HAZARD

ALERT
BACK
INJURIES You are at risk

Does your back hurt? To prevent back injuries …

Back injuries are the most common injury
in construction.* Let tools do the work
If materials weigh more than 50 pounds, do
• Construction workers report back
not lift them by yourself. Use carts, dollies, forklifts,
pain in higher numbers than all
and hoists to move materials – not your back. Get
other industries combined.
another worker to help lift heavy materials.
• Back injuries are the major cause
of disability in middle-age

2
construction workers.
• Long recovery times and chronic
Change your work routine
Re-position your body so that you are not contorted
back problems can mean you
will no longer be able to work or repeating a motion. Raise your work to waist level.
in construction. Have materials delivered near your work. Take rest breaks.
*The Construction Chart Book, 2013.
When you are tired, you can get injured more easily.

Most back injuries are from:

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Bending at the waist
• Pushing and pulling
A bricklayer lifting an average of 200
3 Think before you move
Lifting while bending and twisting will cause
injury. You can prevent a serious back injury if you step
blocks – each 38 lbs – per day lifts: instead of twist. Turn your whole body rather than
twisting. Lift and lower in a smooth, steady way. Try to
Workers use the two-mason lift
technique to reduce stress of handle materials between your knees and chest.
lifting and twisting.

What do Back injuries have consequences

YOU lift in
• Reduced income • Medical bills
a day?
• Lost work time • Reduced work life
• Chronic pain

Work with your employer and union rep

to prevent back injuries.
Back pain doesn’t stop when you leave work.
You take it home! Last Tip:
Housekeeping!
Find out more about
construction hazards. If you think you are in danger: Make sure floors and
Contact your supervisor. Contact your union. walkways are clear and dry.
Get more of these Hazard Alert cards – Slips and trips are a big
Call OSHA
and cards on other topics. cause of back injuries.
1- 800 - 321- OSHA
Call 301- 578-8500
©2013, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research, training, and service arm of the Building and Construction Trades Dept., AFL-CIO, and works to reduce or eliminate safety and health hazards construction workers
face on the job. Production of this card was supported by Grant OH009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.
www.cpwr.com