Workplace injuries are on the rise in today’s fast-paced world. Even with the advent of technology and other innovations, there have been no significant changes to our occupation as a whole. The increased pace of life has meant that we are expected to work longer hours and for longer periods of time. This leads to greater stress levels, which can lead to poor work habits such as social isolation and too much focus on work.
If you want to keep your workplace injury rate low, it is important that you start thinking about safety. Here’s how you can avoid them in the first place:
Stay informed about safety procedures
No matter how well-meaning you think you may be, it is important to know what safety procedures are in place at your workplace. You can easily make a mistake due to a lack of knowledge, and this could lead to serious injury. Some basic rules should be followed at all times in order to keep your workplace safe. For starters, it is important to wear appropriate attire at work.
You should maintain good hygiene and avoid wearing clothes that could pose a risk to you. You should also avoid eating or drinking while you are at work.
Photo, Radowan Nakif Rehan.
Organise your workspace
While you may love the idea of a totally uncluttered workspace, this is actually what increases your risk of injury. Clutter makes it harder to see potential problems and make safe decisions. While there are some work environments where this type of space is preferred, most people find that the extra effort of organising is worth it.
Keep all items within reach of your desk so that you can see what you are doing. Clutter on your desk also makes it harder to navigate your own body, which can lead to an injury.
Work in well-lit areas
If you spend most of your day in well-lit areas, it is important that you switch location to a well-lit area when it gets dark. This is a simple but very important safety precaution. Injuries caused by low-light conditions happen when the eyes focus on what is in front of them, not the work surface. They are, therefore, not constantly scanning the area around themselves and their hands, which means that they may miss certain clues or be less cautious.
If you can, it would be best to change to a well-lit area when it gets dark. It will also be safer if you keep artificial lighting to a minimum. When you have to work in low-light conditions, it is best to turn off all lights in the room, including the computer screen.
Make sure your desk is ergonomically correct
When you are sitting at your desk for long hours, it is important that you make sure your workstation is ergonomically correct. The best way to do this is to visit an ergonomics consultant. Many offices offer this service, so it is a good way to ensure that you get the best possible workstation setup.
When you are sitting at your workstation, your spine should be in a straight line. You should also have your shoulders and elbows slightly in front of you, which will help you keep a safe posture while you work.
Photo, Troy Bridges.
Don’t ignore your senses
While staying focused on your work, it is also important to keep your senses sharp. With a little effort, you can avoid many hazards at work by simply being aware of what is happening around you. Pay attention to your own body. If you are developing any pain, red flags should be raised. Similarly, this should be a warning sign if something feels out of the ordinary.
Keep an eye on the people around you. If someone else is in pain or doing something unsafe, this is an important sign you should keep an eye on. Remember, safety comes first. When you are trying to be as safe as possible at work, it is important to keep an open mind and be aware of your surroundings. With a little effort, you can avoid many hazards at work by simply being aware of what is happening around you.
Safety training is a must
As important as it is to keep safety top of mind, it is also important that you learn how to do it. Safety training is a great way to learn the basic safety rules, identify potential hazards, and make sure that you are following best practices. Some courses can help you earn a certification to help verify your knowledge and increase your chances of getting a promotion. You should aim to complete safety training once per year.
Workplace injuries are on the rise. The increased pace of life has meant that we are expected to work longer hours and for longer periods of time. This leads to greater stress levels, which can lead to poor work habits such as social isolation and too much focus on work. If you want to keep your workplace injury rate low, it is important that you start thinking about safety, and you can with health and safety services to help protect you at work.
Here’s how you can avoid them in the first place: Stay informed about safety procedures Organise your workspace Work in well-lit areas Make sure your desk is ergonomically correct Don’t ignore your senses Safety training is a must! Safety training is a must! Safety training is a must! Safety training is a must! Safety training is a must!
