Preventing Work-Related Low Back Injuries: An Evidence-Based Approach

The nature of work and workplaces is rapidly changing owing to globalization, technology, the aging population, and spiraling costs of healthcare and reimbursement. These drivers of change impact stakeholders in multiple ways and have the potential to increase worker disposition to workplace injury and/or disability. Implementing evidence-based practice focused on preventing workplace injuries and minimizing disability is not only a social responsibility for health care professionals, but benefits all stakeholders fiscally, and improves societal health and wellbeing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 29% of the injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work in 2007, with the trunk (including the shoulder and back) being the most affected body part. In 2007, the back accounted for 20.4% of all work-related injuries and illnesses, requiring a median of 7 days away from work per incident. Decreased productivity due to injury and worker's compensation claims and costs result in lost revenue for many companies. In 2006, the National Academy of Social Insurance reported that cash benefits to injured workers and medical payments for their health care were $54.7 billion, with total costs to employers of $87.6 billion. This poster session will present the results of an evidence-based literature review project focusing on the roles of the health and rehabilitation professional in the prevention of work-related low back injuries. Specific findings from the review will be presented along with implications for best practices, education, research and advocacy.