By | Marina
Your employer is responsible for providing its workers with a safe and secure place in which to work. You should expect to go to work and not be hurt while there. Of course, it is easier said than done which is why lawyers like Lamber Goodnow have plenty of work.
Part of the responsibility falls on your shoulders, however. This means that you need to take some steps to make sure that you aren’t injured at work. For instance, back injuries are very common and it’s up to you to protect yourself from it happening. In this article, we will go over some of the ways to prevent a back injury at work.
1 – Wear the right gear
One of the biggest causes of back injuries is a slip and fall. When you try to avoid falling, it can twist your back and cause your muscles to strain. Since there is a bundle of nerves at your lower lumbar it can be very painful.
This is why it’s so important to wear the right gear while working. Shoes that can grip the floorare essential so that you don’t slip by accident. When there is a spill or there is ice on the ground then you are very likely to slip and cause an injury.
2 – Never lift alone
If part of your job description is to lift heavy objects occasionally, then you have to make sure that you are taking care to not strain your back while doing so. Lifting more than you are capable of doing is a sure way to strain a muscle and end up with a lot of pain in your back.
The best way to safely lift things is to do it with a coworker. Lifting things on your own is not something expected of you and should be avoided. A boss will not tell you that you have to lift something beyond your capabilities. It may even just be tempting to grab a box or heavy object and try yourself since it will save time. All you need to do is imagine how long you will be out of work with a back injury to not be tempted any longer.
3 – Get plenty of exercise
When you lift a heavy object the proper way, most of the work is being done by your core. This is where most of your whole body strength lies. To make sure that you are able to lift heavy objects safely, you need a strong core.
Make sure to do plenty of exercise that targets your core strength and this will reinforce the muscles around your torso and lower back. Even if your job is a physical one, it isn’t enough to rely on that to get stronger.
Doing a lot of yoga that will improve your flexibility also. This keeps your muscles loose and less likely to get strained which is how most back injuries occur.
