Back injury on the job?

Common causes

• Equipment accidents. Faulty equipment, operator negligence, or carelessness. Exerting too much force on your back — lifting or moving heavy objects — can cause serious injury.
• Machine accidents. OSHA urges employers to safeguard against rotating parts, reciprocating arms, moving belts, meshing gears, and cutting teeth. Repetitive motion can cause muscle fatigue or injury.
• Scaffolding accidents. Human error, faulty equipment assembly, or defective products. Poor posture and slouching exaggerate the back's natural curves.
• Slip-and-falls. Unmaintained surfaces, water or oil on the floor, poor lighting, bad storage.

4 important steps after a back injury at work

1. Report your injury. Prompt reporting enables early investigation and helps prevent other employees from being hurt. It is illegal for your employer to punish or fire you for filing a claim (Labor Code 132a).
2. Get emergency treatment. Most employers have an industrial clinic. If pain doesn't resolve in a few weeks, or recurs, consult a medical professional.
3. File a workers' compensation claim. Fill out the DWC-1 form right away. The claims administrator must notify you within 14 days whether your claim is accepted.
4. Seek a workers' compensation lawyer. Deadlines are critical. An attorney can fight for your legal rights and help you get the maximum benefits for your case.

The laws are complex.

If your employer does not learn about your injury within 30 days, you could lose your right to benefits. I have more than 35 years of experience handling work-related injury claims in Orange County. I offer free consultations to injured workers and charge no fee unless I recover on your behalf.