As of 2003, OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the number one complaint of on the job injuries was back pain. Over one million workers each year suffer from some type of back injury and 1 out of every 5 accidents reported involve a back injury one fourth of all workers compensation claims involve back injuries and strains. This one type of injury costs industry billions of dollars. Contractors are one of the hardest hit industries with resulting absenteeism, increased workers comp claim, disability, higher insurance costs and even long term disability claims.
Of all back related injuries reported, the vast majority of them identified injury to the lower back, mostly caused from lifting, carrying, holding, lowering, and the placing of manual material handling. A significant portion of back related injuries could be prevented by instituting more effective safety and control programs as well as the implementation of ergonomic safety designs for various tasks.
Train employees on the proper techniques for lifting and carrying, and / or provide additional training measures for individuals whose jobs specifically expose them to potential dangers on a regular basis. In addition, the use of back supports may assist small businesses in reducing the number of back related injuries sustained each year.
