The prevalence of back pain among foreign migrant domestic workers (fdws) is common and may can have various causes, often related to the physical demands and tasks associated with their job. It’s important to identify and address these causes to help prevent back pain and maintain good health. Some possible causes of back pain for domestic workers include:
Heavy Lifting: Domestic workers often need to lift heavy objects such as buckets of water, supporting the elderly people’s movement, bags of groceries, or even children . Improper lifting techniques or lifting objects that are too heavy can strain the muscles and ligaments of the back.
Repetitive Movements: Engaging in repetitive movements, such as bending, twisting, or reaching, without proper breaks or rest will lead to muscle fatigue and strain in the back.
Poor Posture: Spending long hours in positions that strain the back, such as bending over while cleaning or sitting in uncomfortable positions, can contribute to back pain.
Inadequate Rest: Domestic workers may have little time for rest due to busy work schedule or may sleep in uncomfortable conditions that will lead to back pain over time.
Improper Ergonomics: Working in an environment with poor ergonomics, such as using improper seating or equipment, will lead to poor posture and back pain.
Carrying Heavy Loads: Domestic helpers suffer from back pain by regularly carrying heavy bags, laundry baskets, or other objects for long hours.
Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles or lack of regular exercise will weaken the muscles that support the spine, making it more susceptible to pain and injury.
Inadequate Training: Domestic workers may not receive proper training in lifting techniques, body mechanics, and ergonomic practices, increasing the risk of back injuries.
Stress and Mental Health: Mental stress, anxiety, and depression are the factors that will increase muscle tension and exacerbate existing back pain.
Pre-existing Conditions: Some domestic workers may have pre-existing medical conditions, such as herniated discs, sciatica, or arthritis, which will make them more prone to experiencing back pain. Medical care and proper treatment will be required.
Lack of Healthcare Access: Limited access to medical care or inability to take time off work for medical appointments will delay proper diagnosis and treatment of back pain.
Improper Footwear: Bad posture and back pain are the outcomes of wearing shoes that do not provide proper support. Thus, a pair of good and comfy shoes for domestic workers will help prevent potential back pain issues.
Caring Responsibilities: Domestic workers often have caregiving responsibilities for children or elderly people, which may involve physically demanding tasks that will strain the back.
To address these causes and prevent back pain, it’s important to prioritize proper training, education, and creating a supportive working environment for foreign migrant domestic workers (FDWS). Encouraging regular breaks, promoting good posture, providing ergonomic tools and equipment, and offering access to healthcare resources will all contribute to reducing the risk of back pain among domestic workers.
What Can Domestic Helpers Do?
Foreign migrant domestic workers (fdws) in Hong Kong who are experiencing back pain can take several steps to manage their health condition and seek relief. It’s important for domestic workers to prioritize their health and well-being, and employers should be supportive and provide them help. Here are some suggestions for domestic workers with back pain:
Seek Medical Attention: If the back pain is persistent or severe, it is domestic workers’ rights to seek medical attention and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan in a clinic, or hospital. Foreign migrant domestic workers (fdws) in Hong Kong are entitled to health insurance coverage and get fully or partially covered for their medical fee.
Rest and Relaxation: Adequate rest is crucial for healing. Domestic workers should take time to rest and avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy work that could worsen their back pain.
Follow Medical Advice: If a health care professional provides recommendations for treatment, medication, or exercises, it’s important for domestic workers to follow these instructions diligently.
Physical Therapy and Exercise: If prescribed by a doctor, engaging in gentle exercises and stretches recommended by a physical therapist will help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate back pain.
Proper Lifting Techniques: Domestic workers should learn and practice proper lifting techniques to minimize strain on the back while performing tasks that involve lifting or carrying heavy objects.
Ergonomic Practices: Implementing ergonomic practices at work, such as maintaining good posture, using proper seating, and arranging workspaces to reduce strain on the back, will help alleviate discomfort.
Pain Management: If advised by a health care provider, domestic workers can use over-the-counter pain relief medications to manage mild pain. However, they should follow recommended dosages and guidelines.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can provide temporary relief from back pain and reduce inflammation.
Massage and Relaxation Techniques: Gentle massages and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, will help relax tense muscles and alleviate pain. HelperChoice provides FREE weekend yoga classes for foreign migrant domestic workers. Interested participants may follow HelperChoice Facebook page and Instagram to stay tuned for the events.
Modify Tasks: If certain job tasks exacerbate the back pain, domestic workers should communicate with their employers and request modifications or assistance in performing those tasks.
Speak with Employers: Open communication with employers is essential. Domestic workers should inform their employer about their back pain, explain their limitations, and discuss potential adjustments to their job tasks .
