 Put your muscle behind the back safety campaign
Prospect is backing a major national campaign by the Health and Safety Executive to reduce the number of back injuries at work.
The union has produced a poster to display at work, as part of a bid to educate staff and management.
Back problems and upper limb disorders account for the highest proportion of work-related, musculo-skeletal disorders, affecting more than one million people a year.
Safety reps are urged to organise inspections focusing on reducing back injuries.
The key messages are:
- You can do things to prevent or minimise musculo-skeletal disorders.
- Prevention measures are cost-effective.
- You cannot prevent all musculo-skeletal disorders so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable rehabilitation is essential.
HSE has launched a website at www.hse.gov.uk/backs/index.htm.
Prospect assistant general secretary Mike Clancy said: Our members are as much at risk as any other group of employees. We need to spread the message that healthy backs means healthy workers and healthy business. Taking sensible practical precautions, including the use of handling and lifting aids, can reduce back injuries. He urged safety reps to:
- Display Prospects Backs poster, which has been sent separately to safety reps. You can click on the thumbnail image above to get a preview of the poster.
- Promote the back pain message through branch newsletters.
- Review risk assessments, including the use of manual handling assessment charts.
- Organise a seminar or other event in your workplace to share information and expertise.
- Promote HSEs free information line: 0845 345 0055.
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Get your resource CD |
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HSE has produced a CD-rom for its back safety campaign. It contains practical advice and resources about manual handling procedures. Contact beverley.hall@prospect.org.uk if you would like a copy. Or go to the HSE website where you can download many of the resources.
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