If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, chances are that you’ll be experiencing some back pain at the end of the day. The most common cause of work-related injuries is lifting. Injuries often occur when people lift objects beyond their capabilities, when lifting in awkward positions or when lifting repetitively. But also long hours of sitting at a desk can put tremendous strain on your back.

With careful planning and by following some simple tips you can keep yourself comfortable on the job and work more efficiently.

Tips for standing work

Standing doesn’t put as much stress on the back as let’s say sitting unsupported and bending over to tie your shoes. But standing does use more energy, so your back gets tired more quickly. Standing work puts the back at risk of injury because you are more likely to have to pick up objects, twist and turn and overextend the back to reach objects.

Follow these tips to minimize injury risks during standing work:

1. Take frequent breaks and do gentle stretching exercises to relax your back and to reduce fatigue. Stretching exercises reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation in the muscles.
2. Move around; don’t stand in the same position for hours on end. Moving around will reduce muscle fatigue and improve blood circulation.
3. Know your limits; don’t lift anything that is too heavy for you, instead look for help.
4. Watch your posture; pay attention to how you are standing. Always make sure you stand in a stable posture with you feet on a firm surface, especially when you are engaged in activity. Always use your legs when you are bending and lifting. Always move objects that could be an obstruction when bending, lifting and carrying. Always keep the object you are carrying in front of you and close to your body. Never overreach or overextend your back; when reaching for something on an overhead level, use a stable step. Never twist and turn your back; instead change your stance so you are always facing the object. Never jerk objects when lifting; lift objects in a calm controlled manner.
5. Seek support where you can. You can find support in many forms, it can be a stable support to lean against, it can be a grip bar that you can hold on to, or you can use a supportive belt when you engage in back-fatiguing activities. Support reduces muscle fatigue and makes your back less prone to injury.
6. Maintain your back; keep your back strong and supple by exercising. Try to exercise your back regularly to strengthen your back muscles, and do some gentle stretching exercises to relax the muscles and keep them supple.
7. Relax; don’t forget to relax after a day’s work. Relaxing is not only good for your back but it is also good for your general health. People relax in many different ways; some do sports, others engage in a large variety of hobbies or there are a large variety of relaxation techniques to use. But remember to follow back-safety rules in whatever you do.

Assure yourself that you are as well protected as possible when you are lifting heavy objects. Give your back and joints additional support with KOSMODISK ACTIVE Sports Belt, KOSMODISK SUPPORT Knee Support and KOSMODISK SUPPORT Wrist Support. Keep your back and spine strong, healthy and supple with a help of KOSMODISK CLASSIC Set / Superior Set. And don’t forget to relax after a day’s work. Relaxing is not only good for your back but it is also good for your general health. Here we recommend KOSMODISK LIFE Massage Pillows Set.