The weight and bulkiness of objects lifted are major contributing factors to injuries. Workers also frequently cite body movement as contributing to their injuries. Bending, twisting, and turning are the more commonly cited movements that cause back injuries.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that sprains and strains accounted for 42% of injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work in 2004. That year there were 282,240 cases of back injuries that accounted for 22% nonfatal occupational injuries involving days away from work. Hands, arms, and feet are also vulnerable to injury during manual handling of materials.

Also in 2004, there were 316,670 overexertion cases with lost workdays (25% of all lost-workday cases). Most of those cases were due to lifting (173,400). Pushing/pulling and carrying also result in large numbers of overexertion injuries.

NOTE: Non-MSHA links are not meant to imply enforceability by MSHA. They are for informational and educational purposes only.

OSHA Technical Manual, Section VII, Chapter 1 -- Back Disorders and Injuries

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Lost-worktime Injuries and Illnesses: Characteristics and Resulting Time Away From Work, 2004

OSHA Fact Sheet -- Back Injuries, Nation's Number One Workplace Safety Problem

Bureau of Labor Statistics -- Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities