HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL HSE Manual-NEPC

Nippon Express Philippines Corporation

Prepared by: Page 1
Arnold Mendoza

Section: HEALTH AND SAFETY Effectivity Date: January 2019

Subject: Occupational Health, Safety Management Systems Revision: 1

14.2 Back Injury Prevention Procedure.

14.2.1 Introduction
14.2.1.1 Back injuries are all too common type of on-the-job injury, everything we do affect our
back. Unfortunately, the back is not resilient. Once the back has been injured, it will never be as
strong as it was before the injury. How many times in a day do we lift, push, pull, stretch, and
otherwise put a strain on our back? Prevention is the key to protecting our back from injury
during these activities. Back injuries are caused by a variety of factors: how a person works and
rest. Even the simplest of activities, sitting, standing, and lifting can contribute to a back
disorder if not performed correctly.

Helping employees take care of their backs is important to every employer because a back injury
can result in lost work time, workers’ compensation claims and in some cases, permanent
disability. In addition to having a negative impact on the bottom line, back injuries can cause low
morale, decreased productivity and a lack of quality. That is why having a back injury prevention
program is so important. A successful program will not only help employees understand how
they can avoid back injuries, but it will also help you determine why employees are experiencing
pain and discomfort on the job, prevent future problems, discover improvements and
implement solutions to back problems.

14.2.2 Purpose
14.2.2.1 To establish a program that provides information on proper care of the back to help
reduce the potential for back injuries in the workplace.
14.2.2.2 To develop a safe lifting behaviours for all workers in an effort to prevent lifting and
manual materials handling injuries.

14.2.3 Scope
14.2.3.1 This program applies to all NEPC regular workers including contractors and sub-
contractors.

14.2.4 Responsibilities
14.2.4.1 Management responsibility.
14.2.4.1.1 Ensuring that there is a provision for manual handling operations that could
result in an injury, to be assessed and adequately controlled.
14.2.4.2 Ensure that the manual handling risk assessment and control measures
contained therein are outlines and referenced according to the Department of Labour
and Employment standards.
14.2.4.3 Support and promote the concept of safer handling and any initiatives that
would facilitate the implementation of the program.
14.2.4.4 Ensure that appropriate resources are available to support the implementation
of the program.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document or any part hereof in any form should be punishable by
law without the authorization of NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL HSE Manual-NEPC
Nippon Express Philippines Corporation
Prepared by: Page 2
Arnold Mendoza

Section: HEALTH AND SAFETY Effectivity Date: January 2019

Subject: Occupational Health, Safety Management Systems Revision: 1

14.2.4.5 Identify training needs for staff, review as necessary.

14.2.4.6 In order to help minimise the potential for handling related injuries adopt an
ergonomic approached.
14.2.4.7 Where above relates to the structures within which people work, a similar
principle would apply to any equipment used. That equivalent should ensure the
following in connection with the procurement of equipment.
14.2.4.2 Managers/ Supervisor Responsibility.
14.2.4.2.1 Ensure workers are adequately supervised and use the principles of good
manual handling in the performance of their work tasks.
14.2.4.2.2 Ensure working environments and systems of work are safe.
14.2.4.2.3 Ensure workers falling into any of the delicate risk are protected against
dangers which may affect them specifically in relation to the manual handling of cargo.
14.2.4.2.4 Ensure sufficient suitable equipment is provided to facilitate safe handling.
This equipment must be easily accessible and properly maintained.
14.2.4.2.5 Ensure that appropriate assistance/ advice is sought where necessary.
14.2.4.3 Workers Responsibility.
14.2.4.3.1 Adhere to the stated in the program and any risk assessments.
14.2.4.3.2 Taking care of their owned health and safety and the safety of his co-workers
who may be affected by their activities.
14.2.4.3.3 Correctly using any standard of work in place for manual handling operations.
14.2.4.3.4 Follow the principles of good manual handling and other techniques as taught
at training.
14.2.4.3.5 Work with their limitation and capabilities and not carry out any activity that
exceeds maximum limitation parameter.
14.2.4.3.6 Reports any defective equipment or any unsafe standard to their manager/
supervisor.
14.2.4.3.7 Undergoing any suitable training.
14.2.5 Definitions
14.2.5.1 Awkward posture and position – refers to positions of the body that deviate
significantly from the neutral position while performing work activities.
14.2.5.2 Body Mechanics – The physical movement your body makes to perform work
throughout the day.
14.2.5.3 Curves of the back – when lined up in their natural position, the vertebrae form three
curves. Maintaining these curves supports the spine and helps avoid injuries.
14.2.5.3.1 Cervical – at the neck.
14.2.5.3.2 Thoracic – at the mid back.
14.2.5.3.3 Lumbar – at the lower back.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document or any part hereof in any form should be punishable by
law without the authorization of NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL HSE Manual-NEPC
Nippon Express Philippines Corporation
Prepared by: Page 3
Arnold Mendoza

