Back Safety for Inland Waterways Personnel

Back Safety for Inland Waterways Video

Working on the Inland Waterways places great stress on crewhands' spines and bodies; especially if they're not utilizing proper body mechanics to perform their work duties. This comprehensive "Back to Fitness" training video has been designed by a leading industrial back safety expert, Dr. Rick Bunch, specifically for Inland Waterways personnel. Many days were spent on location analyzing and videotaping the ergonomic positions required by deck personnel to perform daily operational tasks (i.e.ratchet handling, line throwing, power tool use, basic lifting, and maintenance duties.) This dynamic video demonstrates the safe working postures and strengthening exercises that your employees must use in order to help eliminate lost time, injuries, and costly litigation.

The statistics are staggering! Each work-related back injury costs an average of $6,800-$8,000. This year, companies like yours will spend over 70 billion dollars on back injuries. 11% of your work force will suffer some form of low back impairment this year. 50% of back injuries are caused by lifting. The most common group developing back injuries are men, age 25-34. Most injuries occur within the first second of the lift, and 83% occur with the worker's back in a bowed out position.

The first part of this two part video begins by explaining the workings of the spine and discs, and how employees can change their daily work and leisure habits to what is one of the most abused parts of our bodies. Dr. Bunch emphasizes that the most serious back injuries do not occur from a single jarring incident, but from a lifelong abuse of the spine through improper sitting and lifting practices. Practical exercise routines that can be performed both on and off the job are demonstrated in order to strengthen and stretch muscles and ligaments which help support the spine.

Part Two takes place on on board working barges and vessels where Dr. Bunch analyzes the stressful positions in which Inland waterways crewhands work. Crews are then shown performing their jobs in the most ergonomically correct position, as Dr. Bunchexplains the principles of lumbar stabilization, keeping the back locked in the neutral position, transferring upper body weight, and using back bends to relieve disc pressure immediately after any job.

Your best line of defense is training, and through the use of the "Back to Fitness" program, an 80% success rate of lowering back injuries in employees has been achieved!

It's the type of information your employees will readily identify with and put into daily practice!
Each program comes with a illustrated manual and test questions.

Sample excerpts from the "Back Safety for Inland Waterways" script:

...More often than not though, crewhands will utilize highly dangerous lifting methods as we see here. Their backs are bowed out, stomach muscles relaxed, upper bodies twisted and their legs not being utilized. All of these bad habits can increase disc pressure to extremely high levels.

...Now we see some of your fellow workers utilizing proper lifting techniques, bending at the knees, keeping the object close to the body, and placing their backs in a neutral or bowed in position with their stomach muscles tightened to further stabilize the spine. These techniques decrease disc pressure and prevent straining of the ligaments and other soft tissues that support the back.

...If your company either requires or suggests the use of back belts, pay close attention to Dr. Bunch's instructions on their correct use.

...Transferring hoses again requires all the elements of a standard lift, keeping the back bowed in, not twisting. Tightening the stomach muscles, and using the legs, with the added necessity of preplanned communication. Lift and lower on the count of 3 and communicate between all workers exactly where the hose is to be moved.

...One of the most common jobs on the inland waterways is making up tow with wires and ratchets. Knowing how to transfer a heavy ratchet without injuring your back is vital to your profession.

...Once all hardware is in place the potentially stressful job of snatching and tightening the ratchet and wires is next. This procedure often requires crewmates to work in unison, calling for clear communication between all involved. ...The key to keeping your back in good health is to utilize Dr. Bunch's concept of lumbar stabilization on every job, and especially when working with a barge winch.

...And finally No. 8, Take the principals of Dr. Bunch's back safety program to heart by utilizing proper body mechanics and sitting postures while on and off the job. As we said earlier, back injuries do not always result from a single jarring movement but occur due to a life long abuse of your spine.

Price: $330
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