Work Health: Avoiding Common Work-Related Ailments And Injuries
Every day, millions of people all over the world head to work in the hope of enjoying a productive and profitable day. Sadly, it’s always possible for your day to take a turn for the worst. If you’ve been involved in an accident at work, or you’re worried about work-related illness, you’ve come to the right place.
Common work-related illnesses and how to avoid them
Some jobs are more hazardous than others, but the vast majority of employees are at risk of illness and accidents at work. The most common work-related ailments include:
Back pain
Back pain is the most common illness experienced by employees. It can affect most people. You may be at risk of back pain if you sit or stand for long periods of time, or your job involves lifting. Always ensure that you have good posture when you are sitting, standing or lifting. Make sure your back is straight and hold your shoulders back. Adjust the position of your desk and chair to make sure you’re not reaching for the keyboard. If you are lifting, keep your back vertical and push from your knees. Use a trolley if the item is heavy.
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Repetitive strain injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term, which encompasses a group of conditions. These injuries are caused by repetitive actions and include tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the nerves in the wrist, and it is common in office workers. Rest is the best solution for RSI. If you type a lot each day, take regular breaks.
Stress
Stress is an increasingly common work-related illness. It affects most of us from time to time, but it can become severe. Stress can make you feel like you’re under pressure constantly. If you feel stressed, ask your boss about taking time off work or reducing your workload.
Work injuries
Most commonly, injuries are caused by slips, trips and falls, and falls from height. Examples of injuries range from sprains and strains to life-threatening head and spinal injuries. You may also be at risk of burns and scalds if you work in a kitchen or restaurant. If you work in construction, working with machinery may cause injuries like vibration white finger. Employers should take the necessary health and safety precautions to reduce the risk of work accidents. Examples may include carrying out regular risk assessments and providing safety equipment.
What to do if you’ve been injured at work
If you’ve been injured at work, or you’re worried about work-related illness, speak to your boss. If an accident occurred and you weren’t at fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Do you believe your employer was negligent, and this resulted in burn injuries, for example? If so, it’s well worth asking the question, ‘Can I claim for my burns accident?’
If you are thinking of claiming compensation, it’s wise to seek legal advice. The process can be complex and convoluted.
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Most of us complete our day’s work without any issues. But there’s always a risk of illness and injuries. Bear these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to seek advice if you’ve been injured at work, and you weren’t to blame.