Employees with 

Back Impairments 

Accommodation and Compliance Series
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

2 

Preface 

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Updated 03/22/10. 
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JAN’S ACCOMMODATION AND COMPLIANCE SERIES

Introduction

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. 

For information on assistive technology and other accommodation ideas, visit JAN's 

Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) at http://askjan.org/soar. 

Information about Back Impairments 

How prevalent are back impairments? 

Next to headaches medical experts note that back problems are the most common 

medical complaint. Back problems are also found to be second only to the common cold 

as the greatest cause of lost workdays. Back injuries alone cost American industry $10-

14 billion in workers compensation costs and about 100-million lost workdays annually 

(Shelley, 2002). 

What are the symptoms of back impairments? 

The major symptom of most back impairments is back pain, which can be localized or 

widespread radiating from a central point in the back. Sciatica is pain starting in the 

lower back and traveling down one or both legs. 

What causes back impairments? 

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. Years of back abuse, or with 

aging, the discs may simply wear out and you 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, but it is often misdiagnosed as a sprain or strain. Only a 

small percentage of all serious back injuries are true sprains, strains or fractures. Most 
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

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are the result of degeneration of the spine caused by aging and abuse. Most backinjuries, however, occur in the 24 to 40 year old age group (Shelley, 2002). 

How are back impairments treated? 

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; some surgery options are 

vertebrea fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy. 

Back Impairments and the Americans with Disabilities Act 

Are back impairments disabilities under the ADA? 

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, 1992). 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 such an impairment (EEOC, 1992). For more information about how to 

determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, visit 

http://askjan.org/corner/vol02iss04.htm. 

If the major life activity affected by a back impairment is lifting, what lifting 

restriction is substantial enough to meet the ADA definition of disability? 

There is no exact lifting restriction that is considered substantially limiting. However, in 

an informal guidance letter, the EEOC states that an individual whose back impairment 

prevents him/her from lifting more than fifteen pounds is substantially limited in the 

major life activity of lifting because the average person in the general population can lift 

fifteen pounds with little or no difficulty. On the other hand, an individual whose back 

impairment prevents him/her from lifting more than fifty pounds is not substantially 

limited in the major life activity of lifting because the average person in the general 

population cannot lift fifty pounds with little or no difficulty. Furthermore, an individual 

whose back impairment does not substantially limit a major life activity may still be 

covered if an employer perceives him/her as being as substantially limited in a major life 

activity (for example, lifting or working) (EEOC, 1998). 
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Accommodating Employees with Back Impairments 

(Note: People with back impairments may develop some of the limitations discussed 

below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among 

individuals. Be aware that not all people with back impairments will need 

accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few 

accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. 

Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.) 

Questions to Consider: 

1. What limitations is the employee with a back impairment experiencing? 

2. How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance? 

3. What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations? 

4. What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all 

possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations? 

5. Has the employee with a back impairment been consulted regarding possible 

accommodations? 

6. Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee 

with a back impairment to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to 

determine whether additional accommodations are needed? 

7. Do supervisory personnel and employees need training regarding back impairments? 

 Accommodation Ideas: 

Activities of Daily Living: 

• Allow use of a personal attendant at work 

• Allow use of a service animal at work 

• Make sure the facility is accessible 

• Move workstation closer to the restroom 

• Allow longer breaks 

• Refer to appropriate community services 

Fatigue/Weakness: 

• Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress 

• Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation 

• Allow a flexible work schedule and flexible use of leave time 

• Allow work from home 
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• Implement ergonomic workstation design 

• Provide a scooter or other mobility aid if walking cannot be reduced 

Gross Motor Impairment: 

