WorkSpace Week to help improve workers' spinal health

WorkSpace Week (2–8 October) is the annual national campaign to help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WSMDs) to improve spinal health for Australians so they can work well anywhere. Conducted by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), WorkSpace Week — the first week of National Safe Work Month — aims to minimise disorders that have a severe impact on the spinal health and wellbeing of workers.

According to the World Health Organisation, musculoskeletal disorders account for the greatest proportion of persistent pain conditions and are the second-largest contributor to disability worldwide with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability, globally. WRMDs are estimated to cost the Australian economy over $50 billion annually through direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life of sufferers.

WorkSpace Week informs Australians about the importance of prevention and early intervention to reduce workspace injuries, minimise deterioration, reduce the severity of WRMDs and foster good spinal health habits to improve the quality of life of working Australians. Those most vulnerable to WMSDs are community and personal service workers such as health care, aged care, first responders, NDIS and disability service workers; while machinery operators, drivers, labourers, technicians and tradies are also among those with the highest rates of physical work-related injuries.

During WorkSpace Week, Australians are encouraged to host a #StraightenUpAustralia Challenge — a simple three-minute activity using ACA’s Straighten Up app in their workspace to promote working well anywhere and to share video and images of their #MyHealthyWorkspace to help minimise work-related musculoskeletal disorders and improve overall spinal health and wellbeing.

Image credit: iStock.com/ljubaphoto