Work and Driving
Work and
Driving
Work and Driving problems
Are you fit for work?
Occupational injuries account for many millions of working days lost
each year in Britain.
No matter whether your work is in the office or outside on the land
you need to be able to cope with the individual demands made on your
body by the style of work you do.
Manual work inevitably carries the inherent risk of injury caused
by heavy and often awkward lifting, overstretching, and periods of
prolonged bending causing back and disc injuries, sciatica, and muscle
strains.
In the office where desk work is more common, there are the dangers
of ‘computer hump’ and ‘mouse wrist’, whilst frequent
telephone use affects the neck and shoulders causing headaches and
carpal tunnel syndrome etc.
Those who drive for a living need to be aware of their driving position
as it affects not only their back, neck and shoulders but also can
affect hips, knees and feet.
Ask an osteopath for advice on the correct driving position for you
and any exercises which may help.
For the Employee
Going to an osteopath demonstrates to your boss that you are taking
an active role in trying to improve your health and reduce your injury.
The osteopath will help you look at the style of work you are undertaking
and help you find ways of improving the situation and how to prevent
a recurrence of your injuries. You will be treated and offered advice
on posture and lifting..
For the Employer
Osteopathic treatment will usually help to resolve work-related injuries
earlier so that your workforce is more efficient and productive and
it will reduce time off through ill-health.
Some companies already benefit from using an osteopath as part of
their care programme for employees thereby improving morale and increasing
productivity.
Useful tips
• Frequent short breaks away from the desk and computer will
help avoid back, neck and eye strain.
• Make sure if you are driving that you make time to stop, get
out and do some brisk exercise for a few minutes every so often on
a long journey.
• When lifting at work judge whether you
can do this safely or whether you need help. Never be afraid to ask
for assistance.
