Most people who work in an office spend their day sitting at a desk. That fact alone would make it seem like office workers do not have much to worry about when it comes to workplace injuries.
However, just the opposite is true. Office workers face just as much of a risk for a work-related injury as anyone else in the workforce. It is important for office employees to take precautions to reduce the risk of injury at work.
What kind of injuries are office workers at risk for?
The most common injuries that office workers face include:
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Injuries from a fall on slippery floors or over office equipment
- Vision damage from computer screens
- Muscle strains or spasms from overexertion
- Neck and back soreness or injury from poor posture
These injuries may eventually require surgery or therapy to heal.
Office injuries can be deceptive
One of the most important things to note about many of these office injuries is that symptoms or pain may not appear until later in life. For example, most office jobs require typing, which is a repetitive action. It is possible that you will not recognize arthritis, tendon damage or even the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome right away.
New Jersey law only allows two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. So, what happens if your injury appears after that deadline? There is no need to fear. Generally, if a certified medical professional can link an injury to your field of work, you may still be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced attorney can also help protect your rights through the process of filing a claim.
So, what can you do to prevent injury?
There are steps you can take to avoid serious office injuries, such as:
- Creating an ergonomic office environment, with adjusted keyboards and chairs to maintain a more comfortable position
- Adjusting the light on your computer screen and staying an arm’s length away from it to protect your vision
- Always being aware of your posture, making sure your back is straight and your feet are flat on the floor
- Stretching regularly and finding ways to move around and avoid sitting for long periods of time
- Being mindful of your surroundings, including watching where you walk to avoid falls
As important as your career may be, it is also important to take care of yourself. Following these steps could help you avoid the stress of a serious injury.