Construction Industry Has High Back Injury Rate

Every year, a back injury causes 1 in 100 construction workers to miss work; usually missing approximately seven workdays, but sometimes more than 30, according to CCRT. The majority of back problems are low-back injuries. Repeated injury to the back can cause permanent damage and end their career.

Most back injuries are sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials. According to CCRT, workers are at greater risk of low-back injury if they often carry heavy loads, must twist while carrying heavy loads, or work a lot while bent over or in other awkward postures.

Injuries can be reduced by planning, changing how work is done, and training workers and supervisors.

Among the ways to reduce injuries are:

• Cut down on carrying. Have materials delivered close to where they will be used.
• Store materials at waist height whenever possible.
• Raise your work to waist level, if you can. Pipefitters use pipe stands. Masons have adjustable scaffolds to keep the work at waist height.
• Make sure floors and walkways are clear and dry. Slips and trips are a big cause of back injuries.
• Take rest breaks. When tired, you are more prone to injury.

Get Assistance

• Use carts, dollies, forklifts, and hoists to move materials, not your back.
• Use carrying tools with handles to get a good grip on wallboard or other odd-shaped loads.
• If materials weigh more than about 50 pounds, do not lift them. Get help from another worker or use a cart.

Move Carefully

• When lifting or carrying materials, keep the load as close to the body as possible.
• Try not to twist, when lifting and lowering materials. Turn the whole body instead.
• Lift and lower materials in a smooth steady way. Try not to jerk the lift.
• When picking up materials off the ground, try supporting by leaning on something while lifting. Do not bend over; instead, kneel on one knee and pull the load up on to the knee before standing. (Wear kneepads when kneeling.)

Apprentices

Apprentices get some of the hardest work to do. Being young and strong, they sometimes carry more weight than they should. Make sure apprentices are protected against back injuries, so they do not end up with back problems and have to leave the trades. Work with the employer to decide how the work can be changed to protect you and your coworkers from back injuries.

 
Build back-safety into any training. Fewer injuries mean better productivity and lower costs.

What about Back Belts?

Some contractors have workers wear back belts. If a doctor prescribes a back belt, it may help someone recovering from a back injury. But a recent government study (by NIOSH) found no evidence that back belts can prevent injuries.[WCx]

If you have questions about stretching exercises, back belts, or other issues, call your local union, the Center to Protect Workers' Rights (CPWR) (301-578-8500 or www.cpwr.com ), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1-800-35-NIOSH or www.cdc.gov/niosh), or OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA or www.osha.gov). Or check the Web site: www.elcosh.org.