7 Things You Should Avoid At Work To Avoid Injury
Injuries can happen anywhere, but they can be especially common in the workplace. Whether you’re a construction worker, office worker, or factory worker, there are hazards that can lead to serious injuries if not avoided. Despite the safety measures and protocols put in place by employers, taking personal responsibility for avoiding injury is just as crucial to keeping you safe at work. Let’s explore seven tips on what to avoid when staying safe from workplace accidents. Knowing these basics about what leads up to an accident could save your life!
Avoid injuries from repetitive stress
Repetitive stress injuries are caused by the regular repetition of a certain motion, often from the continual use of machinery or tools. To avoid these types of injuries, it’s important to take regular breaks and do stretching exercises throughout the day. If an injury happens, however, you might want to seek help from an attorney who specializes in this area. A repetitive stress injury attorney in New York can help you get the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by your injury. After all, repetitive stress injuries can result in severe discomfort, loss of productivity, and, in some cases, permanent disability.
Don’t lift heavy objects without assistance
Our bodies are amazing machines capable of performing remarkable feats of strength. But even the strongest among us have limits. Lifting heavy objects without assistance can put an incredible strain on our back and shoulder muscles, and may lead to long-lasting injuries. It’s important to recognize when something is too heavy for us to lift on our own and to ask for help from a coworker. Don’t risk your health by lifting something you shouldn’t — take the time to get the help you need.
Be mindful of tripping hazards
Every day at work, we all have a lot on our minds. It’s easy for our attention to be pulled in multiple directions, but it’s essential to stay mindful of potential tripping hazards. Cords and cables on the floor can be especially dangerous if we’re not paying attention. It only takes one misstep to cause a serious injury.
Similarly, you must be vigilant when walking up and down stairs. Rushing down the steps or taking them two at a time can be tempting, but it’s just not worth it if it results in an accident. Let’s all take a moment to be conscious of our surroundings and avoid any unnecessary stumbles. Safety should always be a top priority in the workplace.
Wear appropriate clothing at all times
Your wardrobe choices play a significant role in your professional image at work. Dressing appropriately not only shows respect for your job but also impacts your productivity, attitude, and — most importantly — safety.
If you’re working with machinery, make sure your clothes are not baggy or flowing as these can easily get caught and cause a serious accident. Similarly, if you work with hazardous chemicals, you must always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles. Your employer should provide the necessary equipment for your safety, and you should never hesitate to use it. It can help save you from a severe injury or worse.
Avoid sitting in the same position for too long
As we spend more and more time sitting in front of screens, it’s important to be conscious of our posture and movement habits. Sitting in the same position for hours on end can cause serious discomfort, from neck pain to carpal tunnel syndrome.
A way to avoid these issues is to take breaks and move around regularly throughout the day. Simply standing up and stretching or walking around the room for a few minutes can make a big difference in how your body feels. By prioritizing movement and good posture, you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term health and comfort, no matter how much time you spend sitting at a desk.
Don’t stretch too far while reaching for something overhead
When we need to reach for something that’s above us, our natural instinct is to stretch as far as we can to grab it. But did you know that this could actually harm your wrists? Overhead reaching can put a lot of strain on your wrists, especially if you’re doing it repeatedly throughout the day. The stretching motion combined with the force of pulling the item down can cause discomfort, pain, and even long-term damage to your wrists.
When reaching for something overhead, take your time. Make sure you’re in a comfortable position and that your arms are at your side. You can also use a step stool if the item is too high to reach from the ground. A few extra seconds to grab a stool or step-ladder could save you from wrist strain in the long run.
Make sure you take regular breaks
Sitting at a desk for long hours can be tiring and draining on the body, but did you know it can also put a strain on your eyes? Staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision.
It’s essential to take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid these issues. Step away from your desk for a few minutes and give your eyes a rest. If you find yourself squinting or rubbing your eyes, it might be time to take a break. Your eyesight is precious — don’t take it for granted!
If you take personal responsibility to avoid injury at work, you can ensure your safety and productivity. All it takes is a few minutes each day to assess potential hazards and make sure you’re following the right safety protocols. Every small precaution you take to prevent what leads up to an accident could save your life!
Don’t forget, if you ever do suffer an injury in the workplace, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer so that they can help you get the compensation you deserve. A good attorney can provide invaluable advice and legal assistance to protect your rights and ensure you get the best possible outcome if any injury occurs. Taking care of yourself at work will maintain a healthy and productive career — something that we all strive for! So remember to be mindful, stay safe, and always follow these few simple tips.
