Back Injuries While on the Job
From missed work and lost wages to medical and recovery expenses, work injuries can be very costly.
One type of injury in particular not only occurs frequently on the job, but can have a dire impact on an individual's ability to work.
Back injuries can happen in a number of instances and can range from minor to permanently disabling.
By knowing what the risks are you will be better able to avoid being involved in a work injury.
Typical Causes of Back Injuries Back injuries can be caused by a number of means.
Some of the most common causes of back injuries include: · Overlifting: It is important to only lift reasonably heavy materials.
Do not try and save time by carrying more than you are readily able to.
If an item looks like it may be too heavy for you to safely carry by yourself, seek the assistance of someone else or a lifting machine.
· Improper lifting: When lifting it is important to always lift with proper form.
This means lifting with your knees, and never bending over to pick up a heavy item.
This puts too much pressure on your back and can cause severe injuries.
· Repetitious behavior: If you are performing the same task over and over, this could mean you are making the same movement with your back and putting the same strain on your back repetitively.
This can cause back injuries over a long period of time that will have long-lasting and painful results.
· Improper posture: When you have poor posture it not only looks less than professional, but it can cause personal health problems.
Improper posture strains your back and can create more severe aches and pain, especially when that position is kept over a long period of time.
This is very common for individuals with "desk jobs" where they are sitting down for the majority of the day.
Sitting with a straight and proper posture can help avoid this discomfort, as can walking around every 30 minutes or so.
For More Information Knowing what can happen is one of the best methods of prevention.
However, most accidents are unpredictable.
That is why companies hold workers' compensation policies which provide fiscal compensation following an accident for those who have suffered physically and financially.