A career in IT or tech might not seem like a particularly dangerous occupation but you’d be surprised at how many tech employees sustain work-related injuries and illnesses every year. To help minimize the risk, take a look at these five ways to stay safe at work:
1. Use Ergonomic Office Furniture
Most tech workers spend hours at a desk every day, which puts them at risk of back pain and neck pain. Poor posture can be a major contributing factor, which is why it’s important to have the right office setup. With ergonomic furniture, you can ensure that your body has the right support when you’re working, which will enhance your posture and reduce the risk of developing work-related illnesses.
2. Adjust Monitor Height
If your monitor is too high or too low, you’ll be forced to adopt an unnatural position when looking at the screen. This can over-stretch the trapezoid muscles and lead to pain around the shoulders, upper back, and neck. In addition to this, you may experience headaches or migraines if the cause of the issue goes unresolved. Try adjusting the height of your monitor so that your neck isn’t strained or compressed when you’re looking at the screen.
3. Tidy Away Trailing Cables
In tech offices, trailing cables can be a common safety hazard. They often lead to slip, trip, and fall accidents, which can cause a wide range of injuries. From sprains and contusions to broken bones and head injuries, an unexpected slip, trip, or fall can have a long-lasting impact. By making sure that cables are secured and not left trailing across the office floor, however, you can greatly reduce the chance of an accident occurring.
4. Have Your Eyes Tested
When you use a screen regularly, your blink rate decreases, which can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. If you have an undiagnosed vision problem, using a screen for hours each day could exacerbate your symptoms. Whether you’re near-sighted, have astigmatism, or simply experience tired eyes, visiting an ophthalmologist will enable you to get a proper diagnosis and advice.
5. Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day allows you to stretch your muscles and practice good posture. Additionally, you’ll be able to give your eyes a rest from looking at a screen too. Going for a walk, getting some fresh air, or even doing a few yoga poses can be a great way to break up your day and reduce the risk of injuries.
Getting Help If You’ve Been Hurt at Work
No matter how safety-conscious you are, it isn’t always possible to prevent a workplace accident from occurring. With assistance from a personal injury law firm, like RB Law, you can find out exactly what to do if you sustain a work-related injury or illness.
Perhaps you’ve developed carpal tunnel syndrome from working at a desk that’s the wrong height? Maybe you’ve tripped at work due to a cluttered workspace? Or you could have slipped on a wet floor that wasn’t properly signposted? Whatever the reason, getting legal advice will help you to determine what your rights are and whether you’re entitled to financial compensation.
