Stooped postures


Problem:

Workers who install interior wiring systems may face hazards from stooped postures.


Risk Description:

Prolonged bending of the back while installing interior wiring systems can cause injury to muscles, nerves, discs and ligaments of the low back.  Non-specific low back pain is not the result of a fall or some other acute traumatic injury, so it can be difficult to identify a specific event that led to the injury.  Continuous work in a 'stooped position' can lead to low back muscle strain, ligament sprain, a bulging or herniated disc, or other back problems.


Assessment Info:

To assess exposure to stooped postures, determine how many hours per day the worker spends in with their back bent forward >30°, bent forward >45°, or twisted >30°. Also, visit Thomas Bernard's website for a host of practical ergonomic tools.

Select Solution:

Engineering control

Administrative control