Safety Regulations and Procedures GENERAL SAFETY Back Injury Prevention and Treatment - S90.10 Revised 7/2008

Transcription

1 PURPOSE This section outlines procedures to follow in the event of a back injury and explains departmental and employee responsibilities for minimizing the possibility of back injury to district personnel. BACK INJURY PROCEDURES First Aid Reporting Stop all activity at the first sign of a back injury. Notify the supervisor and obtain medical attention. In the event of a back injury the following reports are required: Complete and submit the on line Injury Report form. (See S25.20.) If medical treatment is required, the Physician s Initial Report needs to be completed and submitted by the attending physician. If more than four hours of time loss has occurred, and Self Insured Form 2 (SIF2) needs to be completed and submitted to the Worker s Compensation Claims Technician. (See S25.27.) RETURN TO WORK PROCEDURES JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY This program is used by those employees who are recovering from an injury but are capable of performing lighter duty work. Job duties and assignments are designed to match the employee s current physical capabilities as identified by the employee s care provider in cooperation with a third party administrator and a district representative. These duties are regularly upgraded as the employee recovers. (See S25.30) Completing a job safety analysis is an ideal way to evaluate repetitive operations with a potential for back injury to employees. A job safety analysis assists in setting departmental policies and training standards with respect to back injury prevention. See S Supervisors are responsible for training their employees in proper lifting techniques, monitoring their performance, and making recommendations to reduce potential for back injury. Departments are encouraged to provide a ten-minute stretching and strengthening session. Ergonomics Ergonomics are the effects of the work environment upon employees' physical and occupational health. Supervisors are responsible for conducting ergonomics surveys of the work place and providing any necessary recommendations to unit administrators for corrective action regarding equipment and facilities. Materials Handling Equipment 1. Conveyors Incorporate conveyor systems into operations to reduce materials handling. 2. Lift Tables Hydraulic, spring loaded, or electric lift tables should be used to elevate, lift or rotate heavy or bulky items. 3. Hoists Overhead cranes and portable hoists are available in several different

2 configurations with various lifting capabilities. 4. Tools Use the correct tool for the job and when possible obtain tools that have been engineered and constructed to promote correct ergonomic posture and body mechanics. 5. Back Belts Back belts are designed to support the back and abdomen and to facilitate the proper position for correct lifting. Back belts may vary with height and type of support, e.g., inflatable bladders, inserted stays, etc. Departments wishing to initiate a back belt program must consult with the Safety Services prior to implementation. Use of back belts is to be a part of a complete departmental back training program including: Description of the anatomy of the back, Causes of back injuries, Methods for preventing back injuries, and Ongoing stretching and strengthening exercises. Warm-Up Weight Limits for Lifting EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES Departments should incorporate back stretching and strengthening exercises into the daily employee routine. There is no maximum weight limitation imposed by federal, state agencies or the district. The weight of the object is one of several factors that may contribute to a back injury. It is up to each department to set any weight lifting requirements after careful, consideration of the jobs to be performed, the work environment, and employee capabilities. Departments should seek assistance from the Safety Office when setting departmental requirements. Each employee is responsible for his or her own personal conditioning beyond what is provided by the ten-minute departmental stretching and strengthening session. Every employee is responsible for reducing his or her chances of back injury by observing the following guidelines: Stress Cardiovascular Fitness Weight Control Posture Reducing stress can minimize the amount of muscle constriction in the spinal column area. This in turn assists in back injury prevention. Several different on and off campus programs are available to assist with stress reduction. Contact Personnel to obtain a resource list. The vertebrae, disks and spinal cord require a constant supply of oxygenated blood in order to maintain good health. The spinal column benefits from a regular schedule of aerobic exercising, such as, walking or swimming. Employees should check with a physician to determine an appropriate form of aerobic exercise. Additional pressure placed upon the spine of an overweight individual results in reduced abilities to lift heavy or bulky loads. Overweight employees may wish to check with a physician to determine whether a weight-control program is warranted. The Wellness Resource Center provides information on weight control. Proper posture promotes spinal column health. Avoid slouching. Keep the abdomen, buttocks and chin tucked in. Hold the head high

3 while holding the shoulders slightly back. Adjust chairs and car seats to provide for an upright posture. Muscle Strengthening The amount and condition of muscle mass influences lifting ability. Proper strengthening and stretching exercises help reduce the potential for a back injury. JOB RELATED PRACTICES Ergonomic Considerations 1. Foot Rests The use of a small foot rest may reduce back fatigue. Placing the feet on a stool while sitting while sitting rotates the hips backward. Alternating the resting of one foot on a stool while performing counter work keeps the back muscles from tightening. 2. Chair Adjustment Take the time necessary to make the proper chair height adjustments. Proper support of the back, legs, hips, neck and head reduces back fatigue. Lifting Object Weight State of Object Size or Shape of Object Asking for Help Preplanning the Lift Employees are responsible for using proper lifting procedures as described in this section and taught by supervisors. The weight of an object is a major consideration in any lifting decision. It is important to try to determine this by looking at the shipping papers or label or by "test lifting" the object. Whether the contents of a package are solid, fluid, or limp influences how the item is lifted. Evaluate an item's size and shape prior to lifting. Do not hesitate to ask for help to lift an item. It is better to inconvenience coworkers for a short time than to make them cover for an employee with a back injury. Two or more people of the same height working slowly at the same time help ensure safe lifting. One person should be in charge, giving the commands when and how to lift. Spend a few moments planning the flattest, straightest, and clearest route. Move any objects that could trip a worker. Look for places to stop and rest. Ensure that resting places have areas to place the load. Make sure that the unloading area is clear. 1. From Floor When lifting an item off the floor: Bend the knees and squat down directly in front of the load. Keep the back straight. Grasp the item with both hands. Utilize gloves if the item has sharp or jagged edges. Pull the item towards the abdomen. Take a deep breath and hold it to tighten the abdomen. While utilizing the legs, lift the head, neck and shoulders

