How to support your employees and promote healthy back-care within the workplace.
Back problems are the one of the most common forms of ill health disorders at work. With a few simple measures in place, it is possible to reduce absence, improve productivity, and keep your team happy and healthy at work.
The most common causes of back pain at work include:
- Heavy manual labour
- Repetitive tasks
- Long periods sat at a computer or workstation
- Prolonged periods in one position
- Working beyond normal physical capabilities and when tired
But how can these be prevented?
The most important thing to do is talk to your employees. If you don’t communicate, they cannot tell you which areas give them problems, and which work well for them. By talking with them regularly, you can build good relationships and stay aware of the situations and change things as soon as they are raised. Don’t just assume that you sorted the back-care side of things, and never review it. Things change. People change. Keep up to date to reduce stress and worry.
Prevention Tips
Make jobs physically easier
- Use wheels to transport things
- Make loads smaller
- Ensure work stations are the correct height
- Provide fully adjustable chairs
- If possible and desired, provide standing desks
Talk to employees regularly
As we said before, regular communication is what is key. Stay current with what is wanted and needed.
The Back Book
Make this available to all staff. It contains evidence-based information on both preventing back pain, and living a normal life with it.
Record all instances of back pain
By recording all instances of back pain, you will have the information needed to analyse and discover if there are patterns forming and address those areas.
Early advice about back pain can reduce absence, improve workplace wellness, and improve productivity.
DocHQ will be able to help you stay on your feet and off your back. Have a look at our employee benefits such as annual health checks, video GP’s and Physiotherapy to keep your team in top shape.
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DocHQ Ltd is a Health Tech company improving choices. We help you connect efficiently to health support and advice whether you are at home, work or travelling. See our website for our services or call us on 0330 088 0645.
