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Program Introduction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported that back injuries are the nation’s number one safety problem. More than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one in five workplace injuries or illnesses. It is important to learn proper back safety techniques.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Some jobs require strenuous work and challenging physical tasks. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may create a different type of vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.
If you have lower back pain, you are not alone. Nearly everyone at some point has back pain that interferes with work, routine daily activities, or recreation. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headache is more common.
Training
EH&S offers several training programs relative to back safety and injury prevention. The Classroom-based Training Program is offered in the Longwood and Cambridge/Allston campuses. This one hour training session will provide an introduction to back safety techniques. Instructors will demonstrate ways to prevent musculoskeletal strain or injury by demonstrating proper lifting, bending, stretching, etc. This course will provide educational resources on materials handling and the implementation of engineering controls and work practices. If you are interested in attending a session or would like to schedule a session at your workplace in Cambridge please contact Mary Streeto at Environmental Health and Safety at 496-0991. At Longwood call 432-1720.
