thighs.

• When sitting, a small pillow can help support your lower back, but a footrest may also help to maintain proper spine position.

Case Study: Pat did not have a lift plan – she did not anticipate the effects of the size of the box or the obstacles along her path. Deciding to take advantage of the available material-handling equipment, or making a careful survey of the carry path and potential obstacles could have prevented injury. Activity: Go to an actual work station and record observations of items that might affect the risk of back injury. Plan to follow up with any actions needed to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

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Workforce Development Bonus Series – Preventing Back Injury

Overview

Your back is made of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. Injuries to these tissues result from numerous causes and the lower back is the most common site of back injuries and pain. Common back injuries include:

• Sprains and strains

• Bulging or herniated disks

• Fractured vertebrae

This is important because:

There were 191,450 U.S. work-related back injuries reported in 2015. Back injuries are often:

• Very painful

• A long term or lifetime disability

• Expensive to diagnose and treat

Discovery:

Prevent most back injuries by following these practices:

Best Practice Description

Minimize hazards Avoid unneeded bends, twists, reaches, and lifts; take appropriate precautions to prevent falls, which can cause serious back injuries.

Improve overall wellness

Eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep (which can reduce mistakes that lead to injury). If overweight, reducing weight can lessen stress on your back.

Use proper lifting technique

Use material-handling or lifting equipment when possible. Plan lifts around object size and weight, clear paths, and unloading zone. Keep object close to body. Bend at knees, NOT waist, tighten abdominal muscles, keep back straight, and stand. Turn with feet – avoid twisting.

Stretch and strengthen back

The National Institute of Health (NIH) Office of Research Services Division of Safety, can provide detailed guidance on back exercises.

Address repetitive motion

Alternate tasks and postures that use different motions and muscle groups; Take time to stretch during scheduled breaks and take 30-second micro breaks every 15 minutes to stretch, move, or relax.

Improve posture Stand with ears, shoulders, and hips aligned vertically; when sitting, use lower back support.

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Traininginfo@polytron.com www.polytron.com 678.328.2999 ©Polytron 2017

Case Study

Pat’s Surprises

At the injection molding machine, Pat had a large carton of plastic sprues to send to regrind. She checked to see if she could lift the box and was surprised that it wasn’t heavy, so she decided to carry it on her way to a scheduled break.

Instead of waiting for a team member with a cart, Pat carried the large carton but was surprised she couldn’t see her path over its top edge. To make up for this, Pat held the box out to the right to see past its side. Turning a corner, the box bumped a bollard and twisted Pat suddenly to the right.

The painful back strain surprised Pat and she spent a few weeks of light duty and therapy getting back to normal.

Did Pat have a lift plan?

What decisions or plans could have prevented Pat’s injury?

Activity – Work Area Inspection

Choose a work area in your facility to inspect. Observe work procedures and equipment as they relate to using your back.

Inspected Work Area: ________________________________ List any:

Awkward postures

Overexertion

Repetition

Fatigue

Other Observations

OSHA Reference:

Compatible Offerings: • General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) • Culture of Safety series

• Needs Assessment service

• Job Hazard Analysis workshop

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Back Injury Prevention Tips

Raise the Work Surface• Keep work at a comfortable level

• Get as close to your work as practical

• Store materials at work height to avoid bending

• Use an adjustable-height table or standing surface

Bonus Series – Preventing Back Injury

© Polytron 2017

Use Your Feet to Turn• To avoid twisting, face object to lift, then move

feet to turn

• Face the landing surface while lowering object

Push, Don’t Pull, Heavy Loads• When using a cart, wagon, or similar, push from

behind to avoid back strain

Divide Heavy Loads or Use Devices• Disassemble, move, then reassemble heavy objects

• Use lifts, carts, special grips, etc.