back pain

Back pain is one of the most common causes of absence from work. Lifting and other 'manual handling' are the most obvious ways of hurting your back at work, but long hours at a computer or at the wheel of a car can also cause strain or injury.

• I hurt my back at work. What should I do about it?  more...
• What are the symptoms of back strain?  more...
• What can cause back pain?  more...
• What are my employer's responsibilities to prevent me hurting my back at work?  more...
• I sit down a lot at work. How can I avoid back pain or injury?  more...
• I do a lot of lifting and carrying. How can I do it safely?  more...
• I drive a lot. How can I protect my back?  more...
• How can I treat back pain?  more...
• Can stretching help my back?  more...
• My back hurts, where can I get help?  more...
• What will my GP do about my back?  more...
• What about returning to work?  more...
• What are my employer's responsibilities in preventing back injury?  more...
• Are there special regulations for women in manual handling?  more...
• What if I injure my back and lose my job?  more...
• Where can I get legal advice?  more...
• Is back pain a big problem at work?  more...
• Who is at risk of work-related back pain?  more...

further information

The Health and Safety Executive has information and advice on back pain and manual handling, including advice for employers, in the musculoskeletal disorders section of its website.

The TUC’s Manual handling pages feature news and links to union resources, including the Manual Handling chapter of TUC’s Hazards at work guide.

Hazards magazine's 'Tackling work’s strains and pains' web pages include news, resources and guides.

BackCare is a charity which provides advice on preventing and dealing with back pain. Helpline: 0845 130 2704.

The GMB has produced Manual Handling: GMB safety rep's guide and Home Care Staff: Health and safety, which are available online.

The ATL union has a useful guide to lifting and carrying in the health and safety section of its website.

Unite’s Do You Suffer from Aches and Pains in Silence? leaflet is available online here.

The Labour Research Department (LRD) has published Pain at work - an LRD guide to musculoskeletal disorders, 2004, available online for £4.50.

Understanding Back Pain, 2000, in the British Medical Association Family Doctor series, is available from pharmacists, supermarkets or online from Family Doctor Publications.