Preventing And Managing Workplace Related Back Pain

Back pain is a common occurrence that affects many of us during our working life. A back injury can happen for a wide number of reasons ranging from sleeping in a poor position, moving too quickly or from excessive stress and strain. Prevention and management of back pain and injury in the workplace is important and requires serious attention from employees and management alike.

How To Prevent Back Pain In The Workplace

Of course, it is far better to avoid back pain than to have to treat it. Once a back injury has occurred, the injured party is far more likely to experience problems in the future. Avoiding and preventing back pain really often just involves using common sense from a management perspective such as:

1. Talking with employees about situations and circumstances that may cause them pain and stress.  Management should take steps to alleviate these conditions in a timely manner.
2. Invest in ergonomically correct equipment that will help employees perform their duties safely such as providing wrist rests, back rests and monitor lifters.
3. Make sure employees are encouraged to take frequent breaks to ensure that they change position frequently and implement gentle stretches throughout the day.
4. Ensure that when new equipment is introduced into the work place that all staff are aware of how to operate it safely.
5. Set a good example for employees by demonstrating a positive and supportive attitude towards any member of staff who is working whilst recovering from an injury, whether as a result of an accident at work or outside of the workplace.

How To Help Employees Suffering With Back Injuries

No matter how careful you are in the workplace, at some point in your career you may suffer a back injury.  Sometimes people suffer back injuries due to pre-existing conditions or because of non work related activities. No matter what the reason for a back injury, it is important that the person experiencing back pain be accommodated at work. This will help prevent complications and will support speedy recovery whilst preventing loss of production. The following options may need to be considered for a work colleague with back pain:

• A change of schedule
• A change of duties
• Frequent breaks
• The opportunity to exercise and stretch throughout the working day
• Adaptive or supportive equipment.

Good Back Pain Management Benefits The Entire Business

Back pain is the second most common reason for employee absenteeism in the UK. When you cultivate an environment of concern and care surrounding back pain and other work related type injuries, it will prove to be a wise investment in the overall business success. Employees who are well cared for and feel appreciated are happier at work and are more productive. Happy, healthy employees are far less likely take sick days or file insurance claims.

Simple changes in management strategies can create a more enjoyable and safer work environment. For example, making it a habit to hold brainstorming sessions and planning meetings in more stimulating venues such as outdoors or in the employee break room rather than in conference rooms or crowded around desks can result in more enthusiastic and active participation. This may yield better overall results and will definitely promote more physical activity that will help prevent work related injuries. Creating a safe, low stress, high productivity and enjoyable work place is key in developing a healthy working environment where back pain and injury are rare occurrences. Follow the advice presented here for a healthy and happy work place that is virtually back pain free.