Accidents in the workplace that result in injuries to workers are more commonly associated with industrial environments than in office environments. It may be easier to imagine warehouse workers sustaining workplace injuries than office workers. However, Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers know that all fields expose workers to injury risks.
The hazards to which office workers are vulnerable are, in some cases, different or subtler than those to which industrial workers are vulnerable. Some hazards, such as falling and lifting, are shared among most industries. Others, such as ergonomics and associated injuries, are perhaps more likely to occur with office workers.
Leading causes
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University described the leading causes of injury to office workers. The top four accidents for these workers are:
- Falling down
- Lifting objects
- Flying and stationary objects
- Improper workstation ergonomics
While these are the leading causes of injury, they do not represent an exhaustive list of accidents that may result in injuries to office workers.
Falling and lifting
Falling down, due to slipping, tripping or otherwise, is the most common office accident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, according to the CDC, this type of accident causes a higher rate of disabling injuries to office workers than any other type.
Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers are aware that falls occur for a variety of reasons. Tripping over unexpected objects, such as opened drawers, cords or wires, is prominent. Advice from the school for reducing the risk of falls features walking around the office with care and removing potential sources of slips or falls.
Although office jobs may not necessarily be physical in nature, physical demands can occasionally become part of the job. For example, consider the sporadic need to lift a stack of files, computer equipment, or other objects. Lifting an object that is too heavy or doing so with improper form can lead to workplace accidents. Requesting help and always using legs to lift can help to avoid lifting-related injuries.
Objects and ergonomics
Objects have already been described as hazards in office workplaces in cases of falling or lifting. There are other ways objects can result in office injuries, which may prompt workers to consult with Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers. The CDC mentions bumping into objects, as well as getting caught in or in between them as some of these scenarios.
Finally, sitting at a desk all day, in front of a computer screen, can lead to injuries to the back, joints and eyes, among other parts of the body. Looking away from the computer screen for 30 seconds every ten minutes can reduce eyestrain. Standing up to stretch every half hour can reduce back strain
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