Do Back Injury Risk Factors Increase in Specific North Carolina Industries?

At the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys know that preventing back injuries is a significant workplace safety challenge in North Carolina and nationwide.

According to a Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk study, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported more than one million workers suffer back injuries yearly, accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses.

Moreover, the report stated that although lifting, placing, carrying, holding, and lowering are involved in manual materials handling — the principal cause of compensable work injuries — the BLS survey shows that four out of five injuries were to the lower back, and that three out of four occurred while the employee was lifting.

Which Industries are Often Associated with a Higher Risk of Back Injuries?

Nationwide, including in North Carolina, specific industries are inherently more prone to back injuries due to the work involved.

They include:

• Transportation and Warehousing

Workers in transportation and warehousing industries, like truck drivers, delivery workers, and warehouse personnel, may experience back injuries due to heavy lifting, loading and unloading cargo, and operating machinery.

Repetitive motions and prolonged sitting can also contribute to back problems in these professions.

• Manufacturing

Factory workers involved in manufacturing may be at risk for back injuries due to lifting heavy objects, operating machinery, and maintaining awkward postures.

Assembly line work, material handling, and repetitive motions can also contribute to back strain.

• Agriculture

Farmworkers and agricultural laborers are often required to perform physically demanding tasks, like lifting heavy objects, bending, stooping, and operating machinery. Tasks like harvesting crops, feeding livestock, and handling equipment can also increase the risk of back injuries.

• Landscaping and Groundskeeping

Workers in landscaping and groundskeeping professions may be at risk for back injuries due to lifting heavy equipment, bending, stooping, and operating machinery. Tasks like mowing, pruning, and lifting bags of mulch or soil can strain the back if proper precautions are not taken.

• Construction

Workers in the construction industry frequently engage in heavy lifting, repetitive bending, twisting, and other activities that strain the back. Tasks such as carrying heavy materials, operating machinery, and working in awkward positions can increase the risk of back injuries.

• Healthcare

Healthcare workers, including nurses, nursing aides, and orderlies, are often required to lift and transfer patients, which can lead to back injuries if proper lifting techniques are not used. Additionally, moving medical equipment and standing for long periods can contribute to back strain.

• Retail

Workers in the retail industry may also be at risk for back injuries, particularly those involved in stocking shelves, moving merchandise, and performing manual tasks. Improper lifting techniques and repetitive motions can contribute to back strain in retail settings.

• Hospitality

Workers in the hospitality industry, including restaurant servers, hotel housekeepers, and kitchen staff, may experience back injuries due to lifting heavy objects, bending, and repetitive movements.

No matter which industry you are employed in, if you have suffered a back injury at work in North Carolina, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. We can help you obtain and maintain those benefits, starting with a free case assessment.

Have You Been Injured at Work in North Carolina?

Our dedicated Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to all employees who have suffered a workplace injury in North Carolina by calling (704)-376-1616 or contacting us online.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.