4 Tips To Stay Safe And Healthy At Work

The average American adult spends 37 hours at work every week. This is a significant portion of the time. Many of us enjoy going to work and earning a wage, but, sometimes, our jobs have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing. If you’re keen to stay safe and healthy at work, here are some tips I believe will help.

Stay Safe and Healthy At Work #1: Preventing Back Pain

According to the CDC, back pain is the most common ailment among US workers. There are various causes of back pain, but poor posture is the most significant risk factor. The majority of people have desk jobs in this day and age, and sitting at a computer for hours on end can take its toll on your muscles and spine if you’re not sitting comfortably. While sitting in your chair, your back should be straight and your shoulders relaxed. The monitor should be level with your eye line to prevent craning your neck. Additionally, you should be able to type without having to stretch to reach the keyboard.

Standing

If you’re standing, keep your back as straight as possible. It also helps to keep shoulders pulled back and head straight if you can. If your job involves lifting, make use of equipment like trolleys, and always keep your back straight and use your legs to lift. If you do suffer from back pain and it is getting worse, see your doctor. 

Stay Safe and Healthy At Work #2: Reducing Work-Related Illnesses and Accidents

If your job involves working in an environment, which carries health risks, it’s up to you to look out for yourself. For example, exposure to asbestos or dangerous chemicals is, of course, unacceptable. That said, you still need to know what the laws are and how to protect yourself.  Even if your employer has safety guidelines in place. Follow the rules always and protect yourself by using all recommended gear.

Taking Action

Report any concerns you have to your manager or supervisor. Your employer has a duty to ensure that the workplace is safe and secure. If they are guilty of breaking safety standards, as an employee, you have the right to pursue legal action. For example, if you’ve been exposed to asbestos without the relevant protective measures in place, and you’ve developed an illness, as a result, consider contacting a mesothelioma attorney. Accidents happen, and often, they cannot be prevented even with stringent safety guidelines in place. However, if you feel that your employer has been negligent, you have the right to claim for your injuries.

Stay Safe And Healthy At Work #3: Dealing with Stress

Studies suggest that severe stress is becoming more prevalent among US adults, and often, the pressure at work can be a contributing factor. It’s normal to feel stressed when you have a lot of work on your plate, you’re approaching a deadline, or things aren’t going well. What’s not normal is being under pressure constantly and struggling to get through each and every day.

Stress can bring out the best in us, but it can also topple us. If you’re stressed out, and you’re finding it increasingly difficult to cope, take positive steps now. First, spot the signs of stress by paying attention to how you feel doing various tasks. Speak to your boss, be honest about how you’re feeling, and take time out to rest and recover. See your doctor and consider trying some self-help strategies like meditation, exercise, and doing creative activities. You might also benefit from achieving a better work-life balance. 

Stay Safe And Healthy At Work #4: Avoid Inactivity

Many of us have sedentary jobs, and we find it hard to fit in those all-important exercise sessions. If you don’t have an active job, make it your mission to move more. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and use the stairs instead of the elevator. Make time for a jog, a walk, a yoga class or a spin session before or after work.

Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and make you feel happier, as well as reducing your risk of a host of physical health issues. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. If a lack of time is a problem, you could also consider options like working out at home. This way, you can fit a session in before you go to work or when you get home in the evening. You could invest in some home gym equipment or follow an online workout or a fitness DVD.