Working life is something that each and every one of us has to tackle day in, day out. But along with it comes a whole host of health problems. Obviously, these vary from job to job, but there are some common issues like stress and long hours which contribute to negatively affecting our health and wellbeing. If there are issues that you can correct between you and your employer, now may well be the time to make some changes. Here are a few of the work environment issues that can damage your health.
Sedentary Work
A huge number of jobs these days are based in offices, meaning that they contribute to an overall more sedentary lifestyle. Sitting down for a big proportion of the day can lead to a number of health complications. Aches and pains are just the start. There is also a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. It has been recommended by experts that you get up to move around at least once an hour—and more often if possible. Slouching at a desk can also be damaging, potentially leading to long-term issues like arthritis and bursitis.
Eye Problems
Many jobs involve staring at a screen for hours and hours on end, which can lead to issues that come under the umbrella term computer vision syndrome (CVS). This includes a whole range of eye strain and pain. If you are having problems, position your monitor at eye level roughly 20 to 28 inches away from your face. Try to look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break. Speak to the experts if you are suffering from vision issues while you are at work.
Working Unusual Hours
Research has shown that those people who work night shifts are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. On top of this, technology has meant people are more connected to their jobs than ever before. This means that it is harder to switch off, which can mean that people are at an increased risk of becoming stressed. One of the biggest threats to our health, there is plenty of advice online about reducing the hold stress has on us. These unusual hours can also end up damaging our sleep patterns, which again can have a negative effect on our health.
Repetitive Tasks
Doing the same tasks again and again can end up having a negative effect on our health. For example, too much typing is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which can end up becoming so bad that permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting are caused. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is another common complaint that can be caused by repeatedly doing the same thing. Another negative effect of repetitive tasks is boredom, which some studies have linked to heart disease and strokes.
Undertaking Dangerous Jobs
It is simply bound to be the case that some jobs are naturally more fraught with danger than others. Obviously, you are going to want to ask your employer to provide you with all of the correct personal protective equipment that you need to stay protected. Not only is this in your own interest, it is in your own as well. Of course, reducing any excessive danger should be company policy, but if there are any issues that are cropping up that you can do anything about, it is important that you report them at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that something is done about them sooner rather than later.
In some situations when accidents simply cannot be avoided at all, this is where you may need to get in contact with a personal injury attorney to ensure that you are not at risk of being ripped off. This is invaluable advice that is more than worth following.
Being aware of the damaging effects of our jobs is the first step towards finding ways that you can make improvements. This way, you can work in a generally safer environment, and it is a lot less likely that your main source of income is going to be impacted in any way. Obviously, this is vital for all sorts of people, and you simply don’t want to get into a situation in which it is otherwise.
Also read: Journey to Justice: How Personal Injury Attorneys Aid in a Catastrophic Injury Case
