Back belts do not prevent back injury. They do not allow the wearer to perform extraordinarily strenuous work without fear of back injury. These requirements apply whether the Department or the employee purchases the back belt. Emphasis of the Department's back injury prevention program shall be on training, fitness programs and ergonomic assessment of the work environment, not on the use of back belts. The following points will assist employees in making informed decisions about wearing back belts.
Back belts act as a reminder to bend and lift properly.
Back belts help keep the back in proper alignment and reduce fatigue. OSHA does not consider back belts as personal protective equipment. Injuries can still occur while back belts are worn. Some medical professionals feel back belts may, if worn for an extended period of time, cause supporting stomach muscles to weaken, and may raise the wearer's blood pressure. Employees with pre-existing back conditions are responsible for providing supervisors with written medical certification from a physician indicating approval of back belt usage.