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Back Safety Training Q&A

Does OSHA mandate back safety training?: No, there is no specific OSHA regulation for back safety. However, hazards that can cause back injuries to employees are covered under the General Duty Clause. Therefore, OSHA recommends the use of engineering controls (mechanical assists, proper workstation design, etc.) to eliminate or reduce these hazards, and to reduce the occurrence of back injuries. In fact, OSHA considers back injuries to be the nation's primary work safety problem.

Should we provide back support belts to our employees?: Although the employer is not required to provide a back support belt, many employers choose to do so in order to reduce the risk of employee back injuries and similar hazards. If employers do decide to provide back support belts, it is also in their best interest to provide relevant education and training as to how injuries occur, how best to prevent them, how to appropriately handle the equipment, and what are the body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury.

Should we require employees to stretch during the work day?: It is in no way mandatory, but it is absolutely recommended. Studies show that there are many physical and mental benefits to stretching and performing even minimal exercise at work. Employees who remain static for extended periods of time run a greater risk of developing soreness and strains, which results in decreased energy, increased injuries and hazards, and more lost work days. Studies conclude that stretching is a critical proactive measure in reducing injuries on the worksite, is generally favorably viewed by employees, and should be implemented as part of an overall injury prevention program at the workplace.

Are we required to provide refresher back safety training?: No, although it is recommended. Some OSHA standards (i.e. bloodborne pathogens, respiratory protection, etc.) require annual training. Other standards (i.e. hazard communication, personal protective equipment, etc.) require refresher training only if: (1) changes in the workplace create a new hazard; (2) after a hazard exposure; (3) established objectives of the original training program were not understood or met; or (4) OSHA alters standards or regulations. OSHA does require routine retraining when dealing with machinery operation. According to 1926.64(g)(2): "Refresher training shall be provided at least every three years, and more often if necessary, to each employee involved in operating a process to assure that the employee understands and adheres to the current operating procedures of the process. The employer, in consultation with the employees involved in operating the process, shall determine the appropriate frequency of refresher training."

Should we purchase equipment to reduce back injuries?: Although it is not a regulation, it is a recommendation. Employers can drastically reduce the risk of on-the-job injuries and illnesses by taking necessary precautions. In the case of back injuries, such precautions would include: (1) training employees in proper lifting or product handling techniques; and (2) providing employees with suitable equipment (and educating them in the proper use of this equipment).

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Training Format Comparison Chart

Price	DVD Kit $299	Online Training See Pricing	In-Person Training $5,000 - $10,000
PROS	DVD cost effectively trains and retrains an unlimited amount of employees. No trainer required, just pop in and play. Video content keeps trainees engaged.	Very convenient, multiple employees don't need to be pulled off the floor at once for a training session. Includes both video content and an interactive quiz element to keep workers engaged.	More engaging than traditional training formats. Can be customized to fit a companies specific work environment and equipment. The only training option that can cover the "hands on" and "evaluation" portions of the training in addition to the " classroom" portion of the training.
CONS	Can be difficult to pull multiple workers off the floor at once to watch the video. The DVD can get lost or scratched. DVD can only train workers at a single location.	Due to the per person pricing format, it's expensive for large companies that need to train hundreds or thousands of employees.	By far the most expensive training medium. Administering refresher training as well as initial training for new employees can be a logistical nightmare.

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