Document No: RO-PRO-ST-011

BACK PROTECTION PROCEDURE

PURPOSE

The purpose of this safety policy and procedure is to establish guidelines and procedures for
implementing the company Back Protection Program.

Back injuries represent the most common type of workers' compensation claim. Jobs with high
rates of back injuries tend to be those requiring a great amount of manual load handling.
Eliminating and/or minimizing back injuries can result in lower workers' compensation costs and
promote the well-being of employees.

This safety procedure provides guidelines to implement an effective Back Protection Program in
the workplace. It includes provisions for employee lifting training entitled, Back at Work, and
discussion on work related risk factors for back pain.

DEFINITIONS

Behavior Modification

Changing an employee's action or motions from a negative, accident/injury prone behavior to a

positive, safe action or motion.

Mechanical Equipment

Any device designed to aid in moving material including cranes, hand trucks, pallet jacks,
forklifts, etc.

Lifting Belt

A support designed for the lumbar area of the lower back to provide additional support when
lifting.

Risk Factors

Exposures and personal characteristics that affect an individual's chances of experiencing pain
associated with lifting related injuries to the back.

There are major differences in the ability of individuals to withstand lifting and other demanding
physical labor. Because back pain results from different circumstances, an individual's exposure
and personal characteristics affect his or her chances of experiencing lifting related back injuries.
Work related risk factors have been identified from various studies and include:

 Heavy lifting and heavy work

 Frequent lifting
 Lifting loads near one's strength capacity
 Occasional very stressful load handling
 Sudden unforeseen events (accidents)
Revision: A1 Issued: 18.06.2010 Revision Date: 18.01.2011
Document No: RO-PRO-ST-011

 Prolonged standing or sitting

 Other suspected risk factors, including whole body vibration, pushing, pulling, carrying,
twisting, and bending
 Employee's physical condition.

Other personal factors that make certain individuals more susceptible to back injury are not
included in the above list. Those jobs and tasks that have several or many of the above risk
factors should receive a higher priority in assessing your operation's back injury risks.

Revision: A1 Issued: 18.06.2010 Revision Date: 18.01.2011