300% increase in back-pack related injury in
school-aged children1
As the Spokeswoman for the WorkCover Authority
of NSW, my involvement was greatly in women's issues, however during that
time, just in my own area, I saw the development of adjustable chairs, headsets
(instead of 'cricking your neck' to hold the phone), and ergonomic
computer tables.
When business & industry recognized the need
for a safe working environment, we saw rapid development in the field of
ergonomics.
Training for heavy lifting has now become part
of the workplace, and 'bend your knees' signs can be seen at manual
handling areas all over the world.
However, children - in their growing years
- are not being taught safe posture: how to sit, lift & carry weights
such as backpacks safely. And the result, the reported 300 increase in
injury to children from backpacks.
As the head of the
KidSAFEPosture Program,
I urge you to consider your child's posture, how they lift, how they sit, and how much
weight they are carrying to and from school.
Make your children aware of the dangers of
unsafe lifting & posture.
