JAN's Accommodation and Compliance Series is designed to help employers determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each publication in the series addresses a specific medical condition and provides information about the condition, ADA information, accommodation ideas, and resources for additional information. The Accommodation and Compliance Series is a starting point in the accommodation process and may not address every situation. Accommodations should be made on a case by case basis, considering each employee's individual limitations and accommodation needs. Employers are encouraged to contact JAN to discuss specific situations in more detail. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries account for nearly half of all musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace (BLS, 2013). The major symptom of most back impairments is back pain, which can be localized or widespread radiating from a central point in the back.

If ligaments and muscles are weak then discs in the lower back can become weakened. With excessive lifting, or a sudden fall, a disc can rupture. With years of back abuse, or with aging, the discs may simply wear out and a person may live with chronic pain for several years. However, back pain caused by a muscle strain or a ligament sprain will normally heal within a short time and may never cause further problems. Poor physical condition, poor posture, lack of exercise, and excessive body weight contribute to the number and severity of sprains and strains. Degeneration of the spine, due to aging, is also a major contributor to lower back pain. Most back impairments are treated with non-invasive treatment techniques.  Treatment options include drug therapy, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, physical therapy, and rest.  In a few cases surgery may need to be performed. The ADA does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA has a general definition of disability that each person must meet (EEOC Regulations . . ., 2011).

Therefore, some people with back impairments will have a disability under the ADA and some will not. A person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment (EEOC Regulations . . . , 2011). (Note: People with back impairments may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. ebay bentwood chairAlso, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. salon chair rental contract ukBe aware that not all people with back impairments will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. herman miller chair aluminum

The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.) A systems administrator with a back impairment is required to move, lift, and carry computers throughout the office.  The person was accommodated with a compact, adjustable height lifting device with straps to secure the load. A maintenance worker with a bending and lifting restriction due to a back injury is required to lift manhole covers.  lazy boy chairs gold coastThe worker was accommodated with a truck mounted jib crane and manhole cover lifter.used rocking chair manchester A clerical worker with scoliosis has sitting and standing restrictions.  chair rental minnetonka mnBecause the worker is required to work at a desk a majority of the time, the worker was accommodated with an ergonomic workstation evaluation, ergonomic chair, and a sit/stand computer workstation.cape cod chairs victoria

A mechanic with a bending restriction due to a low back impairment has problems accessing the engine compartment and low task areas of vehicles.  The mechanic was accommodated with a tire lift, a mechanic's low task chair, and a specialty creeper designed to support the body while accessing engine compartments. A file clerk with a back impairment has functional limitations limiting her ability to bend and access files in low file drawers.  An electric automated filing system was purchased to allow accessing of file drawers at a standing height.wicker chair rental toronto A chemical process plant worker is limited in his ability to turn large wheel valves due to a back injury.  best budget pushchair from birthThe worker was accommodated with a specialty tool designed to increase torque on wheel valve handles.

An appliance delivery driver with a lifting restriction due to a low back injury was accommodated with a stair climbing hand truck.  This battery-powered piece of equipment also doubles as a lift gate to help lower appliances on and off the truck. A grocery check-out person with a standing restriction due to a back injury was accommodated with a sit/lean stool and anti-fatigue mats. A mailroom worker with a push/pull restriction was required to deliver the mail on a cart that weighed more than the individual's push/pull restriction.  An accommodation of a motorized cart allowed the person to stay on the job. A truck driver with a back impairment was limited in the time he could drive.  Accommodations of a suspension seat and a vehicle cushion designed to reduce vibrations allowed the driver to comfortably sit for longer periods of time. A health care worker with a lifting restriction was accommodated with patient transfer devices and individualized training on proper use and selection of the equipment.