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. All employees choosing to wear a back belt must complete the Department's mandatory training program on back injury prevention. I have completed the back injury prevention training program and understand the advantages and possible disadvantages of wearing a back belt.