Back pain
Back pain is one of the biggest causes of work absences, accounting for more than 12 million days lost every year.
Most back pain is caused by sprains, strains, being out of condition and posture problems rather than spinal damage or other health conditions. Non-specific back pain can be split into two types:
- Acute pain that lasts for less than six weeks.
- Chronic pain that lasts for longer than six weeks.
On this page
Back injuries at work
There are many work-related causes of back injuries. Many UNISON members have jobs that involve a high risk of back pain, particularly in the areas of health and social care, portering and caretaking.
Activities with a high injury risk include:
- Bending and twisting.
- Heavy and/or repeated lifting.
- Working for too long without breaks.
- Using poor technique or too much force.
- Uncomfortable working positions.
- Adverse working conditions (hot, damp, cold or wet).
Your employer’s responsibilities
Your employer is responsible for preventing or minimising the risk of you suffering back injuries, particularly as a result of manually lifting or moving objects at work.
There are strict laws covering employers’ responsibilities and each employer should have a written policy as part of their safety policy.
Your employer is responsible for minimising the need for lifting or moving as part of your job, providing equipment if necessary, as well as training in manual handling techniques.
Where manual handling can’t be avoided, employers must do what they can to reduce the risk of injury ‘to the lowest level reasonably practicable’.
Your employer’s responsibilities extend to wherever you work, even if you work off-site or in a variety of locations.
Risk assessment and training
Your employer must also carry out ‘suitable and sufficient’ health and safety risk assessments to make sure the measures they’re taking are adequate and meet legal requirements. Your employer must regularly review risk assessments and safety procedures.
Your employer must also train you to correctly use equipment and organise regular refresher sessions. Training should include:
- The dangers of back and spine injury.
- Spotting and avoiding dangers.
- Good handling and moving techniques.
- Using handling and lifting equipment.
- Capabilities and limitations.
- Recording incidents or injuries.
If you believe you need legal advice because you have suffered an injury that you think was caused by your employer’s negligence, you can access that legal help by calling UNISON direct on 08000 857857. Visit our legal support page for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Stay as active as you can, but don’t try to force your recovery because you could make the problem worse.
Your employer must also carry out regular health and safety assessments to identify the possibility of injury.
Legal disclaimer
The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice, or for non-employment matters call UNISONdirect.