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Mechanical Material Handling Accidents. A Small Portion of the Material Handling Problem Potentially Severe or Fatal Injuries. What Are Back Injuries?. Low Back Pain Low Back Impairment Low Back Disability Low Back Compensation. Low Back Pain Frequency.
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Mechanical Material Handling Accidents • A Small Portion of the Material Handling Problem • Potentially Severe or Fatal Injuries
What Are Back Injuries? • Low Back Pain • Low Back Impairment • Low Back Disability • Low Back Compensation
Low Back Pain Frequency • Affects 80% of People In Their Lifetime • Impairs 11% • 28% of Workers Disabled • Affects 31 Million Americans • Four Times Greater Risk After First Episode
Low Back Pain Cost • $16 Billion Per Year • Average Cost is $8,400 • Median Cost is $359 • 25% of All Cases = 90% of All Costs
Low Back Pain Factors • Excessive Weights and Forces • Undesirable Body Motions • Bending • Reaching Out • Twisting • Prolonged Sitting • Vibration
Excessive Weights and Forces Associated With • Lifting and Lowering Tasks • Pushing and Pulling Tasks • Carrying Tasks
Excessive Weights and Forces Task Analysis • Measure Weights & Forces • Determine Frequency & Duration • Measure Distances • Hand Distances • Pushing & Pulling Distances • Carrying Distances
Ergonomics and Low Back Pain Benefits • Return to Work Sooner • Reduce Low Back Disability and Compensation • Can Prevent Initial and Recurring Episodes
Return to Work • Average is 14 Days (22 States) • Probability • Off Work Six Months or More 50% • Off Work One Year or More 25% • Off Work Two Years or More NIL
Controls • Traditional Approaches • Training • Medical • Ergonomics Approach • Task Redesign
Other Ideas • Employee Suggestions • Try New Equipment & Ideas Before Full Implementation • Combine Tasks (e. g., Assembly & Quality Control) • Share Ideas Between Plants • Keep an Open Mind
Bending • Do workers pick up material off the floor? • Can we use tables, platforms, etc.?
Twisting • Do workers have room to turn? • Can we lay out work area differently?
Pushing/Pulling • Are trucks and carts difficult to push or pull? Why? • Are they periodically inspected?
Handling Aids • Are mechanical handling equipment, devices, or aids available? • Do workers use them? • Are the devices appropriate for the job?
Task Redesign • Optimum Work Level • Mechanical Devices • Workplace Layout • Minimize Rehandling
Training for Material Handling • Use of Job Aids • Use of Mechanical Equipment
Suggested Safe Lifting Rules • Lift Comfortably • Avoid Unnecessary Bending • Avoid Unnecessary Twisting • Avoid Reaching Out • Avoid Excessive Weights • Lift Gradually • Keep in Good Physical Shape