Back problems can arise from the activities done at work or at home. When going back to work after the holidays, the following tips can be followed to ensure proper back health:
- Have a good posture especially when you have to sit at a computer all day. It is important to adopt a good posture or take regular breaks from your desk so that you stretch. Since the human body has been designed to move around, a lifestyle that is sedentary leads to health problems. When sitting at a computer desk, sit with your back straight, eyes should be at the level of the screen, feet on the floor and the accessories like the keyboard, phone, and mouse should be within reach. In case of any discomfort, you can ask your manager about doing the display screen equipment self- assessment.
- A poor lifting technique can cause back pain. Lifting items correctly is possible especially if you carry out manual handling activities at work. It is important to keep the load close to your waist then get a good grip and never bend, twist or flex your back. Know your limits and do not lift items that are too heavy
- Standing for long periods of time can cause swelling of the legs, sore feet, lower back pain, general muscular fatigue and stiffness in the shoulders and neck. People like salespeople, assembly line workers, machine operators, as well as many others who do jobs that require prolonged standing can be affected. It is therefore necessary to adopt a variety of positions where you have the option to stand, sit and move around.
- A variety of habits can be adopted like reducing the time spent on walking, sitting or standing. Adjustable and suitable chairs should be used, more breaks should be taken to facilitate proper rest, the work surfaces should be designed in a way that is height-adjustable and if this is not possible a platform can be installed which can raise a shorter worker.
- A room can be used for workers to change their body positions, a foot rest or foot-rail that will enable workers to shift their weights from one leg to another and there should be a choice given to workers to work standing or sitting at will.
- There should be a provision for worker training that deals with proper work practices as well as use of rest breaks, job rotation should be done among the workers, jobs should be enlarged so that workers can be given varied tasks that will increase body motions and positions.
- The employer should provide mats for workers to stand on if the surface is hard. These mats used should have edges that are slanted and will help prevent tripping. They should cushion the feet and should therefore be dense enough but not very thick. Cushioning that is too much from thick foam-rubber mats causes fatigue and increases the hazard of tripping.
Call redclean today on 1300 29 39 49 to ensure that your workplace is clean & safe.