Managing MSDs via Behaviour Change Musculoskeletal Disorders MSDs - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Managing MSDs via Behaviour Change

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• MSDs are a huge global issue – for both employers and for individuals.
• There are no easy solutions.
• There is no personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent or minimise back injuries.
• Training appears to be ineffective. According to OSHA-Europe1, “Training on working methods in manual

handling is not effective if it is used as the only measure to prevent low back-pain”.

• The responsibility has been with the employer to resolve (and they only have a few tools to assist them)
• In the UK, it is generally accepted that reductions in MSDs will only be achieved by changing an individuals

working behaviours. BACK-TRACK has been designed to do exactly that.

• 1. European Agency for the Safety & Health at Work, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Back To Work Report.

The BACK-TRACK System – What is it?

• The BACK-TRACK System incorporates a small data collection device that monitors posture

(to detect stooping) and a web based management system.

• As well as posture, the BACK-TRACK device monitors activity (walking) and free-fall (when jumping).
• BACK-TRACK provides a vibration alert if it detects stooping, jumping or a prolonged period of inactivity.
• BACK-TRACK may be used proactively i.e. to prevent injury or to manage the rehabilitation process of those

returning to work following a back related absence.

BACK-TRACK device – what does it monitor?

• Rotation. The BACK-TRACK is worn on a belt and the device detects that it is rotating as the wearer starts

to lean and stoop forwards. At a programmed angle, the device vibrates to alert the wearer that they are stooping (the behaviour we are trying to avoid).

• Freefall. The BACK-TRACK device detects free-fall which is used to detect jumping from delivery vehicles

cabs and tailgates.

• Activity. The accelerometer inside the BACK-TRACK device detects movement and can therefore be used

to monitor activity, which is vital for rehabilitating someone with back pain. Evidence indicates that sitting at a desk for long periods will inhibit the rehabilitation of an injury1.

• 1. Williams C, Denning E, Baird A and Sheffield D. Move-more – Investigating the impact of behaviour change techniques on break taking behaviour at work Institure of Safety

and Health, 2014. www.iosh.co.uk/movemore

Modifying Behaviours – The Evidence

Activations / Hr (Average for All Users)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 May- 08 Jun- 08 Jul- 08 Aug- 08 Sep- 08 Oct- 08 Nov- 08 Dec- 08 Jan- 09 Feb- 09 Mar- 09 Apr- 09 May- 09 Jun- 09 Jul- 09 Aug- 09

BACK-TRACK changes behaviour in 2 ways

1. The real-time intervention provided by the BACK-TRACK device when it vibrates when it detects undesirable postures. 2. The recorded data shows if an individual is potentially at an elevated risk of

• injury. This promotes engagement.

The BACK-TRACK System

Why are back injuries so common? Stooping is seemingly harmless and it doesn’t hurt whereas the advocated semi-squat method requires:  conditioning of under-used thigh muscles  balance  practice (familiarity) but most importantly

A CHANGE IN BEHAVIOUR !

The BACK-TRACK System changes behaviour

The BACK-TRACK System behaviour change cycle. Monitor

• via the BACK-TRACK device

Review

• monthly review of the collected data

(via the automated reports) Feedback - to those identified at being at elevated risk using the 1:1 template Modify

• techniques, task, methodologies, layouts, etc

This process is proven to be effective for modifying Manual Handling techniques and for jumping from vehicles.

BACK-TRACK Manual Handling Competency Programme – how does it work?

Assess who appears to activate their BACK-TRACK most often. These individuals are potentially at an elevated risk of injury.

BACK-TRACK Manual Handling Competency Programme – how does it work?

• A simple review of their collected data is more informal, yet a very effective way of raising awareness of risk.

A red line indicates an activation Loading vehicles first thing causes most activations. CG AAPH trend by week

BACK-TRACK Case Studies

• Leading UK Parcel Carrier; trial data
• Detail data shows that for some drivers, most activations occur in the depot while loading the vehicle.

BACK-TRACK Case Studies

• DHL Tesco: DP 2013 Innovation Award winner. Reducing absence using the BACK-TRACK Competency Prog.
• DHL Sainsbury’s: Using BACK-TRACK for Rehab to manage the Return-To-Work process.
• DHL Life-Sciences: Workplace Assessments using BACK-TRACK and using BACK-TRACK for Rehab.
• DHL Automotive: Using the BACK-TRACK Competency Prog. to reduce back, leg and ankle injuries and absence.
• TNT Express: Using the BACK-TRACK Competency Prog. to reduce back, leg and ankle injuries and absence.
• Allied Bakeries: Using the BACK-TRACK Competency Prog. to reduce back, leg and ankle injuries and absence.
• Large UK parcel carrier: Using BACK-TRACK for Rehab and Induction.

Risk Screening

Induction

(12 wks)

Competency Programme Mandatory MH Training Absence RTW & LTA Workplace Assessment

BACK-TRACKTM

Jump Detect (for drivers)

Many implementation options exist.

Contact info

• John Pelling, Managing Director
• Tel: +44 7748 327773
• Email: john.pelling@backtrack.co.uk
• BACK-TRACK Europe Ltd., 1 Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS, UK