HAMPSHIRE firms are to be subjected to a 'better backs blitz' from the Health and Safety Executive.

From Monday until July 18, inspectors will be working with companies to tackle the cause of back problems that cost the economy £5 billion a year. Nationally, 4.9 million working days are lost each year due to back problems. In the south-east there are currently 55,000 people off with work-related back injuries.

Hampshire back inspector Heather Bryant said: "Healthy backs means healthy people and healthy business.

"This campaign is important because most of us will suffer from back pain during our working lives."