Danger Zone: Your Normal Office Job

Injuries are a common occurrence in everyday life, whether they are minor or major. Everyone has had them at some point in time.  While you may think certain places are a safe haven from these common injuries, your normal office job may be a danger zone for common injuries, and office workers are more likely to injure themselves at work compared to non-office workers.  We want you to be safe at work, so here are some injuries to look out for at the office. 

Tripping

Obviously, tripping can happen anywhere. However, this is the most common injury in offices which is why you need to be extra cautious around your workspace. It can happen in numerous ways such as tripping over an open drawer, slipping on wet floors, falling off a chair used as a ladder, or even just reaching for something in a wobbly chair. To avoid these injuries just stay alert of your surroundings, close drawers immediately, use a ladder and definitely alert whoever is in charge of cleaning if you spot a wet floor.

Pulling a Muscle

Sometimes your office job calls for you to lift heavy boxes or objects. However, this is something you need to be cautious of because your neck, back, and shoulders are susceptible to injury while lifting heavy things. To avoid this injury, ensure that the object isn’t too heavy, keep your back in a straight position, use your entire hands not just your fingers, and avoid twisting.

Flying Objects

This may sound silly, but it will make sense. Quite often workers are struck by falling objects or bump into objects which can cause serious harm. Whether it’s slamming your hand in a drawer, a book falling on you from a top shelf, or bumping into the corner of a desk as your turning the corner. To avoid this sort of injury, stay alert, watch where you’re walking, and ensure your jewelry isn’t loose.

Uneven Desk

This isn’t an immediate injury; However, it is a prevalent injury that builds over time. If your chair doesn’t support your back, your head is strained to look up or down at your monitor, or your elbows aren’t comfortably placed, you can develop musculoskeletal problems in areas such as your neck, shoulders, back. You can even develop poor posture, eyestrain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

While office jobs are not the first place you think of as dangerous, there are certain injuries to look out for while working your office job. To avoid these injuries, simply follow the precautions we've listed.  If you ever get an office injury, come visit us for an MRI!