A worker is shown with their hand on their back while seemingly in pain.

Date Posted: 02/15/2024

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than one million workers suffer back injuries yearly, accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. When drilling down on the construction industry specifically, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) states that the construction industry has the highest incident rate of back injuries of any industry except transportation. Of all construction-related injuries each year, 25% are back injuries. Every year, a back injury causes 1 in 100 construction workers to miss work, usually missing about seven workdays but sometimes more than 30. Most back problems are low-back injuries, including sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials.

Preventing Back Injuries

Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). When lifting, the grip is essential. Wearing gloves that fit correctly with a good grip will help maintain a firm hold on objects during lifting activities. Shoes or boots with gripping soles will also help maintain balance and stability while lifting.
Preparation is vital. Before lifting, determine whether the object even needs to be lifted. Mechanical assist lifting devices such as dollies, carts, pallet jacks, or other lifting equipment are recommended when possible instead of manually lifting heavy objects. The idea is to get the load as close to the destination as possible with the least physical effort possible.
Reduce the weight if you can; if you can split a load into two or more portions, do that.
Try to adjust the load height. Lifting from the floor will cause your body more stress than lifting from waist height. An injury is more likely if you lift an object above your shoulders.
Plan out the shortest, most obstacle-free route you can take.
Stretch before lifting

Techniques for Safe Lifting

Assess the situation: Before lifting, moving, or carrying a heavy object, ask yourself the following questions:

Can you lift this load safely alone, or is it a two-person lift?
Is there a mechanical device that can lift and transport this object?
What is the distance that you need to carry the load?
Is the path clear of slip and trip hazards such as clutter, cords, slippery areas, stairs, or uneven surfaces?
Is the load bulky or tall, and will it block your view?
Can the load be broken down into smaller parts and moved?
Should you wear gloves to get a better grip and protect your hands?

Size up the load: Evaluate the load shape and size. Test the weight of the load before fully lifting. Stop and ask for assistance if it is too heavy or in awkward shape.

Use proper lifting techniques:

Get close to the load. Center yourself over the load and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Tighten your stomach muscles. Tight abdominal muscles increase support to your back.
Get a good grip and keep the load close to you. The farther away from your core, the heavier the load will feel.
Bend your knees. Bending your knees is the most important thing you can do when lifting objects. Squat down, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and let your legs lift.
Do not jerk or quickly pull the load up. Use a smooth and steady motion and lift straight up.
Do not twist or turn your body while lifting. Keep your head up and look forward.

Setting the load down:

Keep your back straight. Do not twist your body while setting down a load, and keep your head up.
Keep the load close to your body.
Bend your knees. Squat down and set the load down.

Using Hand Trucks (dollies) and Carts

Push rather than pull. You can use your body weight to assist when pushing.
Keep the device close and lock your arms. Stay close to the load, and avoid leaning over and assuming awkward body positioning.
Use both hands. Carts are easier to push and control using both hands.
Use tie-downs, if necessary, to secure the load.