Ergonomic solutions can prevent workplace back injuries

Speaking at this year’s National Back Exchange Conference, held in Leicester last week, Professor Sayeed Khan encouraged employers to make use of ergonomic solutions to prevent employee back damage.

In his presentation entitled "Getting work to work for you", Professor Khan, who is a HSE board member and medical adviser for EEF, said: “"Ergonomic solutions to workplace design can help prevent back injuries, stop existing conditions being exacerbated and help sufferers feel more comfortable. They can also improve conditions for everyone. Rethinking a process, system or a workplace to make it easier for somebody returning to work may improve efficiency and conditions for the rest of the team." 

He said that although back disorders are the most common form of occupational ill health in the UK, staying active and returning to work can be part of the recovery and may even help reduce the risk of long-term incapacity.

He stressed, however, that this was only possible with senior management commitment and with sufferers actively involved in any changes needed to the workplace or their work pattern.

Professor Khan also stressed that prevention is always better than cure, and said that early interventions will save businesses time and money in the long-run and help to reduce the estimated 4.1 million working days lost to back pain every year.

In August this year, an office worker was awarded £10,000 in compensation after she suffered a slipped disc due to using a broken chair at work.

At the time, Kam Singh from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Office workers who use computers are protected by strict health and safety rules which mean they must be provided with equipment which can prevent them from suffering from injuries like this.”