Back injuries are widespread among people working in all industries. Yet, they do not need to be. Many back injuries could easily be avoided, and it does not take vast sums of money to do so.
The pain of a back injury does not stop the moment you leave work. It will continue when you go home and is unlikely to heal quickly, as it is almost impossible not to use your back in everything you do. Therefore, giving your back the rest it would need to recover is often not realistic, so you may have issues for the rest of your life.
You are never too young to worry about back injuries
Some back injuries result from a one-off event. Others come from years of abuse, so the earlier in your career you understand how to care for your back, the better. Here are a few ways you can minimize the risk of a back injury:
- Check your posture: Learn how to stand or sit correctly and learn proper lifting techniques. You may need to adjust your workstation for the best position.
- Avoid unnecessary lifting or manual tasks: Use machines where possible for heavy jobs.
- Break things up: Ensure you take adequate breaks to change your position and allow your back a rest.
Remember that you are not the only one who must take steps to prevent you from injuring your back. Your employer has a duty to provide you with a safe work environment. That covers anything from providing PPE and safety equipment, minimizing hazards in the area, and having reasonable expectations about what employees can achieve.
To claim workers’ compensation, you do not need to show that your employer was at fault. Yet you may still need help to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation available.
