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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
6 East 43rd Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10017-4609
888-355-4626
212-297-3131 (fax)
dpgclaims@distinguished.com
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