Back pain costs more in terms of time off and lost production than any other health issue in the workplace. An estimated 60% to 90% of people suffer some type of lower back disorder during their working life. Workers in the healthcare sector are particularly prone to back injuries.
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In light of such reports and to provide a suitable replacement to the “Lighten the Load” booklet, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) in partnership with NI Back Exchange, produced “Backs in Action,” a new guide to further assist the healthcare sector in achieving their goals of reducing incidences of musculoskeletal disorders (lower back pain) among their staff.
“Analysis of RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) statistics received by HSENI between April 2006 and February 2010 show approximately one third of all ‘over-three-day’ and major injuries reported each year to HSENI by health sector employers are of a sprain/strain nature,” said Ronan Magee, HSENI inspector responsible for the development of the guidance.
“This new guidance should be used as a practical resource for those employees whose job involves the moving and handling of people and objects. There is a legal obligation on employers to ensure that where manual handling is necessary, the hazards associated with such tasks are assessed and control measures implemented to reduce the risks involved. It is vital that employers and employees work together to successfully reduce the human and financial cost of back pain among employees in the healthcare sector,” he added, (workersxzcompxzkit)
Recommendations from the new guidance for healthcare staff include:
1. Know how your back works and know how to look after it.
2. Familiarize yourself with manual handling risk assessments.
3. Follow safe systems of work.
4. Attend manual handling training.
5. Use the techniques you have been trained to use.
6. Use appropriate manual handling equipment properly.
7. Refresh your training regularly.
8. Report incidences and near misses.
The guidance is available to trust staff attending manual handling and ergonomics training.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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