Low Back Injuries & Workers
Compensation
Why should we care about back
injuries?
According to published statistics by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a branch of the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), back injuries account for 20%
of all illnesses and injuries in the workplace and cost the nation an estimated
$20 - $50 billion each year. Left unabated, this trend will continue in terms of
frequency and severity. This is a tremendous strain on business, medical
resources, and society in general. Imagine the negative impact on the cost of WC
coverage.
Since 7/10/01, back injuries have
accounted for 28% of all Distinguished Workers Compensation Safety Group claims costing several hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost wages and medical
expenses. The primary cause is 'lifting' with the most common items being
suitcases or trash bags. One recent claim, allegedly resulting from a back
injury sustained while lifting and throwing out a trash bag is expected to
cost $227,400. In addition to pure dollars, these losses are expensive in terms
of 'soft' costs that can dramatically increase the ultimate costs. Consider the
following:
- An injured worker who loses time creates a
situation where co-workers must absorb his/her responsibilities. Their lack of
familiarity with the job can expose them to an increased possibility of injury
and decreased productivity.
- Employee morale can suffer due to increased
workloads.
- An additional or
temporary employee may need to be hired at additional expense and someone's time
for training and supervision.
- Tenants may perceive a diminution in service
because of a key employee's absence and a lesser level of service by a
replacement.
- Statistics have shown
once a low back injury is sustained; the probability of recurring injuries
increases dramatically.
"I purchased back belts for my workers and
told them to wear them. Isn't that enough?"
In a word, 'no'. National and international studies on this subject
unanimously conclude there is no scientific evidence to suggest the use of back
belts either prevents or mitigates back injuries. In a high percentage of cases
workers don't even use them, or use them improperly. The NIOSH does not
recommend the use of back belts to prevent injuries among workers who have never
been injured.
Leading experts in the field of physical
therapy do recognize there may be some 'psychological value' in wearing back
belts for employees who have been injured previously. The presence of the belt
can serve as a 'reminder' of the need to exercise care to avoid re-injuring
themselves.
"What can be done?"
It makes good business sense to focus attention on preventing these types of
losses from occurring. A little bit of knowledge and awareness can go a long way
in making a significant, favorable impact on loss experience. Here are some
suggestions that consider the overall ergonomics of the workplace:
- Make
an assessment of all work activities to insure they are not beyond the physical
capabilities of the worker assigned to them. Age and physical condition are
factors, but not the sole determinant in susceptibility to injury.
- Develop an ongoing training plan for all
workers involved in any type of lifting. This training should include lifting
mechanics, techniques, and exercises to strengthen muscle groups.
- Create an awareness on the part of
supervisory and management personnel to observe employees lifting habits.
Immediate feedback should be offered on the use of both proper and improper
lifting techniques.
Tips for Lifting
- Push
or pull instead of lifting. If you have a choice, push instead of pull. This
will use the larger abdominal muscles instead of the lower back muscles.
- Lift under control; don't hurry. If
you are uncertain about the weight of the object, begin to lift it carefully and
get help if it's too heavy.
- Always
bend and lift with your legs, not your back or arms.
- Never twist and bend at the same time.
(Lifting and throwing trash bags into a receptacle or attempting to lift and
swing a suitcase into a cab or onto a cart.)
- Keep the object as close to your body as
possible.
- "Set" or "lock" the muscles of the
back and abdomen just prior to lifting. This will "lock" the spine and prevent
movement in a way that exposes you to injury.
For more information, please contact:
Claims Department
The Distinguished
Programs Group
1180 Avenue of the Americas 16th fl
New York, NY 10036
888-355-4626
212-297-3131 (fax)
dpgclaims@distinguished.com |