 General 

• Modify the work-site to make it accessible 

• Provide parking close to the work-site 

• Provide an accessible entrance 

• Install automatic door openers 

• Provide an accessible restroom and break room 

• Provide an accessible route of travel to other work areas used by the 

employee 

• Modify the workstation to make it accessible 

• Make sure materials and equipment are within reach range 

• Move workstation close to other work areas and break rooms 

Industrial 

• Provide overhead structure for lifting devices 

• Modify the work area to make it adjustable 

• Place frequently used tools and supplies at or near waist height 

• Provide low task chairs for work that cannot be brought to waist height 

• Provide stand/lean stools and anti-fatigue mats for standing work 

• Make wheelchairs, scooters, industrial tricycles, or golf carts available if 

walking long distances is required 

• Provide compact lifting devices to push and pull supplies and tools from 

storage 

 Office Settings 

• Provide a height adjustable desk and ergonomic chair 

• Move workstation close to common use office equipment 

• Provide low task chair and rolling safety ladder to access high and low file 

drawers and supplies 

• Provide a cart to move files, mail, and supplies 

• Provide a lazy Susan carousel or desktop organizers to access frequently 

used materials 

 Service Settings 

• Provide anti-fatigue mats and stand/lean stools for functions requiring long 

periods of standing 

• Provide a height adjustable desk and ergonomic chair 

• Move workstation close to commonly used office equipment 

• Provide compact lifting devices to push and pull stock and supplies from 

shelves 

• Provide carts to move supplies and stock 
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 Medical Settings 

• Provide a spring-bottomed linen cart 

• Make patient lifting and transfer devices available 

• Make wheelchairs, scooters, industrial tricycles, or golf carts available if 

walking long distances is required 

• Train employees on proper lifting techniques and on proper use of patient 

lifting and transfer devices 

• Provide powered beds for transporting patients 

• Provide a height adjustable desk and ergonomic task chairs to fit use for 

different people 

Situations and Solutions: 

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. The worker was accommodated with a truck mounted 

jib crane and manhole cover lifter. 

A clerical worker with scoliosis has sitting and standing restrictions. Because 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. 

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. 

A chemical process plant worker is limited in his ability to turn large wheel valves due to 

a back injury. The 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. 
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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. 

Products: 

There are numerous products that can be used to accommodate people with back 

impairments. JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource at 

<http://askjan.org/soar> is designed to let users explore various accommodation 

options. Many product vendor lists are accessible through this system; however, JAN 

provides these lists and many more that are not available on the Web site upon request. 

Contact JAN directly if you have specific accommodation situations, are looking for 

products, need vendor information, or are seeking a referral. 
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Resources 

Job Accommodation Network 

West Virginia University 

PO Box 6080 

Morgantown, WV 26506-6080 

Toll Free: (800)526-7234 

TTY: (877)781-9403 

Fax: (304)293-5407 

jan@askjan.org 

http://askjan.org 

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free consulting service that provides 

information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and 

the employability of people with disabilities. 

Office of Disability Employment Policy 

200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-1303 

Washington, DC 20210 

Toll Free: (866)633-7635 

TTY: (877)889-5627 

Fax: (202)693-7888 

http://www.dol.gov/odep/ 

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is an agency within the U.S. 

Department of Labor. ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment 

opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to 

employment. 

American Industrial Hygiene Association 

2700 Prosperity Ave., Suite 250 

Fairfax, VA 22031 

Direct: (703)849-8888 

Fax: (703)207-3561 

infonet@aiha.org 

http://www.aiha.org 

AIHA promotes, protects, and enhances industrial hygienists and other occupational 

health, safety, and environmental professionals in their efforts to improve the health and 

well- being of workers, the community, and the environment. 

American National Standards Institute 

1819 L Street, NW, 6th Fl. 

Washington, DC 20036 

Direct: (202)293-8020 

Fax: (202)293-9287 
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info@ansi.org 

http://web.ansi.org/ 

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization 

(501(c)3) that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and 

conformity assessment system. 

