October 03 2021
Back pain is a major health concern in the workplace – a problem which has worsened over the course of the pandemic as more people have had to work or study from home, often in conditions that are less than ideal for posture.
Employers have an obligation to their staff to ensure they are working in the right conditions and while that is easier to provide in the working environment, it may not be quite so clear cut with regards to those employees who continue to work remotely.
Back Care Awareness Week runs from October 4th to the 8th and is a great opportunity for firms to review their working practices and ensure they are doing everything possible to keep their staff healthy.
The week is organised by the BackCare charity which has been raising awareness of back health issues for 53 years with the aim of significantly reducing the burden of back and neck pain through advice, information and guidance.
Sickness absence caused by musculoskeletal disorders is costing the economy an estimated £15bn every year – one of the biggest causes of time taken off work and something affecting more than 80% of the population. Back problems can be caused by a range of factors, including:
It’s important for employers to be constantly aware and proactive in preventing back health problems before they occur. This can be done by:
It’s also vital that employees play their part in ensuring they are taking the right steps to prevent potential health issues. Raising awareness of the problems that can arise just might reduce the number of working days lost to sickness each year and help to maintain a happy and healthy workforce.
December 2021
The Christmas season comes loaded with many lovely things, including delicious meals, colourful parties, awesome family get-togethers, and more. Sadly though, there’s often a downside to Christmas, with a spike in illnesses often the unexpected gift that visits along with Santa each year.
December 2021
It is estimated that over 1 billion people in the world are dealing with one form of disability or another. This is a significant number, and as such, disregarding people with disabilities during the recruitment process would be discriminating against a large percentage of the global population.
November 2021
When flu season is in full swing, the risk of catching flu or a cold from others is heightened. The workplace can be a pool of germs — sometimes all it takes is a single sneeze to spread the virus and affect dozens of colleagues.