Section: HEALTH AND SAFETY Effectivity Date: January 2019

Subject: Occupational Health, Safety Management Systems Revision: 1

14.2.5.4 Discs – the shock absorber of the spine, each disc consist of a jellylike centre
surrounded by tough fibrous rings of connective tissue.
14.2.5.5 Ergonomic Design – The science of designing workplaces, machines and tasks to match
the capabilities and limitations of the human body.
14.2.5.6 Ergonomics – The science that seeks to adapt work and working conditions to fit the
worker.
14.2.5.7 Force – The excessive pressure placed on muscles and joints.
14.2.5.8 Repetition – doing the same movement again and again.
14.2.5.9 Working in Neutral – Keeping the body in its natural alignment during work activities.

14.2.6 Risk Factor Associate with Back Injury

14.2.6.1 Poor physical condition - if you have weak stomach muscles, your back may not get all
the support it needs, especially when you’re lifting or carrying heavy object.
14.2.6.2 Poor posture - is another contributing factor. It is best to try to maintain the back in its
natural “S” shape curve.
14.2.6.3 Extra weight - can be a big problem. The more you weigh, the more stress its put on
your back every time you bend over.
14.2.6.4 Stress -tense muscle are more susceptible strains and spasms.
14.2.6.5 Overdoing it - don’t be afraid to say, this is too heavy for me to lift alone. It is important
to recognize your own physical limitations and abilities.

14.2.7 Common Causes of Back Injuries

14.2.7.1 Heavy Lifting.
14.2.7.2 Twisting at the waist while lifting or holding a heavy load.
14.2.7.3 Reaching and lifting.
14.2.7.4 Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes.
14.2.7.5 Working in awkward, uncomfortable positions.
14.2.7.6 Sitting or standing too long in one position.
14.2.7.7 Slipping on a wet floor.

14.2.8 Procedures on How to Prevent Back Injuries

14.2.8.1 Avoid Lifting and Bending Whenever You Can.
14.2.8.1.1 Place objects up off the floor.
14.2.8.1.2 Raise/ lower shelves.
14.2.8.1.3 Use carts and dolly.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document or any part hereof in any form should be punishable by
law without the authorization of NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL HSE Manual-NEPC
Nippon Express Philippines Corporation
Prepared by: Page 4
Arnold Mendoza

