Feb 20, 2018

3 Tips for Avoiding Back Injuries

Back injuries can be caused by a variety of situations. Lifting heavy objects without support, slipping and falling on a wet floor, bending down repeatedly, and using poor posture can all cause muscle strains and back injuries. While the majority of back pain comes from overuse of muscles, some workers may suffer disc herniation and other serious problems, such as spinal cord injuries. These can cause immense pain, as well as numbness and stiffness in areas of your body. Whether you work in an industry that requires a lot of heavy lifting, or you sit at a desk all day, you may be at risk for a back injury.

How Can You Prevent a Back Injury at Work?

1. Create an Ergonomic Working Environment

The term “ergonomics” refers to the science of designing a work space for the comfort and safety of employees. If you sit at a desk and suffer from back pain, you may be able to request an ergonomic chair that supports your lower back, and you may want to ask your employer for a convertible standing desk. Sitting in the same position for hours at a time, especially if you don’t have good posture, puts a lot of pressure on your back muscles. By using ergonomic equipment, you can allow your back to stay comfortable all day long.

Ergonomic equipment can also aid workers who have more active jobs. For example, if you work in the manufacturing or construction industry, you can use ergonomic lifting equipment to assist with lifting heavy machinery and objects. This can save your back from undue wear and tear, and help prevent a serious injury.

2. Use Exercises to Strengthen Your Back

Poor posture and weak muscles put you at risk for a back injury. If your muscles are weak, they will not be able to provide necessary support for your spinal column. This means, when you try to lift something or twist the wrong way, your back may become injured. It is important to not only have good posture, but to also have strong muscles in your back, core, legs, and arms. Back strengthening exercises can provide a solution. The more flexible and strong your muscles are, the safer you will be.

3. Avoid Awkward Postures, Overexertion, & Fatigue

Lifting an object or straining your muscles while you are in a bent or twisted position can put you at risk for a serious back injury. It is best to bend your legs, keep your back straight and your core tight, and lift manageable objects from waist level. If necessary, use a table or work desk to store heavy objects so you don’t have to bend down.

Furthermore, you should split up your workloads to make them lighter and easier to carry. While you may think you can carry an entire load to your destination, this puts a lot of strain on your back and neck muscles. Instead, you should carry lighter loads and make more trips to reduce the risk of a back injury.

Fatigue in the workplace has also caused a variety of back injuries. If you don’t get the rest you need, you will be unable to perform your work duties in a safe and effective manner. You may slip and fall easier, or strain the muscles in your back because of poor carrying postures. Thus, getting adequate sleep each night can help you stay safe and avoid a back injury.

If You Have Suffered a Back Injury at Work, Call Our Atlanta Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today at 770-922-3660

Back injuries are often debilitating, and can put you out of work for weeks, if not months. At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we provide experienced legal services to clients seeking workers’ compensation. We know you are going through a difficult time. That is why our Atlanta workers’ comp attorneys will handle the legal issues of your case so you can focus on healing. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to medical benefits, wage benefits, and disability benefits.

Contact our office today to schedule a free initial case evaluation.