November 2008
Promoted by Secretary Frank Peterman, Jr.
The goal of this campaign is to raise safety
awareness by focusing on behaviors that can
create hazardous situations and high-risk areas.
Accident prevention
helps eliminate
accidents before
they occur!
Observe
Report safety concerns
Communicate
Document
Be aware of hazardous situations
Assist co-workers when they need help.
Likewise, ask for help when you need it.
…with co-workers…
..so that others know what’s going on.
be aware of hazardous situations!
Source:
The following “back injury prevention” slides are
modified from The American National Red Cross
Workplace Training booklet, copyright 2000.
Back Injury
The Cornell University Back Injury Prevention
Program indicates that back injuries are the
leading cause of accidents to workers under the
age of 45.
Back Injury
Studies report that 20 % of all reported
occupational injuries and illnesses are due to
back injuries, with a total estimated annual cost
ranging between $20 billion and $50 billion.
Back injuries have severe, farreaching consequences…
Pain – a back injury can be extremely painful,
without any visible sign of injury
Lost income – a back injury may result in loss of
income, reduction in productivity, or higher
insurance rates
Emotional stress – a back injury may make it
impossible to perform simple everyday tasks and
may lead to feelings of uselessness, depression,
and fear that the pain or injury will never go away
..continue..
Disability – a back injury can cause loss of
mobility, making simple daily tasks, such as
preparing meals or walking the dog, difficult. Some
people who are injured never fully recover, resulting
in long-term disability
Decreased social activity – a back injury can
make it difficult to enjoy many hobbies or an active
lifestyle
What is a back injury?
In simple terms, a back injury can be defined as
damage to the spine or to its supporting
structures that house and protect the spinal cord.
The result is an unpleasant sensation that may
vary in amount and
intensity, such as a
dull ache or a sharp,
stabbing pain.
Your body depends on your back!
The back supports the skull, shoulder bones,
ribs, and pelvis
The back houses and protects the spinal cord,
which is the main line of communication linking
your brain to the rest of your body
If one part of the back
is overloaded, other
parts may suffer
What causes back pain?
Poor body mechanics – how the body keeps balance
Weak and fatigued muscles – rob the back of support
Extra weight – ten pounds of extra weight in the abdomen,
equals 100 lbs of additional pressure on the discs of the spine
Improper footwear – high-heeled shoes or boots can push
the pelvis forward, changing the center of balance
Lack of exercise – lack of exercise can decrease blood
circulation and reduce muscular strength; can affect reflexes
and can also slow coordination
Poor posture – improper posture can lead to back problems
How to reduce risk of back injury:
Maintain good posture
Exercise to strengthen muscles
Ergonomics – defined simply as improving the
“ f i t ” between your body and an activity.
You can adapt your workspace, living conditions, and
personal habits to reduce the bending, twisting, and
excessive reaching that may cause stress on your back.
Prevention tips…
There are three essential requirements for
maintaining a healthy back:
1) Stay healthy and maintain the best possible
mental and physical condition
2) Exercise to strengthen and stretch muscles
3) Avoid risk factors for back injury
..more tips..
Avoid reaching across an extended space
Avoid repetitive or sustained bending over
Balance loads equally when carrying objects
Avoid awkward postures, such as standing with
all your weight on one leg or sitting with your
weight shifted to one side
Get help if the load is too heavy
Get plenty of rest on adequate support
Basics:
Eat balanced meals
&
Exercise regularly
Source:
The following “slips, trips and falls” slides are modified
from this website:
http://www.sorm.state.tx.us/training2SlipsTripsFalls/samelevel.htm
SORM
STATE OFFICE of RISK MANAGEMENT
Watch Your Step
Use handrails and watch your step on stairs
Keep stairways lit and free of objects
Do not obstruct your vision
Avoid areas that pose slipping hazards
Always clean up spills
Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles
Slips and Trips…
In general, slips and trips occur due to loss of
traction between the shoe and the walking
surface or an inadvertent contact with a fixed or
moveable object.
Conditions and situations that set
the stage for slips and falls are:
Housekeeping
Wet or slippery surfaces
Obstacles in walkways
Lighting
Footwear
Individual behavior
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is paramount. If an
organization’s facilities are noticeably clean and
well organized, it is a good indication that its
overall safety program is effective as well.
Wet or slippery surfaces
Parking lots
Sidewalks (or lack of)
Food preparation areas
Shower stalls
Floors in general
Environmental factors…
..such as rain or sleet can effect the traction on
outdoor surfaces or on indoor surfaces when
moisture is tracked in by pedestrian traffic.
Conclusion…
Obstacles in walkways, lighting, footwear and
individual behavior all contribute to safety factors
and can be improved upon as needed…
is a personal responsibility, and every individual
must become an active participant to accomplish
the goal of a safe workplace for everyone.
By
K. Hall
11/19/08 (e-mail)
Modified Jan. 2009
5 minutes