When people think of on-the-job injuries, most think of construction, manufacturing and public safety workers as the most at-risk for sustaining an injury. These sectors certainly have their fair share of risks, including from falls, exposure to chemicals and even other people.
However, every profession faces potential dangers, even relatively safe jobs performed at a desk in an office.
Repetitive stress injuries
Office workers are at risk for certain injuries, and one of the most common types is repetitive stress injuries. Performing the same motion over and over again, such as typing for long periods of time or sorting through a large number of files, may lead to such an injury. A workstation designed with proper ergonomics in mind can help prevent or reduce the severity of repetitive stress injuries.
Falls
Office workers are also at risk for falls. Falls in the workplace can occur as a result of tripping over wires or loose carpeting. They can also happen when standing on a chair to reach an object or from slipping on water in a break room. If someone falls because their office neglected to clear a walkway, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Back sprains
Most people do not think of office work as manual labor, but it can sometimes involve heavy lifting. Back sprains can occur when someone improperly lifts a heavy object, such as a file box or office equipment.
Being aware of the most common types of injuries among office workers can help employees maintain safety in the workplace.