American Society of Safety Engineers 

1800 E Oakton St. 

Des Plaines, IL 60018 

Direct: (847)699-2929 

Fax: (847)768-3434 

customerservice@asse.org 

http://www.asse.org 

Founded in 1911, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization. Its 

more than 30,000 members manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health, and 

environmental issues in industry, insurance, government, and education. ASSE is 

guided by a 16-member Board of Directors, which consists of 8 regional vice presidents, 

three council vice presidents, Society president, president-elect, senior vice president, 

vice president of finance, and executive director. ASSE has 12 practice specialties, 150 

chapters, 56 sections, and 64 student sections. 

Association for Repetitive Motion Syndromes, The 

P.O. Box 471973 

Aurora, CO 80047-1973 

Direct: (303)369-0803 

http://www.certifiedpst.com/arms 

The Association for Repetitive Motion Syndromes (ARMS) is a nonprofit organization 

committed to assisting workers at-risk or injured by repetitive motion syndromes. ARMS 

also provides assistance to employers, workers compensation specialists, and health 

care professionals. 

CTD Resource Network 

http://www.ctdrn.org 

CTDRN was created to bring together existing, online educational publications and 

provide a vehicle to assist individuals with cumulative trauma disorders. 

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 

135 Hunter St. East 

Hamilton, ON L8N1M-5 

Toll Free: (800)668-4284 

Fax: (905)572-2206 

Phone: (905)570-8094 

clientservices@ccohs.ca 
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http://www.ccohs.ca 

CCOHS is Canada's national centre for occupational health and safety (OH&S) 

information. Their goal is to promote health and safety in the workplace, and encourage 

attitudes and methods which will lead to improved physical and mental health of working 

people. 

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 

PO Box 1369 

Santa Monica, CA 90406-1369 

Direct: (310)394-1811 

Fax: (310)394-2410 

info@hfes.org 

http://hfes.org 

The Society's mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge 

concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of 

systems and devices of all kinds. 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

395 E Street SW 

Suite 9200 

Patriots Plaza 

Washington, DC 20201 

Toll Free: (800)CDC-INFO 

Direct: (513)533-8328 

TTY: (888)232-6348 

Fax: (513)533-8347 

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the Federal 

agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the 

prevention of work-related disease and injury. The Institute is part of the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

National Safety Council 

1121 Spring Lake Drive 

Itasca, IL 60143-3201 

Toll Free: (800)621-7615 

Direct: (630)285-1121 

Fax: (630)285-1315 

info@nsc.org 

http://www.nsc.org 
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The mission of the National Safety Council is to educate and influence society to adopt 

safety, health and environmental policies, practices, and procedures that prevent and 

mitigate human suffering and economic losses arising from preventable causes. 

Occupational Safety & Health Administration 

200 Constitution Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20210 

Toll Free: (800)321-OSHA 

TTY: (877)889-5627 

http://www.osha.gov 

The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to save 

lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America's workers. To accomplish this, 

federal and state governments must work in partnership with the more than 100 million 

working men and women and their six and a half million employers who are covered by 

the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. 

Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America 

1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540 

Arlington, VA 22209-1903 

Direct: (703)524-6686 

TTY: (703)524-6639 

Fax: (703)524-6630 

http://www.resna.org 

RESNA's purpose is to promote and support the development, dissemination, 

integration, and utilization of knowledge in rehabilitation engineering, and to assure that 

these efforts result in the highest quality of care and service delivery for all citizens. 

 
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References 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (1992). A technical assistance manual on 

the employment provisions (title I) of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Retrieved September 4, 2008, from http://askjan.org/links/ADAtam1.html 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (1998). EEOC guidance letter. Retrieved 

September 4, 2008, from http://askjan.org/letters/Back_JUN_98.doc 

Shelley, J. and Dennis, M. (2002). Muscle, bone, and back injuries. Kansas State 

University, Manhattan, Kansas. Retrieved July 1, 2005, from 

http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001001-d001100/d001015/d001015.html 
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

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This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a 

contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment 

Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the 

position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, 

commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of 

Labor.