BACKPACK SAFETY AND SELECTION GUIDELINES
The postures observed in the two “wrong” examples noted above could result
in spinal compression and/or improper alignment, which can have a direct
effect on the cushioning ability of the discs located between the spinal
bones. With the shock absorbing ability of the discs compromised, the
individual is at risk for early “wear and tear” arthritis and nerve injury.
A child complaining of numbness or tingling may be experiencing excessive
pressure on the nerves in his neck and shoulder area. Overloading also
causes the muscles of the back to work so hard, that they become strained
and fatigued. This makes the back more susceptible to injury and pain.
GUIDELINES FOR PROPER
BACKPACK SELECTION AND WEAR
Choosing
- The size of a
backpack should fit the
size of the student. When adjusted properly, the top of the back should
be at, but not above, shoulder height, and the bottom should rest just at
the curve in the low back area. It should not rest more than 4” below the
student’s waistline. The backpack should have multiple compartments;
not only from front to back, but from top to bottom. The will allow the
weight to be distributed more evenly. The width of the backpack should not
be wider than the student’s torso. The side of the pack that rests against
the student’s back should also be padded. Air cushioning for the lumbar
area is available in some models (www.askergoworks.com/cart_ergo_kids.asp)
- The shoulder
straps
should be wide, well padded (some
models even have air cushions in them) and adjustable.
- A waist belt
should be on the model you
choose, as it helps to distribute the weight more evenly. If your student
refuses to wear the belt, then you might want to consider investing in the
models that offer a lumber cushion to help support and buffer the load.
- Shoulder
straps belt
connecting the front of these
straps also assures better fit and distribution of weight,
as
long as it is fastened!
·
Reflective material on the backpack also
provides additional safety during dusk or nighttime use.
While backpacks
with wheels offer relief during one level use, they still must be
lifted to climb the stairs and are ineffective in snow. In addition, most
models weigh significantly more than standard backpacks when empty, due to
their added framework. There is also a greater tendency to over pack these
types of backpacks. Most models of wheeled backpacks do not fit in lockers
at WMS.
Filling
The recommended
guidelines for a filled backpack is that it weigh no more than 15% of
a student’s body weight. The safer choice would be that the weight
of the backpack, when filled, not exceed 10% of the student’s body weight.
Therefore, a 100-pound student should not carry a backpack weighing more
than 10 to 15 pounds.
The heaviest items
should be placed closest to the student’s back. If the weight of items is
expected to exceed the recommended amount, then the student should hold some
texts in their arms, so once again they balance the load.
Use the compression
straps on the sides and/or bottom to help consolidate and secure the load,
allowing it to stay closer to the body.
Putting The Backpack On
A student should be aware of using proper body
mechanics when lifting the backpack and putting it on. They should face the
backpack and bend at the knees to grab it, hold it close to them, and then
lift it using their legs. One strap should be put on at a time.
Adjusting
Both shoulder straps
should always be worn (while some
models with the lumbar air cushion state they distribute the weight with
even just one strap in use, there is no need to share this information with
your student… using two is always a better, safer choice!) and adjusted so
the pack fits snugly to their back.
The following Internet resources were used to assist in the preparation of
this handout:
http://www.tbihelp.org/school_back_pack_safety_tips.htm
http://www.med.umich.edu/
http://www.aota.org
http://www.ccapta.org/BackpackSafety.htm
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