Ergonomic Issues—the Back

Next to the common cold and the flu, back injuries are the most frequent cause of absenteeism. According to the National Safety Council, 22 percent of all injuries are overexertion injuries to the lower back. It is estimated that the total cost of current back problems in the United States is approximately 210 billion per year. 

Back problems are among the most common work-related injuries. Many days are lost each year both off and on the job as a result of back problems. The majority of back problems result from movements over a lifetime Lifting, standing, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting all place a strain on the back. All of these motions are part of a worker s activity in a warehouse. 

Back problems fall into two classifications muscle strain (sprain related), or long-term disc-related problems in the lower back. Working in awkward positions or lifting load inqiroperly are the most common 

Some basic considerations for proper lifting include  

Risk factors that contribute to lower-back injuries and disorders are  

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