A recent report from The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has revealed some interesting facts about the cost of back pain.

• A major cause of short-term absence is musculoskeletal injury, including repetitive strain injury and back pain
• The average cost of absence has increased to £666 per employee per year
• More than 8 out of 10 respondents report that absence is a significant or very significant cost to their organisation but...
• Only 40% of respondent organisations monitor the cost of absence

Back pain can be avoided. Here are some simple ways to protect your back, and your company bank balance!

10 top tips for a healthy back

1. Gentle, regular exercise strengthens the back muscles. You can find some exercises here
2. Bend your knees and hips, not your back, and try not to bend and twist at the same time
3. Drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day - dehydration can increase the risk of back pain
4. Maintain good posture – avoid slumping in your chair or hunching over a desk
5. Use an adjustable chair and sit with your feet on the floor or footrest
6. Change your sitting position slightly every few minutes
7. If you spend long hours at your desk, why not consider an adjustable desk. This way you can alternate between sitting and standing
8. A computer monitor should be between 30cm to 75cm from your eyes, which is roughly an arm’s length from the face, and the top of the monitor should be just below eye level
9. Wrists should be straight when using a computer keyboard, not bent up or down - adjustable keyboards offer a perfect solution
10. Frequently used objects, such as telephones or staplers should be positioned within easy reach to avoid repeatedly stretching or twisting