Workanddriving

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SAFE IN OUR HANDS CERTIFICATION MARK
The Certification Mark ‘Safe in our hands’ shows that osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. The title ‘Osteopath’ is protected by law in the UK. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) was set up under The Osteopaths Act 1993 and is one of the 13 UK health and social care statutory regulators. The regulators are set up to protect the public so that whenever a member of the public visits a health or social care professional, they can be sure they meet the required standards.

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.

These Health and Safety Executive leaflets provide more information (see also our page Newsletters & Injury Guides).

Vibration of vehicles.pdf Vibration of Vehicles at Work

HSE Basic First Aid.pdf Basic Emergency First Aid

HSE Manual Handling Assessment Charts.pdf Manual Handling at Work Guide

Working with VDUs.pdf HSE Working with VDUs Guide

HSE Understanding Ergonomics at Work.pdf

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.

An osteopath can also provide you with a sick note if you need time off work.

For the Employer

Osteopathic treatment will usually help to resolve work related injuries earlier so that your work force 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.

We run workshops which can be tailored to individual working practices, groups and Health and Safety Managers.

Empowering you to recognise the risks involved with different activites, assess the individual situation, plan and safely complete the task.

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.

How to avoid injury:

In case of injury:

change position or activity at least every hour
take regular exercise that you enjoy
during repetitive tasks. vary rhythm and take frequent breaks
on long journeys adjust car seats and take regular breaks to stretch and move around for a short time
pace yourself with heavy work and take care when lifting
watch your children’s posture - they shouldn’t spend too long at a computer or carry bags on one shoulder
during pregnancy, osteopathy can help your body to adjust to the changes taking place