How to Avoid Back Injuries at Work

Back problems are a major cause of concern for many workers in the Jacksonville area. Slips and falls, lifting strains and repetitive movements commonly lead to back injuries in the workplace. You might not think much of having a sore back after lifting a few boxes at work. Eventually, that soreness may not go away but worsen, indicating something more serious such as torn ligaments, pinched nerves, herniated discs or something else.

How to Protect Your Back at Work

Back injuries can be extremely difficult to recover from. Use these three points to protect your back and avoid workplace injuries.

1. Exercise and stretch
   Muscles are less vulnerable to injury when they are strong and conditioned. Stretching and exercise can help strengthen and tone weak back muscles, making them stronger and more flexible. They will also improve your posture, reducing the strain on your musculoskeletal system and decreasing the risk of trauma from repetitive lifting and work duties.
2. Avoid shortcuts
   You might have discovered some ways to get your work done faster. As convenient as shortcuts may seem, they can be risky. Your employer may have established procedures for how to complete work. They may even require the use of certain safety equipment. Always use proper lifting techniques. Also, if you suffer a back injury at work after being negligent, you could still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
3. Pay attention
   Many workplace accidents occur because of inattentiveness. Regardless of how many times you have performed certain job duties in the past, you should always pay attention as if it were your first time. Slips, trips, falls and other movements can usually be preventable by identifying all potential hazards and taking proper precautions to avoid them.

No matter how minor an injury may seem, document it and have a physician check it out. If it later turns out that you have a workplace back injury, your medical records and accident and injury reports can help to strengthen your benefits claim.

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