Working in the construction industry is demanding, and employees and contractors can face a variety of hazards on the jobsite. There are so many different ways in which workers can get injured, including falls, cuts and bruises, and being struck by falling objects.
That being said, back injuries are by far one of the most common injury types, accounting for 25% of all construction-related injuries.
They can lead to long recovery times, and chronic back problems that could potentially end a construction worker’s career.
They can also be expensive. Injuries to the upper back can rack up an average workers comp claim of $37,000, and lower back injuries top out just below that at $35,000.
Background on Back Injuries in Construction
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around one in every four on-the-job injuries involves an employee’s back or spine.
Many of these injuries are serious and could lead to disability or even death.
The most commonly injured area of the back is the lumbar region, also referred to as the lower back. It supports more of the human body’s weight than any other area of the back.
The lumbar region is composed of muscles that assist workers with rotation, flexibility, and strength – which is why it is so important to keep the lumbar region healthy.
Some common construction-related back injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- Slipped discs
- Broken vertebra
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal cord damage
OSHA stance on Back Injuries
Although OSHA doesn’t have a standard that sets limits on how much a person should lift or carry, NIOSH has developed a mathematical model that helps predict the risk of injury based on the weight being lifted and other criteria.
The NIOSH model is based on medical research into the compressive forces needed to cause damage to bones and ligaments of the back. They make this model easily available in a useful app alongside their in-depth Applications Manual for the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation.
Employers should bear in mind that although there is not a specific OSHA standard related to back injury prevention, employee exposure to hazards related to heavy lifting and back injuries could be addressed under Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, also known as the General Duty Clause.
The Clause states:
“Each employer — shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees…”
Causes of Back Injuries in Construction Work
Falls
Falls are the number one cause of construction worker deaths. Falls on the job site can cause spinal fractures or damage to the spinal cord, especially falls from great heights. (Categorized as an OSHA Focus Four hazard.)
Slips and Trips
Slips and trips can result in painful back injuries. Make sure floors and walkways are clear, dry, and free of trip hazards. (Categorized as an OSHA Focus Four hazard.)
Struck-by accidents
Workers who are working at heights can fall after being struck by falling equipment or tools. (Categorized as an OSHA Focus Four hazard.)
Repetitive motion strains
Workers who continuously or frequently twist and bend the spine and hold awkward or static positions can suffer from a cumulative trauma injury or cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) like tendonitis. When a worker’s muscles and ligaments weaken from repetitive and awkward positions, the chance of suffering an acute or sudden injury as a result of those repeated actions increases.
Incorrect lifting and carrying
Employees must understand the hazards of pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting heavy loads. These actions can lead to torn ligaments, pulled muscles, pinched nerves, or other heavy lifting injuries. And carrying loads on one shoulder, under an arm, or in one hand creates uneven pressure on the spine which can lead to a back injury.
How to prevent back injuries on Construction Worksites
Prevention of painful and debilitating back injuries can be accomplished by following these tips.
1. Use lifting assistance devices
If a load weighs more than 50 pounds, workers should use carts, dollies, forklifts, and hoists to move materials.
2. Ask for help
Team up with another worker to help lift heavy loads. Remember, heavy loads place greater stress on muscles, discs, and vertebrae so always ask for help.
3. Check your posture
Avoid awkward positions and change postures so that you are not contorted or repeating a motion. Conduct work at waist level.
4. Lift safely
When lifting, move items close to your body and use your legs when lifting from a low location to minimize bending and reaching. Get as close to your lifting load as possible. Store and place materials that need to be manually lifted at the “power zone” which is mid-thigh to mid-chest height. Place objects on shelves, tables, racks, or stacked pallets for easy lifting or use ladders or aerial lifts when necessary to elevate yourself to minimize reaching overhead. When picking up materials off the ground, workers should support themselves by leaning on something while lifting. Avoid bending over; instead, kneel on one knee and pull the load up to the knee before standing.
5. Take a break
Take short rest breaks. When a worker is tired, they can get injured more easily.
6. Plan out the lift
Lifting and carrying while bending and twisting can cause a back injury. If you need to turn, turn your whole body rather than twisting at the waist. Lift and lower loads in a smooth and steady motion. Carry materials in the “safe zone” around your waist.
Summary
Back injuries are among the most common construction industry injuries. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard relating to back injuries, prevention of such injuries is covered in several OSHA training courses including OSHA 10 hour construction, Focus Four and OSHA 30 Hour Construction.
All of these courses will not only get you OSHA 10 certified, they will also greatly reduce the risk of sustaining back injuries if the lessons learned are consistently applied.
