Are Backbelts Effective or Not?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries account for more than 1 million disabling workplace injuries every year.

OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has not recognized back support belts as a form of personal protective equipment for several years. According to OSHA, three out of five back injuries are directly to lifting. OSHA, instead advocates a move toward a "Zero-Lift Environment." A "Zero-Lift Environment" is one where minimal lifting occurs anywhere in the workplace. Unfortunately, some work places are not possible for this type of environment, particularly in heavy manufacturing/retail fulfillment environments.

At All Safety Products, Inc., although we do sell backbelts and still believe in their effectiveness as an aid to lifting, we do believe the key question to consider and ask as a company is, "Do we have an effective back injury prevention program in place?" If you are relying on back supports alone to prevent back injuries, you are headed for serious trouble.