Guidance

Back Pain - Help Yourself

At work:

You have a duty to look after your own health and safety, including your back.
Co-operate with arrangements your employer introduces to reduce risks. This may be through systems or equipment in place for you to use or a system of reporting accidents, near misses or symptoms of ill health.
Ensure you are competent in tasks you do (receive tailored training and follow advice you’re given).
Think about the movements your job requires you to carry out regularly. You should try and eliminate movements that are not benefiting your health and limit your productivity. You can achieve this through developing better working postures.

Movements you should try to avoid should include:

Awkward or uncomfortable positions (e.g. working with arms away from your body or with your back bent and twisted).
Using too much force.
Placing too much strain on one side of your body.

Report pain or any other symptoms to your employer promptly.