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Use your head to protect your back
“Know what you can and can’t do in lifting. Using your legs for lifting rather than your back can prevent injuries,” said Ted Low, Human Resources safety supervisor.

Every year, about half the injuries of the almost 3,000 claims filed by city employees are back related.

“They need to ask for help,” Low said. “A lot of the employees were in a hurry, wouldn’t wait for help, and tried to do the lifting alone.”

Dana Doan, an HR safety officer in risk management, said that before lifting an object, people should “lift it twice.” The first time, by tilting the corner to estimate the weight. She also advises mentally mapping the path you plan to take to make sure it’s clear before committing to the lift.

Objects don’t have to be heavy to hurt.

Research shows that if your body is in an awkward position, it’s possible to injure your back by lifting less than two pounds, Low said.
Education is a powerful tool in preventing injuries.

Low cites a study of four groups of Continental Airlines baggage handlers at Bush Intercontinental. One was given support belts and a training course, another had belts but no course, the third had a course but no belts, and the fourth was given neither. The groups that took the safety courses had the least injuries by far.

“Don’t rely too much on back support belts,” said Chris Brennan, an HR safety officer in risk management. “People either tend not to wear them properly and don’t get the support, or they wear them too much, and their back muscles atrophy.”

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