Backpack Safety

Now that school has started there are millions of students going back to classes and carrying lots of heavy books.  This load is not good for students and can cause many back problems.  Here are a few tips to consider before buying that new backpack or before loading up those books.

1. Backpacks should weigh no more than 15 to 20 percent of your body weight.
    

2. Wearing two straps is preferable because it distributes the weight more evenly.
    

3. The backpack should rest evenly in the middle of your back and should not extend lower than your lower back.
    

4. When selecting a backpack you should choose ones that:

   • are ergonomically designed

   • have padded straps to reduce pressure

   • has multiple compartments so to distribute weight better.

Return to Tip Archive

© 2003 American Red Cross
Lincoln Way Chapter, 426 Fifth St., Ames Iowa 50010
(515) 232-5104  ; (877) 316-5221 ;  http://www.lincolnwayarc.org/