What is BACK-TRACK?

The BACK-TRACK system consists of a sophisticated motion-sensing device, data transfer software and a web-based reporting tool that allows the stored data to be viewed on any web-browser from anywhere in the world and saved as a PDF file.

BACK-TRACK Pro (and Pro-Intro)

BACK-TRACK Pro and Pro-Intro allows employers to identify employees at elevated risk of back injury due to poor handling practices or posture related issues. The BACK-TRACK Pro device also alerts the user with a vibrate-alert function to provide immediate feedback to advise them they are putting themselves at elevated risk. A 1:1 session with those at elevated risk and a review of the collected data (available as a PDF report) initiates a behaviour change process towards adoption of better lifting techniques.

Employees simply wear the data collection device - it's the size of a matchbox - so it won't interfere with their activities. At the end of the shift, users just plug their device back into a PC (via USB) or to a recharging hub. The data automatically uploads to the web-based analytics tool. Managers can go online - at any time - and access detailed safety reports for their group, department, or company.

Over time, the real-time feedback (vibrate-alert) combined with 1:1 process with supervisors - based on the objective PDF data reports - leads to a change in behaviour and fewer back injuries and creates a safer, more productive workplace. Evidence also shows that due to the 1:1 feedback sessions, employee engagement is improved.

Reducing manual handling and back injury risk is not just about knowledge, but occurs through a change in behaviour.

BACK-TRACK is effective - it's the only system that has been proven to change an employee's lifting behaviour and reduce back injuries.

The Pro-Intro product works in the same way as the Pro product, however is used more generally for example;

• during induction for new employees (typically 3 months)
• to rotate through an organisation so all employees benefit (1 month - 3 months)
• for employees with a historical back injury and therefore requiring additional protection (where employers have an enhanced duty of care responsibility)

BACK-TRACK Back-To-Work

The BACK-TRACK Back-To-Work rehabilitation process is managed by OH professionals. The Back-To-Work device is programmed with appropriate settings for the individual's rehabilitation, ie conservative stoop thresholds and an activity target of say 5 minutes per hour. The client wears the device and the BACK-TRACK provides appropriate vibrate alerts as necessary. At the end of the day, the BACK-TRACK device is connected to a PC running BACK-TRACK's Data Transfer Software. The OH professional periodically logs in to access and review the data. This provides them with leaning, stooping and activity based data for their client. Feedback either direct or remote, enables agreement to achieve objectives for the coming weeks. This increased engagement and commitment to rehabilitation targets has been proven to rapidly hasten the rehabilitation process.

A typical implementation of BACK-TRACK within an organisation is available here.