Back injuries in the workplace: From herniated discs to permanent disability

A back injury at work can change everything. What starts as pain after lifting something heavy can become a chronic condition that affects every aspect of your life – your ability to work, care for your family, sleep, and do the activities you enjoy.

For many workers in physically demanding jobs, back injuries don’t heal with a few weeks of rest. They become permanent problems that end careers and require ongoing treatment, pain management, and sometimes multiple surgeries.

At Maliganis Edwards Johnson, we help ACT workers with serious back injuries understand their full compensation entitlements. Here’s what you need to know about back injuries that go far beyond simple strains.

When back injuries become serious

Not all back injuries are the same. While minor strains and sprains may heal with rest and physiotherapy, serious spinal injuries can cause permanent disability and chronic pain.

• Herniated or bulging discs. These injuries commonly result from heavy lifting, sudden twisting movements, falls, or cumulative strain over time.
• Spinal fractures can occur from falls from heights, being struck by heavy objects, vehicle accidents at work, or crush injuries. 
• Degenerative disc disease and chronic conditions can develop over years of repetitive heavy work, constant vibration exposure from machinery or vehicles, poor ergonomics and work positions, or inadequate rest and recovery time between shifts. While these conditions develop gradually, they’re still workplace injuries if work substantially contributes to them.
• Nerve damage and radiculopathy can result from disc injuries and direct trauma to the spine.

How work causes serious back injuries

There’s a number of ways regular work practices can cause serious back injuries: 

• Construction and trade work exposes workers to constant heavy lifting and carrying, repetitive bending and twisting, working in awkward positions for extended periods, operating vibrating equipment like jackhammers or heavy machinery, and falls from heights or scaffolding.
• Warehouse and logistics work involves repetitive lifting and loading, pushing and pulling heavy loads, long hours of standing or bending, inadequate mechanical aids or training, and rushed work to meet unrealistic targets.
• Healthcare and aged care requires manually handling patients, working in confined spaces around beds and equipment, frequent bending and lifting throughout shifts, and often inadequate staffing leading to rushed, unsafe movements.
• Transport and delivery drivers can face prolonged sitting with poor lumbar support, constant vibration from the vehicle, lifting and carrying deliveries, and getting in and out of vehicles repeatedly throughout the day.
• Office work can cause serious back problems through years of poor ergonomics, inadequate chairs or workstation setup, prolonged sitting without breaks, and repetitive strain from poor positioning.

When back injuries end careers

For many workers, serious back injuries mean they can’t return to their previous occupation. A tradesperson who can’t lift, bend, or work in confined spaces. A nurse who can’t manually handle patients. A warehouse worker who can’t meet the physical demands of the job.

This isn’t just about current income, it’s about your future earning capacity over potentially decades of working life. Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims through superannuation can provide lump sum payments if you’re permanently unable to work in your occupation or any occupation, depending on your policy definition.

What to do about a serious back injury at work

Report your injury to your employer immediately, even if you think it’s minor at first. Delayed reporting can cause problems with your claim later. See your GP and get a workers compensation medical certificate. Be honest about your pain levels and how the injury affects your daily activities, understating your symptoms helps no one.

Follow your treatment plan and attend all medical appointments. Keep records of every appointment, treatment, medication, and how your injury affects your life. If your doctor refers you to specialists, attend those appointments. These specialists provide crucial evidence about the severity and permanence of your injury.

Don’t rush back to work before you’re ready. Returning too early can worsen your injury and jeopardise your long-term recovery. If your employer offers light duties, make sure they’re genuinely suitable for your restrictions, not just a token gesture.

Get legal advice early, particularly if your injury is serious, you’re not recovering as expected, your employer was negligent, or you’re facing pressure to return to unsuitable duties. Early legal advice protects your rights and ensures you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.

Your back injury is serious, your claim should be too

A serious back injury doesn’t just affect your current job, it can impact the rest of your working life and your quality of life beyond work. You deserve compensation that reflects the true extent of what you’ve lost and what you’ll continue to deal with.

If you’ve suffered a serious back injury at work, contact MEJ for a free, confidential consultation about your rights.

Call us on 1800 570 778 or contact us online.