1. Frequent causes of back pain:

• Standing or sitting too long, especially without changing position
• Lifting or carrying something that is too heavy and/or awkward
• Lifting things using an incorrect technique, with your back in the wrong position
• Sleeping in the wrong position or on a bad mattress

2. Several symptoms can warn you that your back is injured. See a doctor if you notice:

• Sore or stiff muscles
• Numbness
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Not being able to move your head, arms or legs as much as you used to

3. To review how to lift and carry things, check the Safe Tips on Lifting and Carrying Objects.

4. The key word for work shoes: practical. They should be comfortable, stable and supportive. If you have to stand on steel or concrete, consider using a cushioned insole or getting rubber and/or padded matting to stand on.

5. Start a program of exercise and stretching to strengthen you back and to keep you limber. As few as a half-dozen exercises and an investment of just 10 minutes a day can work wonders.

1. Use portable fire extinguishers for putting out small fires or containing them until firefighters arrive.
2. Your first priority is to be able to get out of your house safely. Remember that fires grow and spread very quickly.
3. Make sure these conditions exist before using your fire extinguisher:
   • The fire is confined to a small area and isn't spreading,
   • Everyone else has left the house or building,
   • Someone has called the fire department, and
   • The room isn't filled with smoke.
4. To use a fire extinguisher, remember P-A-S-S:
   • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
   • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
   • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
   • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
5. For your home, buy a multi-purpose extinguisher, which you can use on all types of home fires. You want it to be large enough to put out a small fire, but not so big that it is hard to handle.
6. Read the instructions and get familiar with the parts and how to use it. Don't wait until something catches fire.
7. Keep your fire extinguisher close to an exit.
8. Keep your back to an unblocked exit when you are using your extinguisher on a fire. You want to be able to escape easily if things get out of hand.
9. If smoke fills the room, leave immediately.