Back injuries are relatively common among workers throughout many different industries. To help prevent injuries among your own employees, it is important to understand the data. Learning about the prevalence of back injuries can highlight the importance of focusing specifically on back safety in employee safety programs. By learning more about back injury statistics, you can make informed decisions to keep your workers safe.
Key statistics on back injuries in the workplace
- Back issues account for nearly 40% of all work-related musculoskeletal disorders — According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 38.5% of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in U.S. workers in 2016 were related to the back. The same study says that “disorders that result in days away from work most commonly involve the back alone.” This highlights the importance of preventing back injuries among your workers. Back injuries can keep your workers off the job for days or weeks at a time, hurting your company’s productivity.
- Private industry workplace injuries increased 4.5% in 2022 — Another BLS report shows a major increase in workplace injuries through recent years. This concerning trend shows that improving workplace safety is especially important right now. The increase affects a diverse range of industries, demonstrating the fact that safety is essential regardless of your company’s industry. Jobs such as office jobs, which are not traditionally considered dangerous, can still lead to workplace injuries like strains, sprains and back injuries due to poor posture.
- Lower back pain costs up to $635 billion annually in the United States — Between the costs of medical expenses and lost worker productivity, lower back pain resulting from injury and other factors can cost hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Understanding the expenses associated with back injuries in the workplace can illustrate the financial appeal of improving workplace safety. Keeping your employees safe can boost morale and help your company save on health care costs.
Reduce the risk of back injuries in your workplace with Work-Fit
Ready to boost employee wellness and minimize back injury risk at your company? You can find expert guidance, tools and programs at Work-Fit. With the help of our expert team, your employees can continue their work in a safe and productive environment.
Contact our team today for more information about our services or to learn how we can help keep your employees healthy.
