Back Injury

Although back injuries are the most common type of injury to occur at work, such injuries can usually be prevented. People can suffer back injuries at any type of jobs, including simple office work; however, people working with oil rigs, in factory jobs, or at construction sites are more likely to have such an injury. With basic knowledge, preparation and care, back injuries can be prevented on any job site.

Workplace Pointers

Back injuries are common causes for missed time for work. There are many things you can do while you are working to keep from being injured. If you work in an office, your chair should be neither too close to nor too far away from your keyboard. You also want your computer monitor to be neither too high nor too low.

You need to make certain you have the proper posture to avoid injuries. Experts say when you are working to keep your head up and a small arch in your back. Having a comfortable chair, having your chair the proper distance from your keyboard, having your computer monitor at the proper height, and maintaining proper posture are more important than you might realize. Your back can be strained and you can suffer pain just from sitting in an uncomfortable position all day. You don't want a serious back injury, because it will take a long time to heal. Even maintaining a proper diet can help in preventing back injury.

Physical Challenges

If your profession involves bending down often or lifting heavy objects continuously, taking regular breaks to stretch the back is necessary. Otherwise, a person can feel exhausted and suffer regular back pains and soreness.

A person should never stay in the same position all day. In both grueling physical jobs and sports, a person should take ample time to stretch their muscles, in order to avoid simple, avoidable injuries. This applies not only to those who do physical jobs, but office workers as well.

Proper Lifting

Lifting heavy objects requires a specific method and consistency in order to avoid injury. Even before you try to lift an object, you should make sure whatever you are going to lift is properly packed and balanced. You can do that by simply pushing it. The steps for proper lifting include:

• Take your time lifting. Hurrying through a lifting process can cause strains and sprains.
• Do not bend your lower back. Bend at the knees and hips instead. Keep your head up and back
  straight as you lift. Use the strength of your legs to lift.
• Make certain your shoulders are in line with your hips, facing the object. Don't twist. Instead pivot your hips, not your back.
• Use gloves or handles to achieve a solid, secure grip when you are lifting. Don't lift on uneven or
  slippery surfaces.
• Keep the weight of the object that you are lifting centered and close to your body.
• Make sure you have looked to determine where you are going to place the object you are moving before you lift.

Exercise Caution

Because many back injuries are not caused by an accident but are preventable, there are still other things you can do to prevent injuries. One of the most important is to exercise. If your back muscles are stronger, you will not be injured as easily. Make certain that if your back has already been injured you consult with your doctor first. He can even recommend safe and effective exercises.