IAG Report 1/2014 "Think of me. Love, your back"

Back pain is regarded as the Nr. 1 most common ailment. The back is particularly exposed to strain at work or at school.

As part of the prevention campaign “Think of me. Love, your back” the Institute for Work and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IAG) surveyed about 2,600 employees and 1,600 company owners about the status quo of “Preventing Back Strain” in companies. In addition, around 800 OSH specialists (members of the German Association for Safety, Health and Environmental Protection at Work) were asked for their assessment of the situation in companies. Main topics of the survey were ergonomic features, the prevention culture in companies, health literacy of employees, the content of the risk assessment (physical and psychological stressors, age-appropriate job design) and the supply and use of health-promotion services.

The results of these surveys are summarised in the following report. They are helping to adapt information material, consulting services and other activities to the specific needs of companies.