Back injury and lifting technique at sea
The single most common seafarer musculoskeletal injury and how to prevent it during cargo operations, stores handling, and engine-room work.
Back injuries are the leading cause of medical-related sign-off among ratings. Common triggers: manual handling of stores, single-person cargo-lashing operations, and awkward postures in confined engine-room spaces. The maritime environment amplifies risk because vessel motion adds unpredictable dynamic loading to what would be a straightforward lift ashore. Recovery is slow and often incomplete without extended physiotherapy — a career-ending outcome in some cases.
Practical steps
- Never lift with a curved back — hip-hinge and keep the load close.
- Two-person minimum for any load over 25 kg or awkward centre-of-gravity.
- Use mechanical aids (pallet trucks, cargo cranes, engine-room lifting gear) whenever available; the Toolbox Talk should be the trigger.
- Warm up before heavy work — 5 minutes stretching before cargo operations pays back in years of career longevity.
When to escalate
- Sudden sharp pain with radiation down the leg — sciatica; report immediately to the Master + TMAS.
- Loss of sensation, numbness, or bladder/bowel control — this is a red flag for cauda equina syndrome; immediate MEDEVAC.
- Persistent pain not responding to 48 hours' rest + NSAIDs — request shore-side consultation at next port.
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