Causes of back injuries at work

Unfortunately, in the UK, back injuries are consistently the most commonly recorded injury to happen in the workplace. The causes of back injury at work can range from anything such as lifting heavy objects to not having sufficient back support whilst sitting at a desk. Back pain is more common in tasks that involve things such as:

• Lifting heavy or awkwardly-shaped objects
• Repetitive tasks, such as packing boxes or cleaning the floor
• Driving for a long distance or over uneven ground
• Bending, crouching or slouching
• Lengthy periods sat or standing in one position
• Movements such as reaching or twisting
• Working when physically fatigued

What should I do if I have a back injury at work?

If you have ongoing back pain or a diagnosed back injury caused by your occupation, you could be entitled to claim compensation. If your back injury was caused by one of the above examples, or something similar, you may be able to claim compensation from the business or individual “legally responsible” or “legally at fault”.

The amount you will be able to claim will depend on the severity of your injury. For instance, if you have a minor back injury such as a muscle strain where symptoms of pain last between 6 weeks and 18 months, you will receive less than someone who has a major back injury such as spinal cord injury or paralysis.

No matter what caused your back injury or how severe it is, if you believe your back pain was caused in the workplace, contact First Personal Injury to find out how to begin legal proceedings.