What to Know About Common Office Job Injuries

Workplace safety awareness isn’t reserved for people working in warehouses or factories. If you work in an office, you can still do damage to your body whether through one-time accidents or prolonged strain. You need to do all you can to keep your body protected and help others in the office from putting themselves in harm’s way. These are some of the most common injuries office workers sustain and how they can be prevented.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

If you slightly bump your head once, not much is going to happen. However, if you keep hitting it, a bruise is likely to occur. That’s why you need to be aware of repetitive strain injuries when working in an office. According to Abels & Annes, repetitive strain injuries generally happen over time and can range from carpal tunnel, tendonitis, tennis elbow, trigger finger and focal dystonia. You could be spending hours at a time staring at your computer screen only to suddenly find yourself pained by severe eye strain. While all these injuries can range in their severity, you should listen to your body and take a break whenever you’re feeling concerned about your wellness whether it’s a limb, extremity or organ that’s bothering you. Talk to your doctor for advice that can help you from putting your body in serious danger.

Slips and Falls

It only takes one thing in the wrong place and one person not paying attention for a slip or fall to happen. The supposed natural calmness of an office can be turned on its head when someone slips and hurts him or herself as a result. There could be a spill in the break room that isn’t cleaned up immediately and marked with the proper warning signs. There could also be an object that ends up being an obstacle that someone falls over because it’s in the way of his or her normally clear path. While the hope is that everyone will watch where they’re going at all times, injuries can be best avoided by taking proper precautions. You don’t want to be offering trite phrases like watch where you’re going as a solution for someone who’s been hurt.

Improper Lifting

Heavy lifting isn’t a daily concern for office employees, which is why they can take for granted the effects it can have on their bodies if not taken seriously. Hurriedly leaning down to hoist a heavy piece of equipment or a box full of documents without getting in the proper position with your legs bent could cause intense damage to your back and/or your neck. Focus on picking things up with total intention and both hands. If you sense that something will be a strain to pick up alone no matter what, you should get assistance from another employee.

Something being common shouldn’t turn into it being condoned. The reason things like carpal tunnel are common among office workers is because of how easily people who work desk jobs can overlook the toll the job is taking on their bodies. By spreading awareness of office injuries, you can help combat the rate of accidents and bodily harm, at least in your office.

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