Working in an office seems like one of, if not the safest job you could possibly have. You're not exposed to harsh weather or the elements, you don't run the risk of breathing in dangerous chemicals or toxins, and you don't operate heavy machinery that could cause physical injuries. However, workplace accidents can and do occur here as well. In fact, thousands of employees are injured every year, even in the most comfortable and cosy offices. Knowing where accidents are most likely to occur and what injuries are most common among office workers can help create safer, more secure spaces and reduce the rate of injuries.
Slips and falls
Arguably, the most common accident that could occur in an office building is slipping or tripping over something and falling can occur anywhere on the premises. While many injuries are minor, some can be pretty serious, especially if you have any health condition that makes you prone to fractures. In extreme cases, you can even break a bone or end up with a skull fracture. However, torn ligaments or muscles can also be quite severe and cause significant discomfort even if they don't require hospitalisation.
There are many things that could cause an accident, including wet floors, exposed cords, uneven flooring and excessive clutter. If you were injured in this manner and have reason to believe it was the result of someone else's negligence that could have been avoided, you have the right to claim compensation. Go to PersonalInjuryClaimsUK.org.uk to learn more about the proceedings and the official proof you must provide. It will typically include medical bills, witness accounts and photographic or video evidence if you can access it.
In order to avoid falls in the future, spills should be cleaned up immediately. Areas prone to becoming wet faster or likely to accumulate moisture should be well-known to everyone and avoided by those more prone to falls. Boxes and other clutter should be considered tripping hazards and kept out of the way. Electric cords must be properly secured, and carpets must be set in order, with all corners on the floor, not bunched up or ill-fitted for the room.
Ergonomics
Although it can sound like an old wives' tale, your posture is crucial for your general health. People who spend their days in front of a computer screen tend to slouch or keep their feet and hips misaligned, which causes problems for the spine. Back and shoulder pain are the more common complaints that result from improper posture. In some instances, or after many years of slouching at your desk, you might discover that the pain is quite severe and that you require medication, physical therapy or even surgery to alleviate the discomfort.
The position of your chair and desk should be adjustable to your specific requirements, and your workstation should fit you, not the other way around. Your keyboard and computer monitor should follow your body's natural straight line. Your posture should remain relaxed throughout the day. It's not unheard of to become tense when working hard on something, but that can exacerbate aches and inflammation. You should also aim to sit with your back straight. If you're not used to maintaining an upright posture, it can feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but your chair can offer the extra support you need.
Hand issues
Working at a desk also means typing for several hours each day. Being stuck in a single posture throughout the day results in tight joints and stiffness, and keeping your hands in the same position for hours on end can cause similar issues. Let your arms loose, and if you feel pressure building up in your joints, you should take a break and stretch. Ideally, you should stand up from your desk and move at least once an hour.
The keyboard and mouse should be at a comfortable height. They should be close to your body to avoid reaching. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common complaints for people who type a lot at work. It comes from the extra pressure on nerves in the wrist and can cause pain, numbness and tingling in your fingers and hand. It can heal on its own, but there are several things you can do to accelerate the process. For instance, you can stretch your wrists several times throughout the day or wear a special wrist brace at night.
In severe cases, surgery is needed to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. You will likely be able to resume your normal activities and routine only a few days after the surgery, but anything more strenuous should be postponed for four to six weeks.
Eye strain
Looking at a computer screen for several hours every day can lead to eye strain. Studies show that you blink more rarely when in front of a computer, which leads to several problems, including eye dryness. When your eyes are not moist enough, dirt and irritants can find their way in and eye strain becomes more likely. Left untreated, this seemingly minor complaint can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, neck and shoulder pain.
While not life-threatening, these symptoms can nonetheless impact your quality of life. The light levels around you should also be suitable for the task. Detailed work requires higher lighting levels, but when you use a computer, you must also consider the light coming from the screen. Minimise screen glare and dim the lights. If you work right beside a window, closing the blinds helps. To reduce eye fatigue, take a ten-minute break every hour.
During this time, relax your eyes by focusing on things at different distances. That means you shouldn't grab your phone and start scrolling through social media.
Air quality
Indoor air quality is often falsely presumed to be excellent by default. But there are several things that could impact it, such as poor ventilation systems, the use of cleaning agents that could act as irritants, the office being too crowded, mould, cubicle designs that don't allow natural airflow and inadequate humidity levels. Preventing dust, pollen or dirt build-up, maintaining cleanliness and orderliness and ensuring good maintenance of ventilation systems, air conditioning, and central heating are just a few things you can do to guarantee better air quality.
An office can seem like one of the safest places in the world. And while there's no denying that there are much more hazardous work environments out there, there are several dangers that lurk in the office space as well.
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