Back Safety
Master Answer Key
1. The human body works much like a machine, and, like a machine, we need to make sure that we
"maintain" our body adequately.
2. Back injuries are one of the most common problems we can have with our body but they affect only
certain types of people.
3. Most people do not realize how frequently back injuries occur. Eighty (80) per cent of us will
develop back problems at some point in our lives.
4. Over 600,000 people experience back injuries on the job every year. Many back injuries even result
in some type of permanent disability.
5. In many ways our back is the central part of our body. It connects to many other important parts of
the body, and serves a number of purposes
6. The spine has interlocking bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are separated by "discs", which
act as cushions protecting the vertebrae from each other. Our back anchors our legs, hips, ribs, arms
and head.
7. The spine of the back and abdomen hold the vertebrae together and shape the muscles. The shape
the spine takes on is very important, and it should resemble the letter "Z".
8. Back injuries occur for a number of reasons. Back Strain and Fatigue are probably the most common
problems. Back strain is a muscle injury and is usually very painful.
9. Improper lifting can cause back injuries. It most often results in tears in the discs between the
vertebrae or pressure on spinal nerves.
10. Disease is not a factor that can weaken the back.
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Back Safety
Master Answer Key
11. More serious back injuries can occur from slips or falls such as fractures and damaged spine.
12. Three conditions cause the majority of back injuries: poor posture, a sagging stomach and unsafe
lifting. Of these three, problems with poor posture may be the most widespread.
13. Good posture is important all the time, not just when you are standing. It is also important to
maintain proper posture when you are sitting. Sitting is one of the most stressful positions our body
can be in.
14. Stress can be a major cause of back problems. When you are tense and feel under pressure,
muscles are more easily strained and fatigued.
15. Working long hours can cause tiredness and fatigue, which can frequently weaken back muscles.
16. Proper nourishment is necessary to maintain our back’s health. Being overweight puts continual
strain on the back.
17. Exercise is also very important to maintaining a healthy back. A good exercise program can help
build a strong back and keep it flexible.
18. Your exercises need to be complicated and difficult to get the most out of these for the back.
19. Whenever you lift any object, you should use good lifting techniques. Properly "preparing" for a lift
is important. The majority of on-the-job back injuries are caused by bad lifting habits.
20. No matter how good your lifting techniques are. If you are not positioned correctly, you can
seriously injure your back.
21. When carrying objects move slowly and smoothly, always turn with your feet, never twist your
back and reverse the steps you used to lift the object when you put it down.
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Back Safety
Master Answer Key
22. Using proper techniques will keep as much weight off your back as possible by shifting most of the
strain of lifting and carrying to your legs, which are stronger and less prone to injury.
23. Some objects or situations may require that you get help. You need to look for assistance if an
object is unusually heavy, or awkward to handle.
24. Lifting objects that are high off the ground does not require special procedures.
25. You cannot lift as much weight when an object is over your head. Reaching upward takes power
from your legs, and reduces the weight you can support.
