Half of workers suffering a bad back won't seek a doctors help
Despite two-thirds of a survey suffering form back pain half will choose to try and sort it out themselves - 14th November 2008
Traditionally if employees suffered a bad back as a
result of an
accident in the workplace people assumed it was
the result of a
lifting
injury at work.
However people who operate computers and may spend
hours sitting at their desk, or those who need to
carry around a laptop or heavy documents are also at
risk of suffering from back pain. This may lead
employee absence, costing employers time and money
with employees’ rights to
sick pay.
Employers need to ensure they have the correct
health and safety
procedures in place with all jobs being risk
assessed, and where necessary
training should be provided
in the correct usage of equipment, even things
as basic as the correct sitting posture and how to
adjust seating.
A survey by
MBT footwear found that while two-thirds of
those interviewed had suffered from back pain only
half would see a doctor, the other half would choose
to try and solve the problem themselves.
The report also says that contributors which
increase the risks of lower
back
pain being suffered at work are the growing
pressures, with the threat of job losses, increased
anxiety, depression and longer hours.
Director of the MBT Academy Joshua Wies said: "Now,
more than ever, it's vital that people look after
their backs, as the current economic climate
dictates that longer working hours will become the
norm.
"Poor posture, from long hours hunched in front of
computer screens, and a lack of exercise, all
contribute to muscle weakness, the cause of most
cases of back pain."