Section: HEALTH AND SAFETY Effectivity Date: January 2019

Subject: Occupational Health, Safety Management Systems Revision: 1

14.2.9 Use Proper Lifting Procedures

There are eight steps to follow in doing a safe lift. They may seem very simple but if you do all of them
each time you lift, your chances of an injury will be greatly diminished. When you do a lift, make sure
you:
14.2.9.1 Size up the load – check to ensure the load is stable and balanced. Test the weight. Try
moving it with your foot, if you cannot, you probably need to ask for help.
14.2.9.2 Plan the job - consider all possibilities. Is the path clear? What is the weight of the load?
How much stress will be placed on your back? Is there traffic, a tripping hazard, a doorway to go
through, or a stairway to go up or down? Avoid carrying an object that requires two hands to
hold, either up or especially down, a flight of stairs. Use the elevator. Plan a rest stop, if needed.
14.2.9.3 Establish a base of support - use a wide, balanced stance with one foot in front of the
other. Make sure you have firm footing and that your feet are a shoulders-width apart. This
staggered stance gives you the stability of not falling over and being able to secure the load.
14.2.9.4 Bend your knees, keep your heels off of the floor and get as close to the object as
possible. Always lift with your legs and not your back.
14.2.9.5 Get a good grip with your palms and make sure you have an adequate hold on the
object. Be certain you will be able to maintain a hold on the object without having to adjust your
grip later. You can use gloves to help maintain an adequate grip, but don’t rely on gloves
because they can de-sensitize the fingers making you unable to feel the object.
14.2.9.6 Lift gradually with your legs without using jerky motions. By using your leg strength,
your chance of lower back injury is greatly reduced.
14.2.9.7 Keep the load close to prevent arching your lower back. As you begin the lift, tighten
your stomach muscles and keep your head and shoulders up. The closer the load is to your
spine, the less force will be placed on your back.
14.2.9.8 Pivot - don’t twist. Move your feet in the direction of the lift. This will eliminate the
need to twist at the waist.

14.2.10 Use the MY-BACK safety principles

14.2.10.1 Make sure you plan the lift. Clear the path. Assess if the load is too heavy. If the load
is too heavy seek assistance.
14.2.10.2 Your feet should be shoulder width apart. Get a firm footing close to the load.
14.2.10.3 Be sure to lift smoothly using a suitable lifting technique. Avoid jerking or twisting.
14.2.10.4 A suitable firm grip should be maintained throughout the lift.
14.2.10.5 Carry the load closed to your body, always moved your feet when turning.
14.2.10.6 Keep your spine aligned with natural curves. Maintain the “S” shape curve in your
back.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document or any part hereof in any form should be punishable by
law without the authorization of NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL HSE Manual-NEPC
Nippon Express Philippines Corporation
Prepared by: Page 5
Arnold Mendoza

Section: HEALTH AND SAFETY Effectivity Date: January 2019

Subject: Occupational Health, Safety Management Systems Revision: 1

14.2.11 Men and women lifting limitations

14.2.12 Safe Lifting Zone

14.2.13 Also follow these lifting tips

14.2.13.1 Reduce the amount of weight lifted. If you’re moving a bunch of books, better to load
several small boxes than one extremely heavy load.
14.2.13.2 Use handles and lifting straps.
14.2.13.3 Get help if the shape is too awkward or the object is too heavy for you to lift and move
by yourself!

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document or any part hereof in any form should be punishable by
law without the authorization of NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL HSE Manual-NEPC
Nippon Express Philippines Corporation
Prepared by: Page 6
Arnold Mendoza

Section: HEALTH AND SAFETY Effectivity Date: January 2019

Subject: Occupational Health, Safety Management Systems Revision: 1

14.2.14 Measures to avoid an injury

14.2.14.1 Stretch first.
14.2.14.2 Slow down.
14.2.14.3 Rest you back.
14.2.14.4 Get in shape.

14.2.15 Manual handling risk assessment

The manual handling operations risk assessment requirements:
14.2.15.1 Avoid the need for dangerous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Consider whether the load needs moving or can the task be taken to the load. Consider the use
of mechanical handling lifts.
14.2.15.2 Assess the risk of injury from any dangerous manual handling that cannot be avoided.
Identify ways to make the activity easier and less risky, i.e. less physically demanding.
14.2.15.3 Reduce the risk of injury from dangerous manual handling, so far as is reasonably
practicable.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document or any part hereof in any form should be punishable by
law without the authorization of NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.