The workplace has always been risky, but in recent years much has been done to minimize the risk for workers. However, it’s important that not only employers but also employees acknowledge the risks and take precautions to keep themselves safe.
This article details some workplace health risks that you should be aware of, including how they occur as well as your personal risk profile.
Workplace Health Risks and Solutions
Acknowledging the risks that you face in your workplace will help you prevent accidents from happening.
If you’re aware of these risks and have the ability and knowledge to prevent them, you’ll save yourself time and money in the long run. Not only that, but it will also make you feel more secure about your job.
Here are a few of the more common health concerns for employees.
Sitting Too Long
A sedentary lifestyle is not good for your health, and the same can be said for sitting at work for long periods. Cancer and heart diseases are just two of the many fatal diseases that you can get from a sedentary lifestyle.
Instead, take short breaks as you go through your day. Get some fresh air, walk up and down flights of stairs every now and then, or just stretch your legs.
There are things that you can do while at work to improve your health without having to step away from your desk.
Repetitive Strain Injury
This is an injury faced by everyone, from office workers to baristas and even people working in a construction yard. This is because many of us do the same thing multiple times a day, and this can lead to injuries in the hands and arms.
When using a computer mouse, mousing too hard or simply not moving your hand consistently can cause repetitive strain injury. If this is the case, combat your repetitive strain injury by alternating hands when using a mouse or changing the position in which you hold it.
Stress and Mental Illnesses
One of the most glaring and overlooked workplaces risks is a stress-related health risk from chronic and acute factors that cause physical wear and tear, musculoskeletal disorders, mental health concerns like depression, anxiety disorders or insomnia, or neurodiversity like ADHD or dyslexia.
To combat this, you’re going to want to try your best to identify these risks and find a way to prevent them from disrupting the progress of your work. Prevention is key, so this is not something that you should ignore.
Violence from Others on the Job
Workplace violence is a very real threat, and many employers have taken steps to combat it. However, it’s up to you as an employee to be aware of the risk and prevent yourself from falling into harm’s way.
Be sure to report any incidents that are violent to your employer. Not only will they be able to better manage and prevent future incidents, but they’ll also be able to adjust the working environment and remove people who are not suitable colleagues.
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