Millions of working days are lost every year due to back injuries. Sickness absences from work-related back pain are around 1-5 days. The average total days off per employee are 19 days off a year. One major cause of back injury which is preventable is manual handling of items. To prevent injury and to promote safety in the workplace one must take a look of the Ergonomics of the job asked to do. Ergonomics is the science of adjusting job conditions and equipment to match the body’s natural ways of functioning. Using good ergonomics will help reduce injuries and fatigue in the workplace.
Your back is comprised of 300 muscles, 33 vertebra and 30 spinal disks. Some of the common injuries due to poor ergonomics are disk ruptures (spine compresses and pinches nerve roots), strains (Overusing or overstretching back muscles), and bulging disks (Disk comes out between two vertebra and separates).
Your posture is very important to preventing back injuries. Stand straight with your shoulders back, head up and feet shoulder length apart. You should not slump your shoulders and slouch. Don’t forget that good posture carries over when you are sitting. Always sit up straight and never slouch forward or slump down in your chair. Use your chair’s arm rests to relieve pressure on the spine. Changing your posture frequently is recommended by getting up to walking around and stretching. Do you have a job that has you lifting? Keep in mind the correct technique to use when lifting. Bending at the knees; not the waist and hold the load close to your body; not far away. When lifting items do not twist, and use your leg muscles to lift instead of your back.
When preventing back injuries keep in mind an important part is wearing appropriate footwear for the job you are completing. Also regular exercise that has flexibility and strengthening exercises is a good way to keep your back healthy.
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