4 first. Then lift the load using the leg muscles. Exhale during the lift. Walk to the area where the load will be placed. If turning is required, turn with the feet. Do not twist the body. To unload the item, bend the knees to lower the body and the load. Keeping fingers out from under the load, deposit the load and push it into place directly in front of the body. 2. Loading Shelves Load shelves with the heavy and bulkiest items at waist height. Place lighter items on the lower and upper shelves. Hand Trucks and Carts Utilize a materials handling device when an object is heavy, bulky, or to be moved a long distance, e.g., up stairs, down a hall, from one building to another, or to a vehicle. Do not overload a hand truck or cart. If needed, make two or more trips. Push the load in front rather tan pulling it to reduce the potential of back strain. 1. Unloading Trucks When a material handling device is being utilized to unload a truck, it is usually best to place the material to be moved at the door of the truck before placing it onto the handcart. If the object is too heavy to be moved by hand from vehicle to the ground, use a vehicle with a powered lift gate (e.g., "Tommy Lift"). Do not lower a loaded hand truck from the vehicle to the ground. The use of a hand truck or cart to move material from the vehicle directly to a loading dock is acceptable and encouraged. 2. Closed Doors When attempting to pass through a doorway with a loaded hand truck, wheel the hand truck to the side of the door and then open the door with a free hand. Pull the hand truck through the door. Ladders Slips and Falls Use appropriate equipment to reach items resting on platforms or shelves. do not stand upon chairs or boxes. A rolling stairway with platform working surfaces, hand rails, and retracting roller is recommended. When using a ladder, do not over-reach. Move the ladder closer to the load. Slips and falls account for a large percentage of lower back injuries and related fatalities. Prevent slips and falls by keeping in mind the following: 1. Footwear Wear slip resistant shoes or boots outside when snow, ice, frost or wet leaves are present and inside when working in slippery dam or wet environments, e.g., barns, laboratories and kitchens. 2. Slow Down Allow more time for travel during inclement weather. 3. Stairs Use extra caution when carrying items up or down stairs. Carried items should not obstruct the view. If possible, keep one hand free to use the hand rail. Use an elevator to move items from one floor to another whenever possible. If an elevator is out of service, wait until it is repaired or obtain assistance to carry a bulky item up or down stairs.

5 Loading Docks Use loading docks when moving bulky items in and out of buildings. Loading docks are to be kept obstruction free at all times. Identify storage areas in the vicinity of loading docks by using yellow and black striped tape. Parking in front of loading docks is reserved for vehicles actively loading or unloading district materials. Driving Prolonged driving may cause back irritation to personnel with back injuries or those not used to long hours of driving. Minimize back irritation by: Taking frequent rest breaks. Walking stretches may assist in reducing muscle fatigue. Properly adjusting the vehicle seat. Using lower back supporting pads if recommended by a physician. Shoveling Dismounting Lighting Shoveling commonly aggravates back problems. Employees assigned to shoveling duties should be preconditioned to the activity. Preactivity stretching exercises and frequent stretch breaks may reduce back fatigue. Jumping out of or off of vehicles can cause injury. Step off of vehicles using available steps or bumpers. Poor lighting can be a contributing cause of accidents which result in back injuries. Ensure that the lights are on before entering an area. Do not enter an area if lights are inoperable. Report the problem to the Maintenance Department. CODE REFERENCES WAC WAC National Safety Council - Facts Sheets

6 The Eight Commandments of Lifting Use proper body mechanics when you are lifting, bending or pushing whenever you have to move a load. Think before you lift, and you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary pain. Follow the Eight Commandments of Lifting: 1. Plan your lift and test the load. Before you lift, think about the item you are going to move and ask yourself: 2. Ask for help. If the load is too heavy or too awkward for you to lift ask for assistance. 3. Get a firm footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base and point your toes out. 4. Bend your knees. Don't bend at the waist. Keep the principles of leverage in mind at all times. Don't do more work than you have to. "Can I lift this alone?" Is it too awkward for one person?" Is the path clear?" Also, test the load to see approximately how heavy it is before lifting. 5. Tighten your stomach muscles. Use intra-abdominal pressure to support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load. Train your muscles to work together. 6. Lift with your legs. Let your leg muscles do the work of lifting. Don't rely on your weaker back muscles. 7. Keep the load close. Don't hold the load away from your body. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back. 8. Keep your back upright. Whether lifting or putting down the load, don't add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid twisting.