BackCare

Work It Out Update

21 Oct 2009

This particular campaign is ongoing as it continues to help people manage and prevent back pain at work

The theme for this year’s Back Care Awareness Week was back care in the work place and the charity wants to emphasise that this particular campaign is ongoing as it continues to help people manage and prevent back pain at work.

Back pain costs more in terms of time off and lost production than almost any other health problem in the workplace. It is also one of the commonest ailments to strike people. It is estimated that 80% of adults will experience back pain at some stage in their life.

BackCare has produced an invaluable healthcare information pack containing copies of new publications to assist office workers, manual workers, and human resources departments, to deal with the problem. The books are full of the latest advice on correct procedures for sitting, typing, lifting, and moving heavy objects.

BackCare has also produced essential reading for workers and employers alike: “Back Care at Work – An Ergonomic Guide to Manual Handling” which covers all aspects from the medical causes of back pain, to the law in the workplace, and reducing the risks.

Chief Executive of BackCare, Sash Newman, said: “Back pain accounts for 4.1 million lost working days and adds up to a £5 billion bill for the economy through sick pay, lost revenue, healthcare and benefits.
“That is why everyone – workers and employers – should take the problem of back pain seriously. The aim of our pack is managing and preventing back pain in the workplace.”