A PHYSIOTHERAPIST will be putting her back into an innovative project to make sure vulnerable workers throughout Bury take the strain off theirs!

Miss Beth Hallows has been appointed by Bury Business Environment Association (BEA) to spearhead a year-long initiative to address the problems of back pain and injuries in the workplace.

And next Wednesday (June 14), local firms are invited to attend the launch of the project at the BEA's base at Link House, Bury, between 9.30am and 11.30am.

The event will act as an introduction to companies which could benefit from the new service.

Throughout her tenure, Beth will be visiting companies throughout the Bury area, identifying how such problems are caused and writing a detailed report for bosses containing professional guidance and recommendations.

Bury BEA is the only North West organisation to receive £38,000 of government cash to fund the project, entitled "Back to Work in Bury". The BEA is working alongside two partners, Bury Council's environmental health unit and the Health and Safety Executive.

"Back to Work in Bury" has been launched by the Government nationwide to benefit employers and workers by tackling back pain, seen as a major workplace health issue which causes considerable absenteeism among sufferers.

Beth, a chartered physiotherapist for the past 12 years, has been appointed project officer.

She explained: "Throughout the next year, I will be advising about 200 companies and 2,000 employees throughout the Bury area.

"As project officer, I will go out and visit firms and look at issues which are the causes of back pain, such as manual handling.

"I will also be addressing problems that office workers may have, such as neck and back strain."

Beth will then compile a report of her findings, containing recommendations, to give to the firms.

"My aim is to help make the job safer," she stressed. "It's a matter of advising the companies what they can do to tackle such problems in the workplace and then hoping they implement my recommendations.

"And for every business taking part, the service is free as well as confidential."

Measures to combat back pain could involve cutting down on manual handling and investing in new equipment to lift and transport heavy loads. Commenting on the unique scheme, Beth continued: "I feel this is a real opportunity for businesses. I really believe we are offering an excellent service to them."

Following this, she will monitor companies which have been advised to determine if her recommendations have been taken on board.

Any business located in the Bury area, large or small and including non-BEA members, can take part in the initiative.

Beth previously worked as a chartered physiotherapist in the NHS. Later, she became an adviser to nursing and care homes.

Any interested local firms can contact Beth on (0161) 253 6108 for more information.