¶ … Belts
Over the past year and a half, there have been a high number of recordable and reportable back injuries in the warehouse and production areas. To address the issue and reduce and/or eliminate back related injuries, an investigation into preventive measures, including the use of back belts was done. Several studies have been conducted and the findings are all the same. There is no evidence to support the claim that back belts prevent back injuries. Even NIOSH declined to recommend use of back belts to reduce or eliminate work place back injuries. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that they may increase the number and severity of work related back injuries (Youngstown State University, 1997). The results of most of these studies recommend training and ergonomic awareness programs as the most effective means of reducing/eliminating back injuries.
There are different types of back belts or supports but generally the way they function is to force an individual to squat rather than bend over when lifting heavy objects. Some are designed with an insert made of a hard substance rather like a corset. Others are designed to apply pressure to inflate the abdomen which then lessens the pressure exerted on the spine from the load (Youngstown State University, 1997).
ITA-MED Co., a manufacturer of back supports, currently states in their advertising that the use of back supports will help to "maintain correct posture, and avoid injury even while lifting heavy loads" (ITA-Med Co., 2009). It is not clear exactly how the supports are going to "avoid injury." Additionally, it is important...
(2009). It is not a coincidence that even the manufacturer is discussing the need for additional care in lifting heavy objects.
There have been a number of studies regarding the effectiveness of black belts and as a result of their findings The Bureau of Workers' Compensation Division of Safety and Hygiene has taken the position that "back braces, supports, or "lifting belts" are not endorsed by the Division of Safety and Hygiene as tools for the prevention of back injuries. Although they may be useful in some instances of rehabilitation or as prescribed by a physician, these devices are not considered a legitimate ergonomic means in the long-term prevention of low back disorders" (Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, 1993). Further, the rationale supporting their position is as follows: "Black belts in no way eliminate a worker's exposure to the hazard. While there is lifting, there are compression and sheer forces on the spine and stresses on the supporting muscle groups; there is no direct scientific evidence to validate that spinal compression forces are reduced by increases in inter-abdominal pressure, at this point there is only hypotheses; there is growing evidence that with prolonged use of these devices, the lifting structures of the trunk…
