Back injury prevention for workers: Stay safe on the job

Work Injury - September 15, 2023 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Suffering a back injury at work is one of the worst things a worker can experience. It hurts when the injury occurs and can lead to weeks, months, or even years of excruciating pain. Many workers state that their back is never the same after they have experienced a back injury. It is important to remember these six back injury prevention tips to possibly avoid suffering a back injury while on the clock.

Contact a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney for more information. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about back injury prevention at work.

work injury prevention

1. Practice good posture

You want to stand or sit up straight and avoid any awkward or uncomfortable postures when you are at work. Many people do not realize when they are slouching throughout the day, but too much slouching can put a lot of weight and strain on certain ligaments, muscles, and joints within the back. Regardless of whether you stand or sit at work, you should make sure that you are practicing good posture at all times to avoid back injuries.

2. Lift materials and products the correct way

Most workers do not know how to lift materials and products correctly. If you were taught during training, there is a good chance that you may have forgotten. Therefore, you must take the time to make a note and remember that you should never put too much weight or force on your back. Instead, you must bend your knees, tighten the muscles within your stomach, and use your legs for support when lifting an object.

3. Avoid doing tasks repeatedly in the same way

Even though some peoples’ daily work duties include doing repetitive tasks, constantly doing the same movements can quickly lead to a back injury. If this is the case for you, trying to find ways to do the same tasks differently may be a good idea.

For example, if you have two tasks you need to do throughout the day, you could alternate them. Going back and forth between the two tasks will give your back a break. You may also be able to come up with ideas to make your workload easier, such as placing objects on a higher surface to avoid unnecessary reaching and bending.

4. Try to keep moving and change your position often

If you work in an office that requires you to sit most of the day, you should try to keep moving as much as possible. This means you should stand up at least every hour and give your back a break from being in the same position. It is also a good idea for all workers to walk around their offices/work environments every 30 minutes to ensure their muscles get the proper stretches they need. Walking in place is a good alternative if you are not allowed to walk around at work.

5. Stretch frequently

When you go for long periods without stretching, your back muscles will begin to feel tight. This can cause severe back pain. Therefore, when you have a break at work, it is highly recommended that you take the time to stretch your legs, back, arms, and other muscles to prevent stiffness and muscle tightness.

6. Maintain good health

Maintaining good health is one of the easiest and most important back injury prevention tips on this list, but it is often overlooked and ignored. To maintain good health, you must remain active, eat a healthy diet, sleep at least 7 to 8 hours each night, stay hydrated, and reduce your stress levels as much as possible. Working 40+ hours each week can get in the way of these things, but you must make time for your well-being to ensure your body can heal quickly in case an injury ever does occur.

How to prove a back injury at work

If you suffer a back injury at work, one of the first questions you will likely ask is how to prove that your injury happened while on the clock. The good news is that a Chicago back injury lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can assist you with this. We will review your claim’s facts, investigate the accident, and help you collect evidence to support your claim.

The following are the pieces of evidence that we will help you gather to prove that your back injury occurred at work:

  • A copy of your accident/ injury report that you turned in to your employer
  • Medical records
  • Doctor’s statements
  • Photographs
  • Videos
  • Documentation and paperwork
  • Proof that you were on the clock (clocking in and out sheet)

Call a Chicago back injury lawyer today

The back injury attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable regarding securing compensation for back injury at work. We have helped countless clients with similar situations and are happy to help you as well.

If you are ready to get started on your back injury at work settlement and ensure that you receive the proper compensation for back injury at work, please fill out our contact form or call our office at (800) 985-1819 today. We offer free consultations and look forward to speaking with you soon.