Monday, July 6, 2015

Offices: Injury Prone Zone

Believe it or not, a typical office environment can be the scene of many potential dangers as the top injuries happen to people who work 100% indoors.  An injury can happen from just about anything; objects improperly placed (causing trips), or sitting for long periods of time typing (back, neck, wrist and hand pain).

The most common office accident is falls. Not only are falls common in the workplace, they are also responsible for causing the most disabling injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  People who work in an office are up to 2.5 times more likely to suffer a disabling injury than those who do not work in an office.

Common causes of falls:
Reaching or bending for something while sitting in an unstable chair.
Tripping over an open file or desk drawer, loose carpeting, electrical cords/wire or objects in walkways/hallways.
Slipping on wet floor.
Using a chair instead of a ladder.

Be careful whenever you are lifting. Even the smallest loads (computer paper, stacks of files, computer monitor, etc.) can still lead to a back, neck or shoulder injury if not handled properly. Before lifting anything, make sure it’s not too heavy for you. If it is, ask someone to help you. Never use your back when lifting and keep it in a straight position. Pick up objects with your entire hand (not just fingers) and hold it close to your body while refraining from twisting.

According to the CDC, office workers often bump into objects themselves, get struck by objects or get caught in or between objects, causing injuries. How your workstation is set up plays an important role on your risk of getting injuries. A workstation that is properly positioned will allow your elbow to be at 90 degrees and your computer monitor at eye level and will reduce your risk of suffering from musculoskeletal problems.

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