Back injuries are a common thing at work when workers do not understand how to protect themselves. Employers can prevent unnecessary workers’ compensation claims by training people to stay safe and protect their backs on the job. Several agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mayo Clinic, Fit for Work, and state entities offer many tips for businesses to protect workers and themselves.
Common activities that cause back problems at work
Repetitive movements are extremely damaging to the back. Awkward angles or bending while sitting or standing contribute to many problems with tears and strains in the back muscles. When moving heavy items the wrong way, employees can significantly damage the spine, causing permanent injuries. Too much idle time like sitting for prolonged periods and twisting when lifting also contribute to many back strains.
Bending over too long when packing boxes or putting things on a pallet can cause too much pressure on the lower back. Working near vibrations in jobs like machining, operating heavy equipment, driving commercial trucks, and operating construction equipment like jackhammers are also bad for the back. Carrying, pushing, or pulling objects incorrectly are very common problems that cause back issues.
Poor habits at home also contribute to back pain at work. Reaching too far away from the body with weight is a sign employees do not know the proper way to handle heavy or awkward items. Bad posture is also common for many people. Adding signs saying to stand up straight or sit against the back of the chair to stop back pain can often remind people to mind their posture.
Chronic tiredness is a problem for many people. If the body is tired, then the back will wear out quicker. Pain and chronic tiredness are signs a person is not getting enough sleep. Offering wellness classes or seminars can help promote healthier activities at home.
Slippery work conditions like wet or messy floors that cause unsteady movements can greatly affect how easily a person can fall at work. Inadequate work station set-up is a common thing in warehouses and factories. Changing the station to make it more comfortable for people to work in can reduce back issues dramatically. Working in cold temperatures also causes the body to tense up, so allowing people time to get out of the cold periodically and providing heated work gear can help.
Other issues causing back injuries
- Bad physical condition or loss of strength
- Age
- Previous falls and back injuries
- Stress at work or home
Things employers can do to help employees protect their back and prevent issues
Teaching employees how to listen to what their body is telling them is important. When pain or straining is present, then standing up and stretching can minimize issues. Encouraging employees who sit or stand in one place to move around periodically is crucial. Alternating work stations can help minimize constant repetition. Purchasing carts for workers to use to transport heavy items, and adding more breaks for workers in the healthcare field and other jobs where lifting heavy objects is a routine part of the job helps.
Offering safety training to teach people how to stretch before work, how to lift items properly, and when to stop before injuring oneself is vital for companies to protect workers and their brand. Encouraging people to stand up straight when working is another way to help staff prevent back injuries. Providing or requiring supportive equipment like back braces for heavy lifting is another way a company can help stop back pain and problems resulting in the loss of work and productivity.
Reducing pulling tasks and promoting more pushing can stop back pain for some people. Using conveyors at horizontal angles and raising tables to a better height to minimize straining can help. Additionally, cutting back how much weight a person must lift, if possible, will minimize back strains, pulls, tears, and more extensive damage like bulging or slipped discs. Allowing two people to lift heavy objects is always the best alternative. Moving warehouse shelves closer to delivery chutes and conveyors is also imperative.
Providing time for employees to stretch before work is a great way employers can assist employees with better back health. Promoting wearing good footwear using an employer matching program or taking payments out of the employee’s paycheck can make purchases more affordable. Giving people extra time to walk around is vital. Providing spots close to entrances for personal items, and adding railings and foot bars offer more support.
Additional ways employers can create a safer workplace for back health
Keeping floors clean and dry can prevent slips and falls. Providing storage for heavy things at about three feet from the ground is ideal. Using clear signage when cleaning floors will help employees avoid falls. Offering hand trucks to move boxes or awkward items helps. Another thing employers can do is set up a reporting program where people feel comfortable telling the company about hazardous conditions. Making sure these reports are addressed immediately is crucial to the success of these programs. Encouraging employees to stay fit with worker incentives will also minimize health conditions that contribute to back problems and help curb weight gain.
Should you find yourself in a lawsuit for a back injury at work, then it is important to talk to a legal professional. They can help you figure out who is liable for the accident, how to find an amicable solution, and help you protect your business.
Sources
https://www.cirsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Back-Injury-Prevention-Program-Manual-2.pdf
https://fitforwork.org/blog/back-care-reducing-the-impact-of-back-pain-in-the-workplace/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/back-pain/art-20044526
https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vii/otm_vii_1.html
https://www.osha.net/workplace-safety/safety-training-prevent-workplace-low-back-injury/
