Do back belts and lifting techniques prevent injuries?
• Back belts have not been proven to prevent back injuries. Some research suggests that back belts may even cause problems, give workers a false sense of security or make them believe they can lift more weight safely. • The Limits of “Safe Lifting Techniques” Employer back injury prevention programs commonly only involve giving workers training on “safe” lifting techniques to use for patient-handling tasks. Although lifting techniques can help reduce the chances of injury, they are not a substitute for a program that relies on equipment, adequate staffing, and other measures that reduce risk factors. The usual recommendations for safe lifting are often not practical when moving patients.
