Every Friday we pass on a few health and safety articles we enjoyed throughout the week in a “Best of the Week” post.

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MSD Prevention Articles

How to Prevent Back Pain at Work 
Back pain is a much more common problem than most people realize. Lower-back pain is cited as the No. 2 reason why Americans see their doctors, second only to colds and the flu. And patients suffering from backaches consume more than $90 billion annually in health care expenses, according to 2004 research from Duke University. Almost 80% of the adult population will deal with back pain at some point in their lives — think prevention.

Exercises for Low Back Injury Prevention 
Learn a series of low back stretches and exercises in this free handout courtesy of the University of Arkansas.

Proper Lifting Technique Handout  
Educating your people on proper lifting techniques should be a key team member training objective in your education program. Workers are making decisions moment by moment that affect their work and the toll it takes on their bodies. Educated decisions and behaviors require education — teach them proper lifting technique!

11 Ways to Avoid Back Pain  
Learn about 11 simple ways to avoid pain back. Incorporate these habits into your daily routine for a healthier, pain-free back.

Injury Prevention Tip — Keep Hamstrings Loose to Decrease Stress on the Low Back 
Tight hamstring muscles place increased stress on the low back, which often causes or aggravates conditions that lead to low back injuries and chronic lower back pain. Make sure to keep your hamstrings loose to decrease stress on the low back.