Upper Back Ache After Lifting Heavy Boxes

In physically intensive workplaces, tasks like lifting heavy boxes are common. Incorporating ergonomics into this process can make the workflow less draining. Still, there can still be difficulties associated with heavy lifting. Repeated lifting can lead to upper back aches in employees. This can cause workers to be uncomfortable at work. Over time, it can also lead to decreased productivity. By addressing the causes of these aches in employees, you can improve the workplace environment.

Ways to prevent upper back ache

• Implement proper techniques — Poor lifting technique can cause undue strain on the back. This often happens when workers do not know how to properly lift heavy boxes. Proper lifting technique involves using the legs more than the back. Employees should also bend at the knees when reaching for low boxes. Keeping the back straight can help reduce the strain that can lead to aching.
  
• Provide professional training — Professional training can boost injury prevention strategies. With professional training, you can ensure that your team knows how to properly lift heavy boxes. Any costs incurred by training often see a return on investment through lowered health care costs; when injuries are less frequent, your company pays less for employee health care. Injury prevention also keeps your workers on the job, improving productivity.

• Encourage regular stretching — Promoting stretching breaks can be a great way to reduce upper back aches. Taking breaks during physically demanding tasks can make a major difference. By reducing tension, stretches can make injury less likely. Warmup routines can also be a helpful practice before workers start lifting heavy boxes. Exercises such as shoulder rolls and upper back stretches can be a great addition to each employee’s day.

Work-Fit can keep your employees safe while lifting

At Work-Fit, we can keep your employees active and healthy. Our exercise physiologists work to help employees complete their daily tasks in a safe and efficient manner. Wellness management programming is another way we can help improve your workplace. By treating manual laborers as professional athletes, we create programs designed to maximize their performance.

Contact our team today for more information about our services or to learn how we can reduce upper back aches in your workers.