To most people in Minnesota, the office environment can seem like a safe haven when compared to other fields like nursing, construction, etc. However, as much as the injuries may not be equally dramatic, you can incur damages that can affect you for life. Here are some of the potentially serious hazards that office workers face.
Poor lighting
Office lighting can be both a hazard or a contributing factor to other hosts of injury risks and illnesses. For one, poor lighting can lead to vision problems like eyestrain, which can become a permanent problem if not corrected on time. Additionally, it can cause headaches in the short term. Poor lighting can also conceal other hazards in your workspace, like electric cords and other obstacles that can trip you.
Ergonomics injuries
People that work in an office spend about eight hours before a screen five or six days a week. Therefore, they are prone to back strains and injuries related to posture and movement. The problem with these injuries is that they take years to develop. You might start experiencing complications after you’ve moved on to another field or retired.
Slipping and falling
The National Safety Council reported that office workers are two and half times more likely to slip and have a devastating fall than people working in other fields. There are many obstacles in the office; even a pen on the floor can cause a disabling fall.
What to do when injured
In Minnesota, employers are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation insurance. This policy will pay for medical bills, lost wages while receiving treatment, and disability benefits. You can also sue your employer for unsafe working conditions if that is what led to your injury.
Almost all office injuries can be prevented. But, you, your colleagues, and your employer must take a proactive approach to deal with the potential hazards.