Back belts are not effective
in reducing back injuries
This information sheet provides information about the use of back belts and the reasons and evidence
for why they are not a valid risk control measure for manual handling.
What are back belts?
Back belts, also known as lumbar or weight lifters’ belts or
back support devices, are designed to be worn by people
performing some form of manual handling, particularly lifting
weights. They are usually made from an elasticised material,
with or without stabilising shoulder straps, and can be worn
loose and then tightened up during manual handling tasks.
They are generally worn around the lower back.
Why do people wear back belts?
When people are performing strenuous manual handling,
they may feel as if they will get more support when they wear
a back belt. However, this can be misleading as the support
from the back belt doesn’t translate to a significant reduction
in the stress on the spine and surrounding muscles and
ligaments.
Scientific evidence:
Back belts don’t reduce the forces on the spine
According to the US National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), back belts provide a minimal
reduction in compressive force and do not significantly reduce
the risk of injury. Some research has found the highest
compressive and shearing forces in the spine occur when
wearing a belt.
Back belts don’t reduce the strain on muscles,
tendons and ligaments
There is substantial evidence that demonstrates the ‘lack
of effect’ of back belts in reducing the degree of strain on
associated muscles, tendons and ligaments, or the risk of
musculoskeletal injuries to the back, associated with
manual handling tasks. It has been found that belts do not
change the activity levels of spinal muscles in any posture.
Back belts do nothing to reduce fatigue or to
increase the ability to lift
Wearing a back belt has no effect on muscle fatigue or the
maximum weight able to be lifted. Therefore using back
belts cannot be endorsed for minimising back muscle fatigue
or increasing available lifting force. In fact, there is a danger
that using a belt may encourage the lifting of increased
weights if the user wrongly thinks they have increased
lifting ability.
Back belts are like holding your breath when lifting
Studies have shown that wearing a back belt has a similar
effect on the abdominal muscles to holding your breath.
This causes increased pressure on the abdominal muscles
which can lead to stiff and exaggerated postures. These
postures may increase the potential for injury.
Back belts can increase blood pressure and
breathing rate
One study found that diastolic blood pressure increased
significantly during lifting when wearing a back belt.
Researchers also found an increased rate of respiration
when subjects wore back belts during physically demanding
tasks. Increased blood pressure and rate of respiration can
increase the risk of heart attacks in susceptible people.
Back belts don’t reduce the chance of injury or
reduce back pain
A 1994 NIOSH study concluded there was no evidence
back belts actually reduce the risk of worker injuries.
Further research in 2000 showed again there was no
evidence that using back belts (either by requirement or
individual choice) reduced the incidence of back pain or
back injury claims. A study of the retail industry showed no
differences in injury rates between workers who did or did
not wear belts.
Back braces can be useful after an injury
Where damage has occurred, back braces may be prescribed
by treating doctors or physiotherapists. This is designed to
restrict the wearer’s movement during the recovery phase
or for long term prevention of further damage.
In summary, there is little scientific evidence of
increased lifting power or lower rates of injury in
workers wearing back belts. There is
however, some evidence of potential harm
from increased abdominal and blood
pressure.
Edition No. 3 August 2009
WorkSafe Victoria is a trading name of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
Back belts are not effective in reducing back injuries
Further information
For information about your legal responsibilities and
practical advice about suitable risk controls to improve
health and safety at your workplace, contact your state
or territory authorities.
Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria – 1800 136 089 or visit
worksafe.vic.gov.au
NSW
WorkCover NSW – 13 10 50 or visit
workcover.nsw.gov.au
Northern Territory
NT WorkSafe – 1800 019 115 or visit
worksafe.nt.gov.au
Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland –
1300 369 915 or visit worksafe.qld.gov.au
South Australia
SafeWork SA – 1300 365 255 or visit
safework.sa.gov.au
Tasmania
Workplace Standards Tasmania – 1300 366 322 or
visit wst.tas.gov.au
Western Australia
WorkSafe WA – 1300 307 877 or visit
commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe
Copies of our publications can be obtained by contacting WorkSafe Advisory Service or visit WorkSafe’s website.
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