Back pain is one of the most pressing concerns for employees and employers in Decatur, Illinois. The fact that people worry about back injuries in the workplace is because they are so incredibly common and because even the most seemingly minor of back injuries can have a long-term impact on the injured party’s life. Understanding some of the most common causes of back injuries in the workplace is important for both employers and employees who want to reduce the likelihood of back such injuries.
Working Faster Instead of Safer
Deadlines are common in any workplace, including those where heavy objects must be moved or loaded. However, when employees become frustrated and begin to rush to get a task completed on time, it is not uncommon for them to suffer injuries. It is important to prioritize safety over speed, even if things don’t get completed as quickly as both the employer and the employee would prefer.
Lift With the Legs, Not the Back
Most workplaces where any sort of lifting takes place have signs posted that encourage employees to lift with their legs instead of their back. However, it’s not uncommon for employees to ignore that advice at the risk of their own health and safety. It is vital that employees commit to lifting properly and that supervisors monitor the lifting habits of the employees under their watch to ensure that everyone is working safely.
Improper Training
It’s also not uncommon for employers to believe that their signs about lifting with the legs instead of the back are sufficient for telling employees how to perform their jobs. This is simply untrue, and it’s important that employees receive proper training on how to safely perform every aspect of their job, including lifting. Employees who are not properly trained are more susceptible to injury and have a good case in a claim against their employer regarding fault for their back injury.
If you suffer a back injury or any other type of workplace injury, you should immediately seek medical attention and contact an attorney who can represent you in your case against your employer. Workers’ comp claims require a great deal of information, so you should be sure to provide your attorney with as much information as possible upfront so he or she can build a solid case against your employer in an effort to help you recover the income that you lost due to your injury.