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18 TALKBACK WORKPLACE
Organisations can implement a healthier workplace culture
Employers could do more to prevent work-related back pain ONE THIRD of Britons have taken at least one day off work due to back or neck pain in the past year, resulting in 12 days off work on average, new consumer research reveals. The research, from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), also found that 40% of workers who spend most of their time at work sitting don’t feel they are able to take regular breaks, with only 6% reporting they are actively encouraged to. This is in spite of almost half (45%) of people who have experienced back or neck pain identifying sitting for long periods of time as a trigger for their condition and getting up from your desk being one of simplest and most effective ways to combat the pain.
TALKBACK l SPRING 2019
The BCA study also found that only a minority of employers are proactively offering support to workers. Less than a quarter (23%) of respondents had been offered advice by their employer on how to sit at their desk to prevent work-related back pain, and only a fifth had been offered a desk assessment, ergonomic chairs or laptop stands. Catherine Quinn, chiropractor and BCA President said: “No-one should feel chained to their desk all day at the expense of their health and it is an organisation’s responsibility to empower staff to look after themselves in the office. With so many workers missing work due to the condition, it is truly in employers’ interests to offer proactive help and advice to protect the health of their employees.”
Tips for employers l Workstations: consider bringing in an external organisation to undertake desk assessments for staff. They can offer personalised advice on the best way to set up workstations to prevent back or neck pain l Technology: a number of accessories are available to promote healthier working, from adjustable screen stands, to standing desks or active seating which encourages the use of your core muscles when sitting l Healthy breaks: implement a company culture which empowers workers to take breaks from their desk and stay active, for example by organising lunchtime walks or offering gym incentives to personnel. https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk
