The Working Back (PDF)

A systems approach to understanding and minimizing the causes of
low back pain in the workplace

Low back pain affects 80% of the population at some point during
their lifetime; it is responsiblefor over 40% of the compensation
costs for work-related injuries. This book provides an
understanding of the mechanisms influencing low back pain in the
workplace and indicates how low back pain might be prevented,
saving employers extraordinary amounts in medical costs and
protecting workers from the most common on-the-job injury. With a
unique, multidisciplinary perspective that shows how various
influences or risk factors can be considered collectively, The
Working Back: A Systems View:

Explains basic concepts in anatomy and physiology that are
essential to understanding and preventing low back pain

Provides a systems perspective on the occupational causes of back
pain, not only addressing factors such as spine loading, but also
considering the potential impact of psychosocial and organizational
interactions, genetics, and physiology

Discusses implementing preventive engineering and administrative
controls and integrating risk interventions into the
workplace

Offers an expert analysis of current medical research on low back
pain in one comprehensive, accessible reference

This book gives readers the knowledge to assess a work environment
and prescribe effective interventions. It is a hands-on reference
for ergonomists, manufacturing engineers, process engineers,
industrial engineers and managers, safety engineers, nurses,
therapists, chiropractors, physicians, and workers with back pain.
It is also an excellent resource for graduate or undergraduate
students of kinesiology, physiology, ergonomics, physical therapy,
nursing, industrial design, engineering, and general medicine.