What can lead to back pain in the workplace?

Back pain can arise in many work situations. The exact cause is often unclear, but back pain is more common in tasks that involve:

• heavy manual labour, and handling tasks in heavy industry;
• manual handling in awkward places, like delivery work;
• repetitive tasks, such as manual packing of goods;
• sitting at a workstation for a long period of time if the workstation is not correctly arranged or adjusted to fit the person, eg working with computers;
• driving long distances or driving over rough ground, particularly if the seat is not, or cannot be, properly adjusted or adequately sprung. Operating heavy equipment, such as an excavator, can lead to excessive jolting and jarring.

Physical activities that can aggravate back pain, or at least be more difficult when you have back pain include:

• stooping, bending over or crouching, including work at PCs (poor posture);
• lifting objects which are too heavy or bulky, carrying objects awkwardly;
• pushing, pulling or dragging excessive loads;
• working beyond normal abilities and limits, and when physically overtired;
• using poor lifting techniques (or where you are unable to use lifting aids due to the working environment);
• stretching, twisting and reaching;
• prolonged periods in one position, leading to postural strain;
• situations where the whole body is subjected to vibration, jolting and jarring.

As with many ill health conditions, some people are more susceptible to back pain than others.