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If you\u2019ve sustained an injury at work, then you might wish you could go back and do something different. You know\u2014like not leave that file box in the path you take to your desk. But since you can\u2019t actually go back to undo an accident, why not take a few precautions ahead of time? Dr. Zinovy Chukhman, your Dallas chiropractor, has these safety tips to offer.<\/p>\n
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The #1 cause of accidents at work is overexertion injuries. These include injuries that result from pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying and throwing activities at work. In fact, these account for some $13.6 billion in benefit costs each year.<\/p>\n
To avoid overexertion injuries, proper movement is essential. For example, when lifting a heavy object, use the strong muscles in your legs instead of your back. And be sure to use equipment properly and take sufficient breaks to give your muscles and your mind time to relax.<\/p>\n
Slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a foreign object\u2014that file box in the middle of a walkway\u2014are the next most common work accidents. These can lead to muscle injuries, bruises, sprains and many other medical concerns.<\/p>\n
Stay safe by using non-slip rugs at entrances and exits. Place signs in areas where floors are wet or uneven. If possible, clean up spills as soon as they happen and keep pathways free of objects that might cause someone to trip and fall.<\/p>\n
No joke, that first step really can be a doozy. Falls from ladders can be particularly traumatic, but workers are also injured while ascending or descending stairs. Using personal protection gear when working at an elevation can reduce the risk of serious accidents. Also, use the handrail alongside a staircase, and unless you\u2019re wearing athletic shoes don\u2019t run up or down the stairs and don\u2019t take two at a time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch where you\u2019re going!\u201d We\u2019ve all heard that before. But sometimes we just don\u2019t see what\u2019s right in front of us until we\u2019re quite literally bumping into it. Walls, doors, cabinets, glass windows and furniture can cause head, knee, and neck and foot injuries.<\/p>\n
The best thing you can do to avoid such injuries is pay attention to your surroundings. In addition, keep your workspace neat and uncluttered and make sure obstacles are clearly marked.<\/p>\n
Even people who sit at a computer all day for work can experience injury. The repetitive nature of typing can strain muscles and tendons. In particular, there is an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve from the arm to your hand is compressed.<\/p>\n
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