14 Jun Awkward Work Positions – Save Your Back

Awkward Work Positions – Save Your Back

Awkward work positions can place excessive stress on the back, muscles, joints, and soft tissues, increasing the risk of strains and other musculoskeletal injuries. Proper positioning, planning, and use of mechanical or ergonomic aids can reduce these risks.

Guide for Discussion

What Is an Awkward Work Position?

An awkward posture occurs when the body is forced away from a comfortable, neutral position. The risk of injury increases when an awkward posture is combined with force, lifting, repetitive motion, or prolonged work.

Examples include:

• Bending or reaching into bins, containers, or equipment.
• Working with the arms or hands overhead.
• Kneeling, squatting, or bending for floor-level work.
• Working inside confined or restricted spaces.
• Reaching while working from ladders, scaffolds, or platforms.
• Reaching across equipment or materials.
• Pulling or pushing heavy loads.
• Repeatedly twisting the torso while handling materials.
• Holding the same uncomfortable position for an extended period.

Position the Work Properly

Whenever possible, arrange the work to keep your body in a comfortable, neutral position.

• Position frequently handled materials between approximately knee and shoulder height.
• Raise or tilt bins and containers to reduce bending and reaching.
• Move closer to the work rather than reaching for it.
• Use adjustable work platforms when appropriate.
• Use long-handled or extended-reach tools when they allow the task to be performed safely.
• Reposition yourself or the work instead of twisting your back.
• Arrange materials and tools before beginning the task.

Working Overhead

Overhead work can strain the shoulders, neck, and back.

• Use an appropriate platform to bring yourself closer to the work.
• Keep the work within comfortable reach whenever possible.
• Avoid prolonged work with your arms above shoulder level.
• Take appropriate recovery breaks or change tasks when prolonged overhead work cannot be avoided.
• Never overreach from a ladder, scaffold, or work platform.
• Reposition the ladder or platform instead of leaning outside a safe working position.

Working at Floor or Ground Level

When work must be performed near the floor:

• Avoid prolonged bending at the waist.
• Kneel or squat when appropriate rather than continuously bending over.
• Use knee protection when prolonged kneeling creates a hazard or discomfort.
• Use a stool, creeper, raised work surface, or other aid when practical.
• Change positions periodically.
• Keep tools and materials within comfortable reach.

Confined and Restricted Work Areas

Limited space can force employees into awkward positions.

Before beginning work:

• Plan how the task will be performed.
• Remove unnecessary materials and clutter.
• Position tools and equipment where they can be reached easily.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Determine whether mechanical aids or different tools can reduce reaching or twisting.
• Change positions when possible rather than maintaining one posture for an extended period.

When the work area qualifies as a confined space, all applicable confined-space procedures must also be followed.

Lifting and Material Handling

Proper lifting becomes even more important when space or positioning is restricted.

• Keep loads close to your body.
• Avoid lifting while reaching or twisting.
• Turn with your feet rather than twisting your torso.
• Do not attempt to lift a heavy or awkward load from an extended position.
• Use mechanical lifting equipment when practical.
• Ask for assistance when a load cannot be handled safely.
• Break large loads into smaller loads when possible.
• Plan where the load will be placed before lifting it.

Whenever practical, arrange the task so the load can be handled near your body’s center rather than at arm’s length.

Pushing and Pulling

Pushing is often preferable to pulling when the task and equipment allow it because it can provide better visibility and body positioning. However, the safest method depends on the load, equipment, surface, and surrounding hazards.

• Use carts, dollies, or mechanical equipment when practical.
• Keep the load under control.
• Avoid sudden or jerking movements.
• Keep your body properly aligned with the direction of movement.
• Do not attempt to move loads that exceed your physical capability.

Reduce Repetition and Prolonged Postures

Even relatively light work can cause discomfort or injury when an awkward posture is maintained for too long.

• Change positions periodically.
• Alternate tasks when practical.
• Take appropriate recovery pauses.
• Stretch and straighten after prolonged bending or reaching.
• Report tasks that repeatedly require excessive force, reaching, bending, or twisting so that better work methods can be evaluated.

Back Belts Are Not a Substitute for Safe Work Practices

A back belt does not make an unsafe lift or awkward posture safe. Employees must still use proper lifting techniques, mechanical assistance, good body positioning, and appropriate work practices.

Questions to Consider

Before beginning a task, ask:

• Can the work be raised, lowered, or repositioned?
• Can I move closer to the work?
• Can a mechanical aid or different tool reduce the physical strain?
• Am I reaching, bending, or twisting unnecessarily?
• Can I change positions periodically?
• Do I need assistance with the load?
• Is there a safer way to perform the task?

Remember

Do not force your body to adapt to a poorly positioned job when the job can be adjusted to fit you. Reposition the work, use appropriate equipment, avoid prolonged awkward postures, and get assistance when necessary.