It’s not uncommon for people to assume that if you work in an office, then the odds of you getting injured reduces. However, office workers are just as likely to encounter obstacles that challenge their bodies and health as people who work in construction or a factory.
Similarly, how construction workers might develop lung cancer over time due to dust or chemical exposure, office workers can also develop chronic injuries that can have life-altering effects.
Common causes of office injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are many ways injuries can occur at work. Knowing what to expect can help workers steer clear. Some common causes of office accidents include:
- Sitting or typing for long hours without taking a break
- Working in a poorly lit area
- Using office equipment incorrectly
- Using a chair to reach for an object instead of a ladder
- Tripping over wires or loose carpet
- Tripping over or hitting open drawers
- Slipping on wet floors
- Falling down the stairs
Injuries resulting from accidents
If severe enough, the above injuries could leave someone disabled or facing discomfort. Some symptoms or damages resulting from the above accidents include:
- Joint, neck and back pains or sprains
- Head injuries
- Reduced eyesight
- Arthritis
- Extreme fatigue
Work injuries affect both a person’s professional and personal life. It’s essential to take the right steps of prevention to avoid discomfort or long-term chronic illnesses like arthritis or joint pain. Fortunately, there are some prevention steps workers can take to reduce or prevent accidents.
However, some accidents or symptoms are unavoidable. Therefore, informed workers should know about their workplace safety policies and the process for seeking medical or financial help if injured.