Is Your Job Breaking Your Back?

The spine supports the entire body, so it is no wonder that back pain is one of the most common complaints among many jobs and professions. In fact, according to a recent report, almost 900,000 employees suffered back injuries on the job in a single year. More than half of all workplace injuries affect the workers’ lives significantly, including requiring a worker to change jobs or leave the workforce altogether.

Knowing how to protect your back at work is critical to maintaining a healthy spine, which will allow you to continue providing for your family. However, you may work in a profession where the risk of back injury is high and even your precautions may not be enough to protect you from a debilitating accident.

Am I at Risk?

Heavy lifting is not the only way to end up with a back injury. In fact, even sitting in one position for a prolonged time can be detrimental to your back health. However, certain jobs may put a profound strain on your spine, leaving you susceptible to injuries that could result in time lost from work and even permanent disability. Some of the jobs with the highest risk of back injury include the following:

• Construction workers lead the list due to the high number of debilitating back injuries resulting from lifting heavy materials, twisting, pulling and falling, among others actions.

• Nurses, especially those who work in nursing homes, come in second because of the long hours on their feet and the frequent use of their backs for lifting and transferring patients.

• Workers in warehouses and distribution centers also lift, twist and carry heavy objects, and the job also subjects them to violent vibrations from machinery.

• Those in the medical profession who must stand for long periods of time, such as dentists and surgeons, may forget to protect their backs and necks during intense procedures.

• Grocery store clerks may suffer back pain from lifting items or twisting awkwardly as well as standing for hours at a time.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and any job may lead to long-term back issues. If you suffer a back injury or progressive pain from the requirements of your job, you may soon find you need medical attention. It is wise not to put this off, but it is smart to enlist the assistance of a Missouri attorney who can assist you with the process of seeking the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.