A back protector having a back plate configured to, among other things, relieve, reduce, or eliminate the stress or discomfort that can be imposed on a person's upper trunk region during certain activities. The protected areas can include the upper back, spine, and/or lower shoulder area of a person, such as a plumber, in the supine position. The upper trunk protector further includes apparatus or means for attaching the plate to the person to be protected, such as a first elongate strap and a second elongate strap each having a first end and a second end, and a waist belt. Preferably, the waist belt is attached along a bottom portion of the back plate and is configured to be worn about the person's waist, while the first elongate strap and second elongate strap are each attached at the first end to a top section of the back plate and at the second end to corresponding points on the waist belt. Related methods are described.