Bellarmine University
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Backpack Safety

Things not to do!
Good things to do!     
1. Don’t wear backpack over only one shoulder. 1. Wear both straps over shoulders and if chest strap available, use it.
2. Don’t put too much weight in backpack. 2. Load backpack with only 10-15% of own body weight.
3 Don’t wear a thin-lined back pack. 3. Get a backpack with a padded back to help protect back from being poked with sharp edges from books, pens, rulers, etc.
4. Don’t get a back pack with just one big compartment. 4. Get a backpack with many compartments to distribute the weight.
5. Don’t try to haul everything all at once. 5. Use lockers if available to lighten the load, and take only books necessary for that class.
6. Don’t put things in backpack that are unnecessary (lap tops, CD players) 6. Use other bags for things like lap-tops and CD players.
7. Don’t buy hard back books if don’t have to. 7. Buy lighter weight books or paperback books if available to lighten the load.
8. Don’t let the backpack hang all the way down at its loosest point. 8. Keep backpack tight on shoulders and close to back so it isn’t pulling on shoulders and back painfully.
9. Don’t lean forward when walking. If doing so, load is probably too heavy. 9. Keep back straight, walk with an upright posture.
10. Don’t buy a backpack for looks; it may not be the best. 10. Buy the backpack with the best components so you can protect yourself from getting injured.
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Bellarmine University | 2001 Newburg Rd. | Louisville KY | 40205 | 502.452.8131 | 800.274.4723