Risk of back injury at work
01Jul
Spinal injury is one of the most common causes of paralysis. The spinal cord carries nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. If it is damaged, it can affect movement and sensory functions. Other types of back injury include slipped discs, where one of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae becomes damaged, and sciatica, where the sciatic nerve which travels from the pelvis to the feet becomes irritated. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that the risk of spinal injuries and other back injuries is minimised.