JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Does your back hurt? More than one million American workers suffer from back pain each year, making back injuries a leading cause of lost work days. It is no surprise that back pain is one of the most common on-the-job injuries; any job that requires constant standing or sitting, awkward positions, repetitive motion, or heavy lifting can put a strain on the back.

Common Causes of Workplace Back Injuries

• Force: When you lift or move a heavy object, you put force on the bones, muscles, and ligaments of your back. Too much force can cause an injury.
• Repetitive motion: When you repeat a movement hour after hour, day after day, the muscle becomes fatigued. Tired muscles are prone to injury.
• Awkward posture: Your muscles get tired if you sit or stand in one position for more than 20 minutes before it becomes uncomfortable. This can lead to poor posture, which can cause back pain.
• Stress: Stress causes muscle tension and tightness that can worsen a back injury.

These tips from our Allentown workers’ compensation lawyers can help you prevent back injury:

• Get regular exercise: Strong abdominal and back muscles help your posture and prevent injury.
• Pay attention to your posture: Sit in a comfortable chair that supports your back and allows you to keep both feet on the floor. Try not to slump.
• Lift properly:  Squat when lifting so your legs do the work. Carry objects close to your body. Get help when lifting heavy loads.
• Keep a clean workspace: Clutter and debris can cause slips and falls.
• Stretch: Try to stretch after 15 minutes in the same position or before lifting heavy loads.
• Take breaks: Taking a short break every hour will help you avoid overexertion. Even a walk to the water fountain can help.
• Reduce stress: Tense muscles will increase your risk of injury.

If you have suffered a back injury while working in Pennsylvania, your first step should be to report the injury to your employer. Then seek immediate medical attention. Seeing a doctor is the best way to document your injury.

You can get Pennsylvania workers’ compensation for back pain. For more information, read our article, “You May Need Help Getting Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation after a Back Injury,” or request a free copy of our book, Your Guide To PA Workers’ Compensation. To discuss your own claim with an Allentown work injury lawyer, contact Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo at 888-807-WORK. The initial consultation is free.