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Back pain is one of the largest causes of absence from work and it is reported that nearly 9.3 million working days were lost in 2008/9 due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. A back injury at work can be caused if a worker stays immobile for long periods of time which ultimately weakens back muscles.
Working in an office usually involves employees working with a computer, and sitting at a desk all day isn't very good for a back. However, injury can be avoided by sitting in the right position and arranging a desk well.
Back pain can be prevented by adjusting a chair so that the lower back is properly supported, taking strain off the back. An office chair should ideally be adjustable for height, back position and tilt.
The chair height should be adjusted so that they keyboard can be used with wrists and arms parallel to the floor. Elbows should form an L shape and be by the side of the body, helping to prevent repetitive strain injury.
Knees should be level with hips and feet should be flat on the floor. If they're not, a footrest may be required to make sure that feet are resting at a level which is comfortable.
The top of the computer screen should be at eye level of the employee and about arms length away from them. If the monitor is at the wrong level, it causes the neck to strain which can be painful. A monitor stand might be needed to ensure the screen is in the right position.
There should be a gap of about four to six inches between the keyboard and the front of the desk so that wrists can rest in between bouts of typing. Wrists should be kept straight, and some people prefer to use a wrist rest to keep their wrists at the same level as the keys.
If use of the keyboard is not needed, the employee should put it aside and use the space for the mouse instead. Otherwise, the mouse should be kept as close to the employee as possible.
An employee's computer screen should be as glare free as possible and should be positioned to avoid overhead lighting and sunlight. Blinds may have to be pulled over windows and ceiling lights replaced with desk lights.
If these tips are enforced, unnecessary work-related injury can be avoided in office-based environments.
Claiming for a back injury at work
Has your job taken its toll and caused you a back injury? You could be entitled to make a compensation claim for your pain, suffering and loss of earnings.
YouClaim has helped thousands of people gain the compensation they deserve and our personal injury solicitors have an excellent success rate.
To find out more there are four different ways to contact us. Fill in our online form, request a call back, call us on 0800 10 757 95, or call our mobile friendly number, 0333 240 0871.
