Rank: Super forum user 
|
Until science fiction becomes reality (fully functioning mechanical exo-skeletons) the delicate human form should be protected from damage. Back supports are not covered by the PPE Regulations so under what guise has their use been determined to be appropriate? I would suggest you immediately bin these devices as they give a false sense of security and may actually be creating damage by impacting natural movement and muscle structure. Get back to basics - properly assess risk and adjust the task to fit the employee including mechanical or powered aids where the load cannot be adjusted.
|
 8 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Until science fiction becomes reality (fully functioning mechanical exo-skeletons) the delicate human form should be protected from damage. Back supports are not covered by the PPE Regulations so under what guise has their use been determined to be appropriate? I would suggest you immediately bin these devices as they give a false sense of security and may actually be creating damage by impacting natural movement and muscle structure. Get back to basics - properly assess risk and adjust the task to fit the employee including mechanical or powered aids where the load cannot be adjusted.
|
8 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Completely agree with Roundtuit!
|
1 user thanked antbruce001 for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I am struggling to imagine a manual handling task that might require someone to put themselves under so much physical strain that the use of such a device looks viable. You need to go back to basics and apply the hierarchy of controls starting with using suitable lifting equipment , with phony PPE so far down that it should be invisible.
|
4 users thanked A Kurdziel for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Hi Bev Unless I am very much mistaken these back support belts and similar devices started off in North America, where there tends to be emphasis on lots of mandatory PPE (though it is difficult to actually define a back support as PPE). By whatever indicator you wish to use, rates and socio-economic costs of accidents at work are MUCH higher in North America than in the UK and most of Europe. So, back (excuse the pun) to basics and follow the General Principles of Prevention aka Hierarchy of Control and leave PPE at the bottom of the pile!
|
2 users thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: New forum user
|
Looking after your posture and core strength goes a long way in avoiding back woes in the first place. Think about it, our bodies weren't designed to hunch over desks or haul heavy equipment all day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: New forum user
|
Originally Posted by: Wackyland  Looking after your posture and core strength goes a long way in avoiding back woes in the first place. Think about it, our bodies weren't designed to hunch over desks or haul heavy equipment all day.
That said, proper back support can definitely make a difference, especially during long hours or for those already battling niggling back troubles. The key is finding the right fit and type of support for your specific needs. I've seen some interesting options online, like those back braces that integrate with workwear [like some on https://www.fullsource.com/safety-jackets/ (not affiliated, just browsing!)]. Might be worth exploring different options to see what clicks with your body.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Wackyland - a hyperlink to US PPE in response to a thread about UK employment is not particularly helpful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Wackyland - a hyperlink to US PPE in response to a thread about UK employment is not particularly helpful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Hi Ronndtuit If Wackyland was on University Challenge I guess their specialist subject might be back support. Just two postings each on very similar topics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.