I work for a small "recreational community" and we have our own golf course, recreation area. Every summer I end up filing workman's comp claims for injuries to backs, etc.for our seasonal summer help who maintains the golf course. We also had a girl crush her foot when she dropped something on it. I questioned the maintenance managers whether they have the employees use back brace belts or if they wear steel toed shoes.

I was met with opposition when I asked this question and was asked to 'prove' they had a legal obligation to provide safety equipment or have the summer help provide their own and use it, such as the steel toes/back braces. Every time I call in a workman's comp claim, one of the first questions - were they wearing safety equipment is asked of me and frankly I am tired of saying "as far as I know they are" when I know better.

I have enough common sense to know they should be wearing these items working around the huge mowers, etc but if they want 'proof" can you direct me to it. There will come a day when we have a more serious injury.

Actually, back braces have been found ineffective for most uses and are no longer recommended except in certain circumstances such as when a doctor recommends one because of a medical condition. Steel toes boots are also not legally required. You are better off offering training on safe lifting practices if you are getting resistance to the braces. I would also make sure employees are trained on how to safely use the mowers.

http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000421/p0000421.asp

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/beltsumm.html

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/

Actually, back braces have been found ineffective for most uses.

Yep, we learned the hard way that back braces are bad news. They are not simply ineffective -- they give the wearer the idea that he/she can lift more than he/she should. The result is increased claims.