Back injuries at work: here’s what you need to know about making a claim

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries in Australia, making up over 40% of workplace injuries recorded in 2021/22. 

Many workers push through the pain, assume it will pass, or worry that making a claim will cause problems at work. But a back injury that goes unaddressed can have lasting consequences, and you may be entitled to more support than you realise.

Why back injuries happen at work

Back injuries don’t always happen in dramatic circumstances. Yes, they can be caused by heavy lift gone wrong, a fall, or an accident on a worksite. But many back injuries develop gradually, the result of repetitive movements, poor ergonomics, prolonged sitting or standing, or years of physical labour catching up with the body.

This is particularly common in industries like construction, nursing, warehousing, transport and hospitality, but back injuries happen in office environments too.

Whatever the cause, if your back injury occurred in the course of your employment, it may give rise to a workers compensation claim.

What you need to do to prove long term injury

One of the most important things you can do after a workplace back injury is start building a clear picture of what happened and how it has affected you, and the sooner you start, the better.

A report to your employer, made as close to the time of injury as possible, is an important first step. This creates a formal record that the injury occurred at work. From there, seeing a doctor promptly is critical, not just for your health, but because your medical records will form the backbone of any claim. Your GP can document your symptoms, refer you to specialists, and provide evidence of how your injury has progressed over time.

It also helps to keep your own records. A simple diary noting how your back injury is affecting your day-to-day life, like your sleep, your ability to perform household tasks, and your capacity to work, can be genuinely valuable in demonstrating the real-world impact of your injury. Hold onto any receipts for treatment, correspondence with your employer, and any documents you’ve been asked to sign.

For longer-term or more serious injuries, specialist medical evidence is often required. Reports from physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, pain specialists or other treating practitioners can help establish the nature and extent of your injury and what ongoing impact it’s likely to have on your working life.

What a workers compensation claim can cover

Workers compensation exists to support people who are injured at work. A successful claim can cover your medical and treatment expenses, including physiotherapy, specialist appointments and surgery if required. It can also cover your lost income while you’re unable to work, and in more serious cases, compensation for permanent impairment.

The process can feel daunting, particularly when you’re already dealing with pain and time off work. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

What to do if you’ve injured your back at work

Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and see a doctor promptly. Your medical records will be important in supporting any claim. Keep a record of how the injury is affecting your daily life, your capacity to work, and any treatment you’re receiving.

If you’re unsure whether your injury is serious enough to warrant a claim, it’s worth getting advice. Many back injuries that workers dismiss as minor turn out to have long-term impacts that deserve proper legal and medical attention.

At Maliganis Edwards Johnson, our workers compensation team offers confidential, obligation-free consultations. Contact us today to understand your options.