Back Injuries In Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Back Injuries In Workplace - Essay Example if literature related back belts, on evaluating the adequacy of data in support of the use of back belts in preventing work-related injuries was insufficient to draw any conclusion either in support or against the advantages of using a back belt in a work-related environment. The memorandum also concluded that â€Å"the effectiveness of using back belts to lessen the risk of back injuries among uninjured workers (NIOSH, 1996)† and does not consider back belts to be personal protective equipment as there is no supporting data to indicate the significant reduction of biomechanical loading on the trunk during manual lifting. Also, the popular claims of industrial back belt manufacturers that back belts reduce significantly back injury risk due to changes in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and trunk muscle electromyography (EMG). The claims of popular manufacturers in the market – OK-1 or Valeo or OccuNomix, seem to be focussing on the fact that the back belts work and help prevent workplace injuries by significantly reducing the intra-abdominal pressure or stiffening the spine. Now compare this with the authentic documentation from NIOSH or OSHA or the Surgeon General’s advisory that the efficacy of using back belts in preventing workplace back injuries seems to be almost contradictory. While the manufacturer’s claim efficacy in the usage of their products, there is no scientific evidence to back that claim. Probably this argument could go on and on both from the official front on lack of evidence to prove efficacy and manufacturers claiming efficacy. Taking a side in this argument leaves our organization nowhere near the solution near that is being sought to prevent workplace back injuries. The primary concern with respect to this paper is to prevent injuries and ensure well being of th e employees while ensuring the highest level of productivity for the organization.