Promoting Public Health >>Promoting Public Health among the general public. >> Development of Guides, Manuals and Pamphlets for the Prevention of Back Problems>> Development of the Guide for the Prevention of Back Problems in the Occupational Setting

DEVELOPMENT OF THE GUIDE FOR THE PREVENTION OF BACK PROBLEMS IN THE OCCUPATIONAL SETTING

Background.

In Great Britain, work sick leave due to back pain has increased 300% in the past 13 years, a period in which the average increase due to other reasons was 50%.

According to data from the Department of Work and Training in the Government of the Balearic Islands, in 2001 there were 9,986 work accidents in the Balearic Islands due to over-exertion, 32.2% of all work accidents. The most affected sectors were construction and the hotel and restaurant business.

Given the health, labor and economic impact of back problems, the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands wanted to publish a document that would be a reference for businesses and workers for the prevention of back disorders

Objective.

To publish a document which would include the relevant legal, health and occupational aspects for the prevention of back problems in the workplace, aimed at businesses and workers in the Balearic Islands.

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Description.

The document, entitled "Guide for the Prevention of Back Problems in the Occupational Setting" contains information on the back and how it functions, the most common causes of back pain and the methods for treatment, the obligations required of businesses by law, the factors that increase the risk of back pain in the workplace and preventative measures to reduce it.

The Guide was distributed by the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands among the businesses of the region.

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Along with the Kovacs Foundation, the following participate in this project.

The Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands, whose Technical Committee for the Prevention of Occupational Health Hazards participated with the Foundation in preparing the contents of the Guide, and the Institute of Occupational Health of the Balearic Islands, in the regional Government's Department of Labor and Training, which financed it.

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Status.

The Guide has been completed and 2,200 copies published, which the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands has distributed among its members.