A worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. If you do the math, that’s over 4.7 million injuries per year!
Some of the most common accidents include slips, falls, muscle strains, cuts, and lacerations. Not only can it result in time off work, but it can also affect your productivity!
The worst part? Most of these injuries are preventable.
Want to know some safety tips for office workers? If so, you’re on the right page! We’ll be going over everything that you need to know below.
Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
What’s the Most Common Office Injury?
Falls are the most common injury in the office. In fact, office workers are up to 2.5 times more likely to suffer a fall than non-office workers.
Common causes include slippery floors, inadequate lighting, unstable chairs, and tripping over cords or other objects.
Depending on the severity, it can easily lead to bruising, lacerations, or fractured bones.
Preventing Injuries: Safety Tips For Office Workers
Here are five tips for those who’d like to stay safe in the office. Or for those who prefer visuals, here are some funny safety videos!
1. Take Regular Breaks
Make sure to take regular breaks when you’re working. Sitting in front of a computer all day can put you at risk for various health problems.
Get up and move around every once in a while. For example, you can go chat with a co-worker or grab a beverage. There are also simple exercises that you can do at your workstation.
2. Make Sure Your Set-Up Is Ergonomic
It’s important to maintain a neutral position when you’re working. That is, your head should be held upright and your elbows should be resting comfortably at your side.
Consider using a footrest if your feet don’t touch the floor. That will prevent you from leaning forward, which can hurt your back over time.
3. Use the Right Safety Equipment
Certain tasks may require the use of safety equipment. For example, you’ll want to wear a pair of gloves if you’re cleaning the office with chemicals.
Depending on the task, you might also want to wear earplugs or goggles. Failure to do so can lead to injury.
4. Be Careful When the Floor Is Slippery
Be careful of slippery floors. Don’t hesitate to take your time while walking. Instead of marching forward, take short, slow steps—that’ll prevent you from slipping and falling.
This is especially true if you live in an area with ice and slow. Use handrails whenever possible and consider getting a pair of slip-resistant shoes!
Staying Safe in the Office
And there we have it—four safety tips for office workers. As you can see, there are various ways that you can prevent injury!
Do you have any other tips that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments section below!
