Staying Safe And Sane: Taking Good Care Of Your Health At Work.
July 23, 2018 by ThySista
Filed under Business, Health & Wellness, Opinion, Weekly Columns
(ThySistas.com) When you think about health, it’s easy to turn your attention to eating well and exercising, but have you given much thought to taking care of your health at work? The average person spends around 37 hours per week at work, so it’s crucial to bear this in mind. If you’re worried that your job may be making you sick, or you’re keen to try and steer clear of common work-related illnesses and injuries, here are some tips to keep you safe and sane.
Safety in the workplace
It doesn’t matter whether you work in an office, a hospital, a hotel, a building site, a cafe or a shop, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks. You may think that your office looks perfectly harmless, but there may be hazards lurking. If you’re advised to use equipment or follow specific protocol when using machinery, make sure you do this. If you’ve been given a helmet to wear, for example, and you’re not wearing it when you have an accident, you will be liable for any injuries you sustain.
If you haven’t been provided with the relevant equipment or training to work safely, your employer could be liable in the event of an accident. If you find yourself in a situation where you need advice about a workplace accident, it’s wise to seek help from an expert like a construction injury attorney. Look out for warning signs and instructions, and talk to your boss if you have any queries or concerns. It’s also crucial to report any problems you encounter. If you’ve noticed that the carpet has come up in the office, for example, tell your boss or the health and safety officer so that it can be repaired before anybody takes a tumble. Similarly, for maintaining safety and cleanliness at a construction site, considering construction cleaning services in Atlanta, GA (Or elsewhere more relevant for you), can be a proactive that will save time down the line and reduce the extra work required to have the finished product looking complete.
Dealing with stress
Stress is one of the most common work-related illnesses. We all have stressful days at work, but if you find that you feel stressed all the time, or it’s affecting your performance or your ability to sleep, it’s wise to seek help. Talk to your boss about lightening your workload or taking some time off, and try and utilize strategies to help you cope. Many people find exercise and meditation helpful, and you might also find it beneficial to devote more time to hobbies or activities that you find fun or cathartic.
If you’re having one of those days when everything is getting on top of you, take some time out, get some fresh air, and gather your thoughts. Stretch your legs, take deep breaths, and get things off your chest. Talk to a friend or colleague or arrange a meeting with your boss if you’re finding it tough to cope. Sometimes, there are simple solutions, but it’s always possible for stress to spiral, so don’t try and soldier on in silence if you’re finding work too much.
When you go to work every day, your health may not be your first concern, but there are lots of things you can do to boost your health at work. Pay attention to safety warnings and notices, make use of protective equipment, and talk to your boss if you have any concerns about the safety of your job or your mental wellbeing. Stress is very common, but that doesn’t mean that you have to struggle on. Use self-help techniques and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you feel like you’re losing the battle against stress.
Staff Writer; Lisa Parker
