Most of us have or will experience back pain at some point in our lives. A lot of back pain is caused at work and since we spend most of our lives at work, it makes sense to ensure you're doing all you can to avoid getting it.

The Mail on Sunday recently published an article on beating back pain at work. It includes a list of simple steps you can take to save your back from any trouble.

See here for the article.

In ergonomics, work environments and systems are designed to maximize safety and efficiency, while protecting the health and vitality of individuals involved. Ergonomics plays a part in everything involving people: Work systems, sports, leisure and daily activities. Unfortunately, occupational injuries still occur, even among the most ergonomically aware companies.

Recently, Pilates (a series of non-impact exercises designed to develop strength, flexibility, balance and inner awareness) has become a widely used method of rehabilitation amongst Occupational Health specialists. Using Pilates and understanding body mechanics can enhance the patient's participation in all the aforementioned activities. In particular, functional fitness programs utilising Pilates based exercises can reduce ergonomic risks, prevent injury, and enhance function for the job of living.

The main reasons for the rise in its popularity are that Pilates can be used for a wide range of occupational injuries and the integration of physical therapy, Pilates and bodywork is rewarding and yields lasting results, meaning patients can enjoy the rehab experience. When they then go back to work they can be more confident that the injury won’t recur.

Of course, it is not just for those who have been injured; Pilates can be used along with Ergonomics as a preventative measure. So get your lycra on...

On 26 and 27 November 2008, The Royal College of Nursing will host the Society of Occupational Health Nursing conference and exhibition at the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, Southport.

The conference provides an opportunity for you to meet and discuss the latest occupational health issues with experts from all over the world.

The event will have numerous sessions on topics such as using research to drive practice, rehabilitation and the latest on developments within the Government agenda for occupational health and future plans within the Health and Safety Executive. There will be many presentation and 'hands on' workshops that will suit anyone in the Occupational Health Sector.

Posturite will have a stand there so we hope to see you there to try out some of our products or just to chat to our staff.

See here for more information: http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/event_details/rcn_events/rcn_society_of_occupational_health_nursing_conference_and_exhibition

Heart disease is the biggest killer in the world. Every year more than 400,000 people die in the USA and 700,000 across Europe, from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). A significant number die in the workplace, with co-workers and customers at risk from SCA. While cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital component in the management of the SCA patient, the only definitive treatment is early defibrillation. For every minute that defibrillation is delayed survival falls by ten percent.

Conclusion: The placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDS) within the workplace can increase survival rates and save lives.

This is the abstract from a report by Steve Jelf, the International Clinical Director at Cardiac Science Corporation. To see the full report, including a detailed introduction to heart disease and AEDs, see here.

A six-strong crew from Posturite won this year’s EMC Sailing Challenge in the Solent. The company’s boat crossed the line ahead of Sevenoaks housebuilders Constant Green in the annual event organised and sponsored by EMC Management Consultants.

Ten identical boats took part in the race. Other companies represented were Indigo Design & Build, Carpenter Box, RDF, MGM Developers, Eastbourne Car Auctions, Denaploy, Healys Solicitors, Expand Recruitment and Leapfrogg.

Well done to our crew!

On 12th and 13th November 2008, the University of Birmingham will be hosting the annual workshop for the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Posturite will be just one of the many stands at the workshop, which will provide expert guidance and practical tips to solve problems such as mental health management, musculoskeletal disorders and occupational health issues.

The workshop is aimed at occupational health physicians and nurses, occupational hygienists, safety professionals and HR personnel and will include presentations, case studies and panel discussions.

For more details, including a complete schedule, and to book your place, please visit
http://www.pcpoh.bham.ac.uk/ioem/programmes/workshop/documents/AW_2008.pdf

We hope to see you there.

Here at Posturite we are not just concerned with ergonomics in the office environment; many of our workers spend a lot of their time driving, as do a great deal of the population. So this week the focus will be on ergonomics at the wheel.

Here is some advice from the experts:

Lower pressure on your back by sitting in a slightly reclined position (about 105 degrees) with the seat fully supporting your back.
The lower part of your back (the lumbar region) should always feel supported, as this helps maintain the natural ‘s’ shape of the back. If it’s not fully supported by your car seat, you can use a lumbar roll or a seat wedge.

Make sure your knees are slightly below your hips, increasing circulation to the legs and taking strain off of the lower back. Most cars have the ability to tilt the seat pan to allow for this.

Keep all items that you may need at hand but never keep them in your back pockets, as this will decrease circulation.

It may sound like your taking your first driving lesson again, but ensure that your mirrors are positioned so you don’t have to stretch or twist to see. If you are struggling to see any areas, invest in some blind spot mirrors.

Remember, driving shouldn’t be stressful; your shoulders should be relaxed and the steering wheel should be less than arms length away so you don’t have to lean forward and lose the support of the back of your seat.

Out now... the new-look AssessRite, our powerful, market-leading online learning and assessment package for people working with display screen equipment.

The new version, just released, features stunning new graphics to help people understand how to recognise the potential health risks involved in using DSE, how to sit correctly and how to avoid posture-related problems.

Because the AssessRite course and assessment is all done online, users can fit it in easily around their work schedules. No need to leave the office. No need for appointments.

Just log on, follow the step-by-step instructions, answer a few questions to show that they've understood what they've read ... and job done!

Behind the scenes, our unique WorkRite online management system captures and stores all the essential information for the health & safety team and provides a fully-auditable trail of actions required or taken.

It couldn't be simpler. No wonder more than half a million people have taken the AssessRite course since we introduced the original version in 2001.

Priced from just one penny per user per day, AssessRite is by far the most creative and commercially prudent way for companies to ensure that they meet their health and safety obligations relating to DSE.

For a free online trial, click here.