As an employee, we know that when you’re healthy, you’re happier and more productive. While some jobs, like construction, have obvious safety hazards, it isn’t wise to assume that if you clock time at a desk job you have nothing to worry about. Many professions go hand-in-hand with stress, sedentary behavior and other unhealthy habits that can take their toll on you both physically and mentally. So, whether you work from home or keep busy with a manual labor job, it’s important to know what you can do to make your workplace a safer, healthier environment.
Here are some tips on staying healthy and injury-free in the workplace:
- Correct Your Posture. If you work from a desk, like many employees do, it’s important to sit with a correct posture to avoid dealing with future back pain. Keeping your shoulders in line with your hips, adjusting the height of your chair so your knees are level with your hips and positioning your wrists and hands so they sit at elbow level when you’re typing are all ways you can ensure correct desk posture.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings. This tip requires knowing the particular hazards of your job. Assuming you know the risks involved, keep clear of potentially hazardous areas and situations. Always be alert and cautious when working machinery.
- Take Regular Breaks. Many work-related injuries take place when a worker is tired or burned out. Take regular breaks and go for a quick walk to help you stay fresh on the job. Tackling your most difficult, time-consuming tasks first thing in the morning when concentration is high can also help.
- Report Unsafe Conditions. It’s always a good idea to inform your supervisor about any workplace safety hazards or risks. Your employer is legally obligated to ensure their employees have a safe working environment and should take care of any unsafe conditions.
- Wear the Correct Safety Equipment. If you perform tasks at work that require safety equipment, be sure to wear what’s required to avoid injury. Depending on the job, equipment like earplugs, hard hats, gloves or safety goggles can greatly reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
- Reduce Workplace Stress. Some amount of stress on the job is common, but be careful not to let it get out of hand. Too much work-related stress can lead to an unhealthy environment. Consider taking your concerns about your workplace stress to your supervisor to see how they might help you address them.
If you do end up suffering from a workplace injury or illness, the occupational medicine experts at POA can help! Occupational medicine is the subspecialty of preventive medicine concerned with the health, safety and performance of workers. Occupational health specialists, like our own Dr. Daniel Chilczuk, provide friendly, state-of-the-art care for injured workers, so you can return to your job quickly and effectively. Our occupational medicine specialists are also available to provide customized work injury education for staff meetings or employee health fairs to help create safer workplaces.
At POA, we know that healthy employees are essential to a healthy work environment. That’s why we provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for work-related injuries, offering same-day care to employees with repetitive-use injuries, sprains, strains, fractures or lacerations. We are committed to quality care and specialize in total hip replacement, knee arthroscopy and more. For more information about our services or our orthopedic surgeons in Seattle area and beyond, contact us today!