The most occupational injuries that workers face in the construction industry is the critical back injuries. The following are some highlights of the safety toolbox talks regarding the back injuries and their prevention:

Back Injuries and Prevention Safety Talk

Here we will discuss the most prevailing physical injuries. Back injuries are some of the most common and frequent and difficult-to-prevent injuries the work at the site. A to the Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor (BOL), more than 1- million, workforce caught in back injuries each year, and this is so prevalent and developing that one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. Such types of back injuries account for a large majority of employee compensation claims every year.

1. How do Back Injuries Often Occur?
2. An individual is lifting a heavy or awkward object.
3. Using improper and wrong lifting techniques and methods for example; lifting with the back and not the legs.
4. Twisting and uncontrolled movement while lifting or carrying any heavy objects
5. Monotonous & constant lifting during a work task. 
6. Ways to Prevent Back Injuries

1. Eliminate

• The first and basic way to protect individuals against back injuries and severe consequences is to eliminate as many lifts as possible during the workday. 
• By using various mechanical techniques such as equipment, machinery, or devices eg, forklifts, heavy equipment, dollies, etc. 
• By using Break down methodology. Break down the large or heavy objects that create a hazard when lifting into smaller safer loads when possible.

2. Engineering Controls

• Make and modify the working area appropriately in such a way that is ergonomically safe and friendly to all workers. 
• Use and introduce the latest lifting techniques and methods. Install Mechanical Lifting Devices (MLDs) and conveyor belts where required and necessary to limit handling objects. 
• Install shelving and make and assign proper storage areas that keep objects and lifts within a maximum range.
• Keeping objects within the proper & maximum range helps keep workers from making awkward or dangerous lifts that can result in an ergonomically and sprain.

3. Administrative Controls

• Use the buddy system (teamwork/involve more than one person) when lifting any awkward or heavy objects/material. 
• Make a proper lifting policy and set the lifting limits for lifting. Such as, having a policy to not lift more than 100 lbs. 
• As a team without first engaging a supervisor to see if there is any secondary safer methodology and technique to accomplish the lift is an excellent example of administrative control to avoid back injuries. 
• Finally, always chose and appoint workers who are physically strong and capable of making the lifts of a task before the work starts.

4. Personal protective equipment

• Don’t rely and trust completely on PPE. For example, back supports or back belts have not shown to be immensely effective in preventing workers from back injuries. Such preventing devices often create a false sense of security when accomplishing the lifts. 
• The workers while lifting any heavy or awkward object, should consternate and focus on stretching and using appropriate lifting techniques overusing a Back-belt to keep them safe.

5-Discussion points:

• Are there hazardous lifts we can eliminate in our daily operations?
• Are we using engineering controls when we cannot eliminate a lift or are we just completing the lifts without looking at a safer way to do them?

BACK INJURIES AND PREVENTION TOOLBOX TALKS

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