VPPPA Conference Notes

Title

Backworks: Back Care with a Real Life Approach - TD9

Presenter

Joe McGettigan, President (PHS Work)

Session Date

September 8, 2003

Take Aways

• “Don’t miss the miracle looking for the spectacular.” Definition of Foolish: do same things same way and expect different results.
• 80% of the population experiences back pain at some time
• From 1990-97, 30% of Occupational Illness and Injury was associated with ergonomic issues; 40% of these were back sprains and strains.
• Back anatomy. Structural (vertebrae): natural curves aid load carrying capacity, mobility. Supporting cast: muscles, ligaments (erector spinea, abdominals). Back withstands compression or vertical forces better than horizontal forces, which damage vertebral stacking.
• Factors in back injury. Acts of Omission: strength, flexibility. Acts of Commission: trauma, lifting mechanics, engineering controls.
• Proper lifting mechanics, WSL: W (wide base, just outside shoulder width), S (set your back); L (lift with legs). Better not to twist. Must adapt this to the real world and minimize risk.
• Physical conditioning to increase back’s ability to withstand demands placed on it: 2x in workweek + once on weekend; 35-45 minutes before or after shift, for 8 weeks (best on company time).
• Issues at hand: poor lifting mechanics, poor physical condition, aging workforce (decrease in muscle and ligament elasticity and strength), unfavorable psychosocial climate (relationship to supervisor is #1 predictor!), ineffectiveness of traditional training.
• Vendor feels his training program decreases back pain according to subjective self-reported survey; he projects possible money saved by using his training program.

Session Worthwhile for Future Attendees/Meetings

Was a little disappointed; seemed rather like an infomercial for the vendor.

Recommended Actions for Evaluation by VPP Steering Committee

May consider points above related to fitness intervention.

Review provided by Nancy Isern