Risk Assessment

If the predictions of scientists are anything to go by, it is inevitable that almost all labourers will be affected by lower-back problems some day. When employees are booked of for a longer period of time, operations are definitely affected. What is it that employers can do to reduce the risk?

Lower-back pain is a common health condition in working populations with statistics indicating a lifetime prevalence of 60'85%, so non-specific lower-back pain will eventually affect almost everyone during his or her work life. Internationally 42% of people with lower-back pain consult doctors. And it doesn't matter whether you are male of female studies show that both are affected by this condition.

Lower-back pain is often caused by frequent lifting, awkward back posture, and whole-body vibration. But despite sufficient evidence proof that lower-back pain is often caused by occupational risk factors, many physicians are faced with the conundrum of whether or not an episode of nonspecific lower-back pain in a particular worker may be the result of his or her work conditions. In practice, it is difficult to determine to what extent an individual episode can be attributed to a specific (combination of) exposure at work according to specified criteria (eg, exceeding the advised occupational exposure limits). Most occupational health guidelines for the management of lower-back pain do not determine the work-related aspect of lower-back pain when considering an individual worker who presents himself- or herself with lower-back pain.

Because of the difficulty in providing proof for the work-related origin of lower-back pain, hardly any evidence-based criteria exist to support the recognition of nonspecific lower-back pain as an occupational disorder.

In order to be able to determine if lower-back pain is caused by a certain work condition it is advisable to conduct a risk assessment often and to inspect the workplace regularly. During such a risk assessment health and safety practitioners should observe the employee's behaviour to find out if certain patterns or behaviour needs in order to be adjusted to reduce risk.

Many problems can be overcome by simply providing furniture or tools that can be adjusted in terms of height or that can assist those who are vertically challenged. Adjusting the workload or reviewing employees duties are also solutions that could be considered.

There is little doubt about the usefulness of regular breaks which can be used to do stretching exercises. Unfortunately, few employees feel comfortable taking time off or doing such exercises in the open. But some exercises don't require employees to leave the desk or workstation and can be done while the employee is on duty. Handing out small leaflets with easy exercises is an easy, but very effective way, to keep employees actively improving their condition.

Office-bound employees have to be checked often to ensure that they sit comfortably and in a position that will be in their best interest. Forearms are expected to rest on the desk and elbows have to, roughly, be at a right angle. The employee should also be able to place his feet firmly on the ground.

Workloads also have to vary to avoid employees having to make the same movement throughout the day.

Avoiding employees suffering from lower-back pain is hardly possible, as some people are more easily affected than others. But making the effort to reduce the chance, is something that could easily be done.