What we Claim

We make a number of claims about the BACK-TRACK System, however, it is not suitable for all organisations and it is not suitable for all tasks involving manual handling. Consequently, there are a number of caveats to be attached to our claims and it is important that those responsible for safety, manual handling or employee welfare are aware of these.

Our claims are simple:

1. BACK-TRACK will make people think about how they perform a manual handling task, prior to the lift. They know the device will vibrate to alert them under certain circumstances, forcing them to consciously consider the lifting process.

Examples:
2. BACK-TRACK gives operators responsibility for their manual handling technique and therefore their own back welfare. As BACK-TRACK provides a real time bio-feedback (the vibration alert) when the operator may be stooping, they can take responsibility and respond to this, or they can choose to ignore it. The responsibility, however, is now theirs.
3. BACK-TRACK will take responsibility for manual handling out of the H&S Manager's office, and put it with those responsible for manufacturing operations. Production (or Shift) Supervisors are not generally tasked with ensuring all MH aids are used and operators are using advocated manual handling techniques. With BACK-TRACK, manual handling will now be on their agenda and they will be tasked with ensuring expensive aids are used and employees are using good manual handling technique.

Examples:

  • Some organisations view the data by shift, to ensure the Shift Supervisors are taking manual handling seriously. If they are not, the Reports highlight this.
  • Some organisations with multi-site installations have a scheduled conference call where the data is viewed and actions sought, discussed and addressed.
  • For some organisations, BACK-TRACK host a web conference where all participants are able to view a remote PC and the Reports are reviewed. This is efficient for training purposes and keeps the focus on the issues.
4. BACK-TRACK highlights to management, where issues may exist, i.e., where aids are not being used, where the task is putting individuals at risk, or where additional training (or an informal reminder), may be necessary. During the one to one session, users are asked - during which processes or tasks does the device tend to vibrate? With this information, Managers are able to focus resources to resolve these issues.

Examples:

  • Stooping under low racking to access ingredients caused the operator to twist and stoop.
    The solution was a pallet truck (plenty of which were available, but most of which were requiring maintenance). By making manual handling the Production Supervisor's responsibility, they are more inclined to ensure manual handling aids are available and being used.
    Cost - negligible.
  • Operator stooping over for long periods, spraying markings on road.
    An inexpensive wheeled applicator completely resolved the issue.
    Cost - negligible.
  • Operator stooping over for long periods to rinse buckets prior to a bucket cleaning machine.
    A simple work station i.e. rinsing bench at the correct height was fabricated and completely resolved the issue and made the employee feel valued.
    Cost £250.
  • Operators being reminded to share the load with their legs and therefore use techniques advocated by their manual handling trainer. Numerous.
    Cost - negligible.

Caveats

BACK-TRACK is not suitable for all tasks and will not identify all risk factors:

  • BACK-TRACK does not identify risk associated with upper limb disorders such as carrying.
  • BACK-TRACK does not identify the risk associated with pushing or pulling.
  • BACK-TRACK alerts operators when they stoop and twist, however does not identify this as a twisting operation and therefore does not quantify it separately. This is technically very difficult to achieve.
  • BACK-TRACK monitors an employee's manual handling technique. BACK-TRACK makes no consideration for the load being handled or environment where the task is being carried out. These are two key factors when establishing risk. Please ensure that when reviewing collected data, that consideration is given to these factors.
  • BACK-TRACK is aware that some individuals have pre-existing leg or knee conditions that prevent them from using recommended manual handling techniques. BACK-TRACK will not be suitable for these employees.
  • BACK-TRACK is typically attached to a belt at the same height and just behind the hip bone. This is the outermost part of the hip. If your operators are not able to attach the device at this point, (i.e. low slung waist bands, or no waste band - such as a dress), the device can not be attached.
  • A belt is the ideal attachment method, however if your organisation provides work-wear, Snickers supply work-wear trousers with an ideal Velcro attachment pouch. Please contact us to discuss this.

BACK-TRACK reinforces good manual handling technique, however, it is important that the employees are aware of what this is. BACK-TRACK provide back care guides, however, does not provide manual handling training. It is important that the correct techniques are being reinforced and bad habits are avoided. For example, it is possible to stoop from the waist rather than from the hips. This is very uncommon and difficult, however possible and BACK-TRACK will not detect this.

Please therefore ensure that your employees have received relevant manual handling training and that they understand how the BACK-TRACK System fits within this.

If you require assistance with manual handling training, please contact us.