Making Your Work Life Safer
Did you know that office jobs are some of the deadliest positions?
If you’re surprised, you are probably encountering risks in your day-to-day activities without even knowing it. Indeed, desk positions don’t come risk-free. While, unlike other industry sectors such as constructions, falls and mechanical faults are unlikely to have dramatic consequences, it doesn’t mean you should underestimate the dangers inherent to your work life. The sooner you understand the risks in your workplace, the better you can prepare for them. There are no less than 4 main areas of danger that can affect your health permanently in an office role. Keep your eyes open for those too often overlooked uncertainties at work:
Know H&S requirements
Health and safety regulations are no laughing matter. Unfortunately, many offices fail to run regular H&S audit assessments, which can cause health hazards for their staff. Consider the typical office space. A leak in the washroom could cause you to slip and injure yourself. Failure to secure loose wires to the wall or under the floor when installing the office printer could lead to accidental falls and injuries. A business owner who doesn’t maintain their car park areas could also be responsible for employees coming to harm on the uneven surface. In other words, offices are the place where you are the most likely to experience a personal injury. However, if you understand health and safety regulations and understand how to handle your own claim you can receive compensation to assist with medical expenses and time off work. Alternatively, legal experts can also help defend your rights. Ideally, you should highlight potential risks as early as possible to give your employer enough time to fix issues before anybody gets injured.
Say no to indoor pollution
You may not be able to see it, but the indoor air you breathe is filled with contaminants, such as dirt, pollen, and chemical particles. In an office, air-con and ventilation units can aggravate the phenomenon, if they’re not maintained regularly. As such, you could be putting your health at risk just by sitting at your desk. It can be a good idea to invest in a desk air purifier which can filter harmful particles out. Air purifiers can reduce the risk of developing airborne diseases.
Look for healthier and ergonomic options
Sitting for a prolonged period increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Additionally, you can also develop chronic back pain as a result. Ideally, researchers suggest adaptable and ergonomic options, such as using a desk with modulable height, so that you can stand at your desk to release pressure on your spine. But your desk should also let you sit when needed. Make sure, as well, to leave time for walking, such as during your lunch break.
Bring your own snacks
Do you need to nibble on a snack while working? Keeping your body and brain fueled is essential. However, you need to be careful with your options. Office vending machines tend to distribute only sugary or high-fat snacks. Keeping your health in mind, you’re best to prepare a small snack box to keep in your drawer. Roasted chickpeas are a great option, for instance. Clementines are also a fantastic boost in vitamin C!
Looking after your health in the workplace requires all your attention. From an ergonomic setting to your favorite food, there is so much that could go wrong! Set yourself a task: A healthy and happy career, starting today.
