Types of Injury

The most common back injuries are:

• Muscular strains – resulting from excessive use, the muscles become over stretched or over tired.
• Sprains – ligaments and tendons are usually torn from sudden sharp movements.
• Slipped disc– the cushion between the vertebrae becomes displaced, this is usually a result of bad technique or moving unstable or tricky loads.

Bending over to pick up paper off the floor or reaching for something on a high shelf may seem a simple task, but in reality this is how injuries can occur. The damage is caused not only by using the incorrect lifting technique but also as a result of ‘cumulative injury’ – meaning ‘over time’. This is where poor lifting techniques have caused damage to the spine over the years and this incorrect lift is one bad lift too far resulting the final injury.

Lifting Safely – 1. Think & Plan

Here is a simple guide demonstrating how to lift safely.

Step one is to ensure the risk from a manual handling activity is significantly reduced by following this simple process:

• First take a step back to have a look at the load and plan your actions. Consider all characteristics of the load. Are there any sharp areas? Is the weight evenly distributed? What kind of shape is it?
• Think about how you are going to pick up the load, where will you get a good grip?
• How heavy is it? Are you strong enough to pick it up? Think about whether you should be lifting the load if you don’t know it’s weight.
• Where are you carrying the load to? Is the route obstructed at any point?
• Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help.