Back Belts Do Not Prevent Injury, Maintains NIOSH
A study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found no evidence that back belts reduce back injury or back pain for retail workers who lift or move merchandise. The study, the largest of its kind, was first published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2000. Though published a number of years ago, the study continues to inform NIOSH policy regarding the prevention of back injuries in the workplace.
From 1996 to 1998, NIOSH studied more than 9,000 workers in 160 Wal-Mart stores whose jobs required frequent heavy lifting. Researchers interviewed workers about their back belt wearing habits, work history, lifestyles, job activities, demographic characteristics, and job satisfaction. They then analyzed workers' compensation claims for back injuries filed during the same time period. NIOSH found that neither frequent back belt use nor a store policy that required employees to use belts was associated with reduced incidence of back injury claims or low back pain. For more information, click here to visit NIOSH's website.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one million on-the-job back injuries occur each year, accounting for one of every four dollars spent on workers' compensation.
"Back belts are not the answer," says UFCW Occupational Safety and Health Director Jackie Nowell. "The key to prevention is education. Implementing a sound workplace ergonomics program will help reduce the incidence of preventable on-the-job injuries."Guidelines for safe lifting:
- Maintain the load between your knees and shoulders.
- Bring the load as close to you as possible, making sure it is balanced and even.
- Separate your feet, putting one foot slightly in front of the other, bend your knees, and tighten your abdominal muscles.
- Lift slowly and smoothly, straight up, using your legs and hips.
- Never lift a load above your head or carry it on one side of your body.
 |
 |
