Manual Material Handling to Prevent Back Injury

Figure 5: Proper lifting
(larger view)

Figure 6: Waist high is better
(larger view)

Figure 7: Carrying loads
(larger view)

Figure 8: Use "three point" contact
(larger view)

Figure 9: Pushing and pulling
(larger view)

Figure 10: Don't twist
(larger view)

Figure 11: Pivoting is better
(larger view)

Any job that involves heavy labor or manual material handling may be in a high-risk category. Manual material handling entails lifting, but also usually includes climbing, pushing, pulling and pivoting, all of which pose the risk of injury to the back.

Lifting from the floor places strain on the structures in the lumbar spine. Ergonomic lifting techniques involve the use of a diagonal foot position, and getting as close to the load as possible. The load should be kept as close to the body as possible when standing up (see Fig. 5).

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• It is easier to move loads that are waist high than ones that are on the floor. Stacking pallets to raise the height of the load is one ergonomic solution. A scissors lift will mechanically raise the load to a comfortable lifting level. Repetitive lifting from the floor is particularly risky, so try to get the material off the floor (see Fig. 6)
• Keep all loads as close to one’s center of gravity as possible. Carrying loads on one shoulder is safer for long and narrow material. This would include construction material or rolls of carpet (see Fig. 7).

• When lifting anything with a handle, place one hand on one knee to get additional leverage and use a diagonal foot position. Carrying two objects of the same weight will balance the load as long as the weight of the load is reasonable.

When climbing with a load, “three-point” contact is important for safety. This means two hands and a foot or both feet and a hand must be in contact with the ladder or stairs at all times. If the load is bulky, get another person or a mechanical device to assist (see Fig. 8).

Manual material handling may require pushing or pulling. Pushing is generally easier on the back than pulling. It is important to use both the arms and legs to provide the leverage to start the push (see Fig. 9).

• A handle would ideally be waist high for ease of pushing
• If it is necessary to pull, avoid twisting the lower back
• Sometimes, for very large loads, turning around and using the back to push against an object allows the legs to provide maximum force while protecting the low back from strain or twisting.

The opposite of twisting is pivoting. Pivoting means moving the shoulders, hips and feet with the load in front at all times. The lower back is not designed to torque or repetitive twisting. Whether using a shovel or moving material or products, always avoid twisting the back (see Fig. 10 and Fig. 11).

Practicing these techniques, both at work and at home, will go a long way to help prevent back injury and protect the structures in the low back.

• Article written By:
• Nancy C. Selby, BS
• John J. Triano, DC, PhD

September 27, 2006

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