Back Belts

What is a back belt?

• context Back belts, also called "back supports", "lumbar support belts", "weightlifting belts", or "abdominal belts" were originally used in medical rehabilitation therapy. Leather belts have also been used by athletes during weightlifting. The "industrial back belt" isalso in use. While there are many types of belts on the market, the most common style is of a lightweight, elastic belt worn around the lower back which is sometimes held in place with suspenders.

Why are people using back belts?

• context A back belt is a device used, in theory, to reduce the forces on the spine, increase intra-abdominal pressure, stiffen the spine and reduce loads during lifting. It is also advertised that by wearing a back belt, the worker will be reminded to avoid awkward postures and heavy loads, reduce bending motions and in the end, reduce injuries in certain workplaces.

Do back belts protect workers from back injury?

No evidence has so far been found to support the claim that wearing back belts improves one's back safety, nor that it reduces the risk of back injury. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States formed the Back Belt Working Group to review and evaluate the existing data related to back belts. Their final conclusions are: The NIOSH group's concerns which led to such conclusions were: With these recommendations in mind, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development issued "Back Belts in Manual Material Handling" that warns users and potential users of any kind of back belts about the potential health risks that could result from wearing these devices. They state that the ministry "does not recommend back belts as personal protective equipment for workers engaged in manual materials handling". Note: These recommendations may not apply to those using back belts as medical treatment during rehabilitation from injury. Consult with your medical professional.

• context Back belts should not be considered as personal protective equipment.
• context Back belts should not be recommended for use in occupational situations.
• context None of the studies reviewed could show that the use of a back belt significantly reduced the pressure on the spine during a lift.
• context The use of back belts limits mobility and may reduce the suppleness and elasticity of muscles and tendons, potentially contributing to back injury.
• context The use of back belts may create a false sense of security, increasing the risk of lifting excessive loads.

How should a workplace try to reduce back injuries?

Changes in the workplace involving job redesign, as part of an ergonomic program, that reduce the load on the back are recommended. Workers must also be trained in the proper lifting techniques in the workplace. Please see the series of OSH Answers documents on Manual Materials Handling (MMH) for more information.

• context Fact sheet confirmed current: 2026-06-30