A worker sustains an injury on the job every seven seconds, the National Safety Council reports. That equates to as many as 4.6 million workplace injuries every year. Not only can workplace accidents cause serious physical and mental harm, but they can also result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and time off work. By being aware of common workplace safety hazards, you can better maintain good health and avoid injury at work.
Poor posture
Ergonomic Injuries
Poor posture is a major cause of injury in the workplace as it disrupts the alignment of the spine, which creates neck, back and eye injuries. Additionally, musculoskeletal disorders (including muscle strain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome) account for 33% of all workplace injuries. Maintaining correct posture at work is, therefore, essential to avoid injury and protect your physical health. If you sit at a desk all day, make an effort to sit up straight with your back flat against the chair (this provides your lumbar area with adequate support). Position your feet flat on the floor. You may find you need a footrest to properly support your legs so your knees can bend at 90 degrees, thereby relieving strain on certain muscles. Your computer monitor should also be positioned at a comfortable height and distance from your body. A wrist support cushion can prevent your wrist from getting tired from mouse usage.
Ignoring safety issues
Slips, Trips and Falls
Your employer is legally required to provide a safe and healthy workspace for you and your colleagues. However, you may discover potential existing safety hazards, such as stray cables, loose tiles, ripped carpets, spills and leakages, broken desks or chairs, or obstacles in walkways. If you do notice one or more safety hazards at work, be sure to inform your manager as soon as possible. Corrective steps must then be implemented to improve safety and prevent potential injuries. Nevertheless, if you do become injured in a workplace accident, it’s important to know your legal rights. An accident lawyer will help you recover workers’ compensation benefits, along with personal injury damages. Personal injury litigation can result in financial compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and job benefits, and lost earning potential, as well as any emotional pain you experience.
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Failure to plan for emergencies
Fire & earthquake safety
Your employer should provide you with workplace health and safety training. However, it’s also useful to familiarize yourself with all nearby emergency exits (particularly those closest to your desk), as well as all exit routes from your floor and building. Pay attention to any signage informing you of safety risks. Take the time to consider what course of action you would follow in an emergency situation like a power outage, medical emergency, or extreme weather, for example. If an emergency situation ends up occurring, being prepared can help you stay calm and minimize risk.
Indoor Environment
Indoor air quality & cleanliness
The prevalence of poor indoor air quality has contributed to a rise in occupational asthma and other respiratory disorders, chemical sensitivity and allergies, according to the NSC. Some of the reasons for poor air quality are inadequate ventilation systems; office overcrowding; the presence of cleaning chemicals and pesticides; water damage and mold growth; cubicle design that blocks off air flow to work areas; too much or too little humidity; and poor housekeeping, which leads to dirty work environments.
Preventing the accumulation of dust, pollen, dirt and other buildup on all surfaces, especially in carpeting, will also cut down on respiratory irritants, infections and illnesses.
Cleanliness and orderliness, too, may prevent the spread of illnesses and diseases in the workplace. Restrooms, break rooms, lunch areas and refrigerators should be regularly sanitized, and workers should be told to throw out food before it spoils.
Workplace safety tips every employee should know
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep correct posture
- Take regular breaks
- Never take shortcuts on procedures
- Be aware of new safety procedures
- Keep emergency exits clear
- Report unsafe conditions
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Workplace accidents and injuries are an all-too-common occurrence. Fortunately, by making an effort to avoid common workplace safety hazards, you can stay safe and healthy at work.