Risks: Back Pain

About 80 per cent of people will get backpain in their lifetime, possibly from leisure, work, or even normal activities. In 2006/7, back pain affected 27,000 people in Wales.

Back pain affects people in all industries, not just a few high-risk ones. Injuries can happen anywhere - at work or at home, on farms and building sites, in factories, offices, warehouses, hospitals, banks, laboratories and while making deliveries. For example, office staff could easily hurt themselves when moving boxes of paper. If tasks such as lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying are not done safely, there is a risk of injury. However, in most cases serious or permanent damage is rare. But for some people, it can be very painful.

Heavy manual labour, awkward posture and injuries (old or new) may all cause back pain.

The people who cope best with back pain are those who stay active and get on with life despite the pain. What can be done in the early stages is very important. Resting and taking time off work for more than a day or two usually doesn’t help, and may make things worse.

Workboost Wales has specialist advisers who can help you assess and prevent the risks of back pain, and help staff to get back to work. Call us now on 0845 609 6006 – remember our advice is free and confidential.

Disclaimer