AbstractBack injury is a major factor in the large workers' compensation bills with which insurers and employers are familiar. A common response to this problem is to subject prospective employees to screening, with the objective of denying employment to those considered to be a “compensation risk” on account of a history or findings of back trouble. Screening sometimes includes x‐ray examination.The employment of a person with a history of back injury involves two conflicting interests: that of the employee who has chosen the risk of recurrent back injury rather than unemployment; and that of the employer who wishes to minimise compensation costs.Resort to screening programs is an unwarranted medical intrusion into a conflict which is essentially economic. Moreover, the use of radiography adds an unnecessary increment to the average population dose of radiation. An alternative approach is suggested, in which a statutory load limit is imposed for male workers, comparable to that which already applies to female wo