Access to health care: Employers should support their domestic workers in accessing health care services, which may include allowing them to medical appointments during working hours or helping them find suitable health care providers.
Rest Days and Time Off: If the back pain is severe, domestic workers should consider taking a rest day or time off to focus on recovery. Employers should be understanding and accommodate their needs since domestic helpers are entitled to sick leave(s) by law. See also: Domestic Helper Rest Days
Education for Rights: Domestic workers should be aware of their legal rights and seek assistance from relevant organizations if they believe their rights are being violated or if they face unfair treatment at work.
It’s important for domestic workers to prioritize their health and well-being. Employers should be understanding, empathetic, and proactive in supporting their domestic workers in managing and recovering from back pain.
How Can Employers Help?
If your domestic worker is suffering from back pain, it’s important to address the situation promptly and with care. Back pain can be debilitating and impact their ability to perform their job tasks effectively. Here are some steps you can take to support your domestic worker if they are experiencing back pain:
Open Communication: Encourage your domestic worker to communicate openly about their pain and discomfort. Create a safe environment for them to discuss their condition without fear of reprisal.
Medical Assessment: If the back pain is persistent or severe, encourage your domestic worker to seek medical attention. Offer assistance in finding a suitable healthcare provider and accompany them if needed. Medical professionals can diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment. Employers are responsible for providing their helpers with free medical treatment(except when a helper has left HK on a non-work trip) throughout their employment contract. This includes consultations, hospital expenses, and emergency dental treatments when required.
Rest and Recovery: Allow your domestic worker adequate time to rest and recover. If their back pain is severe, consider providing them with some time off work to focus on healing.
Modified Tasks: While your domestic worker is recovering, review and consider modifying their job tasks to avoid putting additional strain on their back. Assign lighter tasks that don’t involve heavy lifting or repetitive bending.
Ergonomic Considerations: Assess the working environment to ensure that it is ergonomically friendly. Provide proper seating, tools, and equipment to support good posture and reduce the risk of exacerbating the back pain.
Proper Lifting Techniques: Educate your domestic worker on proper lifting techniques to minimize strain on the back. If they need to lift or carry heavy objects, ensure they are using correct body posture.
Regular Breaks: Encourage your domestic worker to take regular breaks to stretch and move around. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing will contribute to back pain.
Physical Therapy: If recommended by a health care professional, consider arranging for physical therapy sessions to help alleviate the back pain and strengthen the muscles.
Pain Management: If appropriate, provide your domestic worker over-the-counter pain relief medication as advised by a doctor. Ensure that your domestic worker follows the recommended dosage and guidelines.
Flexible Schedule: If possible, offer a more flexible work schedule to accommodate your domestic worker’s medical appointments and treatment sessions.
Support and Empathy: Show empathy and understanding toward your domestic worker’s situation. Let them know that you are concerned about their well-being and are willing to provide the necessary support. See also: 10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress
As employer, you should notify the Labor Department of any work-related injuries within 14 days of the accident occurring. if the injury is serious and your helper misses more than 7 days of work as a result, the doctor might advise that they go for medical clearance. Medical clearance procedures determine the percentage of earnings ability that injured helpers have lost, with their compensation determined accordingly.
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About HelperChoice
HelperChoice is an ethical maid agency with a legit license approved by the Labor Department Hong Kong. It provides an online direct hire platform for foreign migrant domestic workers (fdws) matching and visa processing services for Filipino domestic workers. HelperChoice has more than 10 years experience in Hong Kong serving more than 75,000 employers and over 20,000 domestic workers profiles are available on the platform. It has also been working closely with local NGOs like Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers, PathFinders for workshops and webinars. Compared with traditional maid agencies, HelperChoice aims to provide employers a flexible and affordable direct hiring experience in order to find the most suitable domestic worker for their family.
How To Hire A Domestic Worker On HelperChoice Platform?
As an employer, you may first create an account on HelperChoice platform. Fill out your criteria and expectation of hiring a domestic worker, for example, the working hours, the salary and rest days, the job duties and responsibilities, year experiences in taking care of children or the elderly people, number of family they served, elderly care certificate, worker’s nationality and so forth. You may also review and filter helper profiles by their availability, current location (already in Hong Kong or in the Philippines or overseas) or contract status. Once you become a Premium Member, you can send domestic workers a message and get their phone number for direct interviews. After you find a domestic worker, be it from HelperChoice platform or from other sources, you may contact the HelperChoice team to help you process domestic workers’ visa and contract at the Consulate of the Philippines and Immigration Department Hong Kong.