Shooting pains, pain that radiates down your leg or that intensifies when pushing a cart are all symptoms of back pain. This type of injury is usually caused by overexertion in workplace settings, and it can lead to fatigued and frustrated workers.
Most of the time back pain improves with self-treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, in rare cases, back pain can signal a serious problem. They suggest seeking immediate care if your back pain:
While you always want to ensure you don’t have a serious condition, there are ways to reduce the chance of back injuries at work. Replacing the wheels on your cart with ergonomic casters will help significantly, but even using better ergonomics on a daily basis is important.
For example, pushing a cart instead of pulling a cart puts less pressure on the shoulders and back as you can use your body for leverage and distribute the force of the weight more evenly. When pushing a cart, here are some tips to keep in mind:
For example, TWERGO® caster wheels are unlike any other because of their unique tread thickness and material. They feature split aluminum wheels with a carved-out core that allows for a thinner tread design and improved ergonomics due to the wheel’s uniform compression. TWERGO also utilizes a patented force-reducing technology that is designed to allow operators to start moving loads with less force.
Overexertion is one of the top reasons for workplace injury, and factors like wheel friction and high push or turn force can result in strains, pulls and other problems.
A recent article published in spine universe entitled: Industrial Ergonomics: Material Handling and Back Injury, noted the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that workplace injuries resulting from overexertion (musculoskeletal disorders) accounted for 31 percent of the total cases.
These injuries can become costly in lost time and productivity. That’s why understanding ways to reduce the chance of back injuries associated with moving heavy loads leads to better overall performance for your organization and keep the costs associated with these injuries to a minimum. If you would like more information about ergonomic solutions to your material handling applications, contact your Caster Concepts representative at 517.680.7950.