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■Do drivers' back pain qualify for workers' compensation?
Drivers are prone to back pain because they are basically sitting while working. The possibility is even higher for long-distance drivers who drive for more than 10 hours. Many drivers would be saved if their back pain could be covered by workers' compensation. In this article, we will explain whether drivers' back pain is covered by workers' compensation and also introduce ways to prevent back pain.
1. Drivers' back pain is covered by workers' compensation
First of all, you should know that drivers' back pain is covered by workers' compensation. Diseases covered by workers' compensation insurance are determined based on Article 35 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Labor Standards Act. Among them, "work that involves unnatural working positions that place excessive strain on the lower back" is listed. In other words, the work of a driver is recognized as a job that is prone to back pain. Naturally, the back pain of truck drivers who drive long distances is also covered. If you hurt your back while working and can prove that it is related to your work, you will be covered by workers' compensation insurance.
However, if you already have a chronic condition such as a lumbar disc herniation before starting work, you should be careful. If you already had a bad back, they may suspect a causal relationship with your work. In the worst case scenario, you may not be covered by workers' compensation.
2. Cases of back pain that qualify for workers' compensation
In order to receive workers' compensation, you must meet the requirements set out in the "Criteria for the Certification of Work-Related Back Pain." The "Criteria for the Certification of Work-Related Back Pain" are mainly divided into two patterns. One is "back pain caused by accidents." This is when back pain is caused by a sudden event, such as an accident that occurred during work. In this pattern, even if the worker has had back pain from the beginning, it is medically recognized that the cause of the worsening was an accident, and the worker will be covered by workers' compensation.
The other is "back pain not caused by accidents." This applies when the back becomes worse while continuing to work, rather than through an accident or injury. The extent to which it is recognized will vary depending on the length of work and the burden of the work. In both patterns, the condition is that the relationship between work and back pain is recognized. In order to get a satisfactory result, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a doctor.
3. What compensation you can receive
If it is determined that the cause of your back pain is work-related, you will be compensated for medical expenses. In addition to medical expenses, you may also be eligible for compensation for absence from work, compensation for injury or illness, and compensation for disability. If you receive treatment at a hospital designated for industrial accidents, it will be free of charge, but if you receive treatment at a hospital other than a hospital designated for industrial accidents, you will have to pay the expenses upfront. In that case, you will have to claim the cost of treatment later.
Compensation for absence from work is a system that allows you to receive wages during the period when you cannot work due to back pain. However, you cannot receive it from the first day. The condition is that you cannot work for four or more days, and the standard is about 60% of the basic daily benefit amount. Compensation for injury or illness is for cases where recovery is not recognized even after one year and six months from the start of treatment and the injury grade is judged to be 1 to 3.
4. How to deal with back pain for drivers!
The first thing to consider when dealing with back pain is how you sit. Sitting leaning forward will put more strain on your back. If you drive with your neck and back straight, the strain on your lower back will be reduced. Drivers sometimes rest with their feet on the steering wheel, but this position puts a lot of strain on the lower back, so it is best to avoid it if possible. When resting in the car, it is preferable to use a bed if possible. The trick to preventing lower back pain is to maintain good posture, so a cushion type seat will not be much of a solution. Use something that supports your posture, not a cushion.
It's important to prevent it yourself
Drivers are prone to lower back pain. If it's caused by work, you can receive workers' compensation, but above all, it's important to avoid lower back pain. The worse the lower back pain, the harder it is to return to work. In some cases, the pain doesn't heal completely and the pain becomes addictive. It's important to be conscious of your posture and try to drive in a way that doesn't cause lower back pain.
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