Not all workplace injuries happen outside. The office isn’t the most dangerous location, but it can still be home to some minor injuries and issues. Here are three threats to employee health in an office space.
Slips and Falls
You don’t have to work on ladders or heavy equipment to be hurt by a fall. While an office won’t provide nearly as many obstacles for employees, it doesn’t take much to throw someone off balance.
A wet floor is one notable threat for employees. Loose carpeting or flooring can trip up even the wariest of walkers. Free cables or unclear pathways can also trip up employees and cause them to fall. While a trip in a hallway isn’t as dangerous as a fall off a ladder, an awkward landing can lead to breaks, sprains, and potential hospital visits.
Lifting Items and Falling Objects
What goes up must come down. If you’re not careful, both directions can lead to injury. Even offices can require some heavy lifting, whether it’s equipment, supplies, or something else entirely. Improper lifting can lead to back or neck injuries, so it’s important to lift by bending your legs instead of leaning over and hurting your back. Also, if something’s too heavy, it’s probably best to get help.
Falling objects can also cause problems in the office. Old or broken storage devices can cause objects to fall on people, leading to head injuries. Also, storing objects too high can lead to accidents while workers struggle to reach what they need.
Workstation Woes
Sometimes a workstation can be an employee’s worst enemy. Bad workstations can have a number of issues, including broken chairs or computer screens at an improper height. These problems can lead to a number of health issues, including:
- Bad posture
- Muscle strain
- Eye strain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
These aches and pains can hurt employee productivity and lead to more problems down the road, including the need to miss time.
Help Protect Employees with a PEO
Workplace injuries are bad for any business. Group Management Services helps businesses through loss prevention strategies that can help protect your employees and your business. Contact us today about how we can help your business avoid office injuries and potential workers’ compensation claims.