Get wise on preventing workplace back pain

• Manual handling in awkward places, such as during delivery work.

• Repetitive tasks, such as packing products.

• Bending, crouching or stooping.

• Stretching, twisting and reaching.

• Being in one position for a long time.

of back pain. Then apply control measures identified and monitor and review them to make sure they are working.

And don’t forget to consult workers - if they have health and safety concerns, do something about them.

And new figures from the Office for National Statistics recently showed back pain continues to be a major cause of time off work.

Last year an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury, for a variety of reasons. Musculoskeletal problems – which include back pain, neck and upper limb problems – accounted for 10.5 per cent of those days. It is also one of the top five reasons for taking time off work.

So, what should employers be doing to protect their workers – and how can employees take better care of themselves?

The Health and Safety Executive says there are many causes of back pain at work – some tasks can be the cause of pain while others can make an existing problem worse or aggravate a previous issue.

These include:

• Lifting heavy or bulky loads.

• Carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one-handed.

• Pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads

• Working beyond your capability or when physically overtired.

• Working with display screen equipment (with poor posture).

• Driving long distances or over rough ground. The HSE says employers must protect workers from the risks of developing back pain caused by work.

There are things both employers and workers can do to manage back pain in the workplace.

One key area is manual handling – this means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. This might mean lifting, carrying or moving loads.

Employers must protect staff from the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace with the law setting out how bosses must deal with risks.

Companies can also protect their workers by avoiding work activities that can cause back pain, where reasonably practical.

Where the activity can't be avoided, assess it to see what you can do to reduce the risk

And what about workers, how can they protect themselves?

If you have any symptoms report these as soon as possible to your manager, supervisor, health and safety representative or other worker representative. There could be help available and without action some problems can become long-term issues.

Your employer can assess whether there is a problem in the workplace and may want to observe your job.

If there is an issue, your employer may need to make adaptations – to the equipment you use, the way you work or to the work environment. You must follow any systems your employer has in place for your health and safety.

Your employer may also be able to refer you to an occupational health provider for advice.

If this isn’t available, see your GP to explain your symptoms and talk about the kind of work you do.

Get more advice from the Health and Safety Executive at hse.gov.uk