Workplace accidents occur every day, and back injuries are some of the most common. If you experience a back injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who get injured while working.
How do back injuries occur?
There are many ways that back injuries can occur in the workplace, and one of the most common ones is lifting heavy objects. If you lift something that’s too heavy for you or lift it improperly, you can strain your back and cause serious injury. Secondly, sitting in the same position for long periods of time can also lead to back pain and other health problems. This is especially true if you don’t have an ergonomic chair and desk set-up. Finally, repetitive motions can also cause back injuries. If you do the same thing over and over again at work, such as typing or stocking shelves, you can strain your back and eventually injure yourself.
What are the symptoms of a back injury?
The symptoms of a back injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. For example, you may experience some pain and discomfort if you have a strained muscle. However, if you’ve herniated a disk or fractured your spine, the symptoms may be much more severe. Generally, the main symptoms of a back injury may include pain in the back or neck, stiffness and difficulty moving.
What should you do if you experience a back injury at work?
If you experience a back injury at work, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once you’ve seen a doctor and been diagnosed, report the injury to your employer. They should then start the workers’ compensation process, which will provide you with benefits while you’re unable to work. Workers’ compensation can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages, so it’s important to take advantage of it if you’ve been injured at work.
Of course, the best way to deal with a back injury is to avoid it altogether. There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing a back injury at work. First, make sure you lift properly by using your legs instead of your back. Secondly, take breaks often if you’re sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time. Finally, try to avoid repetitive motions whenever possible.