Stay Safe at Work

The Basics Work can put a lot of wear and tear on your body. Make simple changes to prevent injuries. If work isn’t performed safely, it can put a lot of wear and tear on your body. Back injuries are the most common type of workplace injury.Make simple changes to prevent injuries and stay healthy:<ul ><li>Lift things safely.</li><li>Arrange your equipment to fit your body.</li><li>Take short breaks and stretch your muscles.</li><li>Eat a healthy diet and stay active.</li><li>Watch your weight.</li><li>Get enough sleep.</li></ul>Why do I need to take steps to prevent injuries at work? All types of jobs – even desk jobs – can lead to injuries. For example:<ul ><li>You can injure your back, shoulders, or neck if you lift or carry heavy objects.</li><li>You can hurt yourself when you do the same activity over and over again, like typing or working on an assembly line.</li></ul>An injury caused by doing the same activity over and over is called a repetitive motion injury. More and more workers are getting repetitive motion injuries.

Take Action! Put the tools you use often where you can reach them easily. Follow these tips to stay safe on the job.Lift things safely. When you lift something heavy:<ul ><li>Bend at your knees, not at your waist.</li><li>Keep your back straight.</li><li>Test the object first. If it’s too heavy, get help.</li></ul><a href="http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/documents/employee_services/safety_program/Proper_Lifting_Techniques.pdf" >Get more tips on safer lifting at work [PDF - 67KB]</a>.Prevent repetitive motion injuries. Sit or stand up straight while you work. Take the time to arrange your equipment to fit your body. Don’t try to adjust your body to work with equipment that’s not set up right or you.<ul ><li>Adjust your chair to your height.</li><li>Put the tools and equipment you use where you can easily reach them.</li><li><a href="http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndSafety/Ergonomics/atwork/Pages/ergo_computers.aspx" >Try these suggestions for working safely at the computer</a>.</li></ul>Talk with your boss or employer about how to make sure your office equipment is adjusted right for you.<a href="http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/checklist.html" >Use this checklist to see if your computer workstation is safe and comfortable.</a>Take short breaks. Even a 5-minute break can help increase your concentration and reduce stress. Take short breaks often to stretch or go for a walk. <ul ><li><a href="http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndSafety/Ergonomics/atwork/Pages/ergo_computers.aspx#muscular" >Try these stretches at work</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/family/minutes/tips/takeabreak/index.htm" >Get more 5-minute break ideas</a>.</li></ul><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=68">Get enough sleep</a>. Getting a good night’s sleep every night is important for performing well at work. When you are well rested, you are more likely to make good decisions and avoid getting hurt.Stay healthy. A healthy body helps protect you from injuries on the job. To stay in shape:<ul><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=21">Eat healthy</a> – Your body needs the right vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to stay healthy.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=22">Get active</a> – To get the health benefits of physical activity, do a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=25">Watch your weight</a> – To stay at a healthy weight, balance the calories you eat with the calories you burn (use up).</li></ul>

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-116/pdfs/2010-116.pdf" >If you work outside, get tips to protect yourself from the sun [PDF - 674 KB]</a>.</li><li>Get help if you need to lift something heavy.</li><li><a href="http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html">Report unsafe work conditions</a>.</li></ul>