Good Posture Key to Preventing Back Pain at Work

Back injuries are the single most common type of work-related injury that we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation legal practice.

According to WebMD good posture while standing or sitting is an important way to prevent back pain. Check your posture by standing with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders, and the back of your head should the wall. You should be able to fit your hand between the wall and the small of your back. If your posture changes when you step away from the wall, correct it to the position you were in when you were standing against the wall. If you stand for long periods of time at work, wear flat shoes with good arch support, and use a 6 inch box or step to rest one foot on periodically.

While seated, a good work chair should support your hips comfortably, but the backs of your knees should not touch the seat. The back of the chair should be set at an angle of approximately ten degrees, and it should comfortably cradle the small of your back. Your feet should rest flat on the floor. Your forearms should rest on your desk or work surface with your elbows at a right angle.

Work activities that require you to stand or remain seated for prolonged periods or in awkward positions can lead to neck or back injuries and chronic neck or back pain. For a free, no-obligation Minnesota workers’ compensation consultation, call Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our attorney to learn about your workers' compensation rights.