When people hear the words “workplace injury,” they usually think of accidents that occur in high-risk jobs like firefighting, construction work and logging. But you can get hurt in low-key work settings, too, even at a desk job.
If you work in an office or are employed by a company that permits you to work remotely, follow these guidelines to decrease the severity of common sedentary job injuries:
Eye strain prevention
Do you find your eyes hurting after staring at your computer screen for hours? To reduce eye pain, look away from your screen every 20 minutes. You can also put eye drops into your eyes when they feel dry.
Though there’s some debate about the benefits of blue light glasses, you can try them out. That said, a small 2019 study showed that blue light glasses aid in ameliorating sleeping issues. After all, being well rested plays a role in work production.
Proper posture and movement
One reason sedentary workers suffer back pain, weight gain or other conditions is that they’re slouching or not moving much. Be mindful of your posture by sitting up and keeping your back straight.
When you start feeling antsy, try getting up and walking around every hour for 20-30 minutes. If you’re not allowed to leave your desk for long periods, fidgeting helps, too.
Carpel tunnel syndrome prevention
Carpel tunnel syndrome results from repetitive movements like typing, leading to arthritis later in life. Consider setting up an ergonomic workspace so that your forearms and wrists are at the same level. In addition, take breaks from typing by stretching your arms.
What if you still get hurt even after using these tips? This is where legal assistance comes in. By reaching out, you can learn about the intricacies and benefits of workers’ compensation.