If you think you’re less prone to workplace injuries because you work in an office from a comfy desk, it may be time to think again.
Industries like construction, healthcare, or manufacturing may be more exposed to workplace injuries because of the nature of their jobs, which often sees employees work with heavy equipment or come in close contact with dangerous substances. However, the risk of injuries exists even in a cushy office environment.
Here are 5 common types of hazards found in a typical office environment:
1. Slip and Falls
You don’t have to fall from a big height to cause damage to your body. In the wrong circumstances, something as routine as going from your desk to the fridge to get your lunch can end badly if you trip on a wire and fall, leading to:
- Bruising
- Soft tissue damage
- Chipped tooth
- Fractures
2. Repetitive Stress
Repetitive stress occurs when you perform the same physical activity for long hours, often in the same position. People who work in an office at a desk can suffer a repetitive stress injury in their hands as they use a mouse from a computer.
You are almost constantly holding your arm in the same position and using the same muscles to act. These injuries form over time, so you may not know they are initially linked to your job. However, you can prevent them by taking frequent breaks to relax.
3. Air Quality
The air you breathe can either keep you healthy or make you sick, and considering you’re in the same office for at least 8 hours a day, air quality is an issue you should be concerned about.
It’s not about whether your office is stuffy and needs a window open. Sometimes, air quality can be so bad that the building should be closed for a while, like mold or harsh cleaning chemicals.
4. Fire Hazards
A faulty wire can spark a deadly flame in just a few seconds, and if your office is not up to code, that’s a big hazard you’re facing every day, maybe without realizing it.
Office fires can result from:
- Poor power cords
- Faulty appliances
- Rely too much on extension cords
5. Stress
Office environment may not be physically demanding, but a desk job can solicit too much of your headspace. If the job you have causes high levels of stress, you can experience both mental and physical issues as a result:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or irritability
- Lack of appetite
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Burnout
Have You Been Injured on the Job in Missouri?
Though you may not have a ‘high-risk’ job, it doesn’t mean worker’s comp laws don’t apply to you, too. If you get injured at your office job, contact an experienced St. Louis worker’s compensation lawyer for a free case evaluation and determine the next steps.