Workplace back injuries can put workers in the hospital, damage company morale and possibly make it so that workers can never do the same job again. Even minor back injuries can linger. After an incident, a person may be more likely to injure his or her back again.
So, why do these injuries happen? Here are four potential reasons:
1. Repetitive motion
Workers are forced to do the same task over and over again, with no variety in their schedules. Even a minor, “easy” motion can cause pain, swelling and discomfort over time.
2. Improper technique
Unfortunately, sometimes workers do not lift with their legs. Rather than keeping the spine in a straight line, they bend forward and try to lift with their backs. This is a very instinctive way to lift, but it’s also the wrong way to lift, and it can lead to serious injuries.
3. No training
Workers never get training, or the training they get is not adequate. Not all workers understand proper safety techniques or what type of safety gear to use. When an employee just assumes that he or she knows what to do, it can lead to problems and mistakes.
4. Rushing
Workers face constant pressure to get work done faster. The employer only focuses on production, even when it means that workers are not safe. In a rush, and perhaps frustrated by this high-stress situation, a worker gets injured or causes an accident that injures someone else.
Have you suffered a back injury on the job? Regardless of the severity, you need to make sure you know your legal rights.
Source: Safe Start, “4 Major Causes of Workplace Back Injuries (and What to Do About Them),” accessed May 25, 2018
