Avoid back pain in the workplace with ergonomic supports
Back pain is one of the most common work-related injuries in any workspace, often caused by ordinary work activities such as sitting in an office chair or heavy lifting. Typically, two types of situations cause back pain or a back injury while on the job:
- Non-accidental injury, where pain arises as a result of normal activities and requirements of the task with contributing factors such as poor body mechanics, repetitive motion or fatigue.
- Accidental injury results when an unexpected event triggers injury during the task. Improper lifting of heavy loads or slips and falls are examples of accidents that can result in muscle strain or tearing of soft tissue in the back.
Applying ergonomic principles and equipping staff with necessary back supports, cushions, even the proper insoles can help prevent work-related back pain and back injury and aid in maintaining a healthy back.
References:
*Dr. Anders Cohen, chief of neurosurgery and spine surgery at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, in New York City. https://consumer.healthday.com/bone-and-joint-information-4/backache-news-53/low-back-painleading-cause-of-disability-worldwide-study-686113.html
**Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.