Workplace Safety 101

No one wants to feel unsafe heading into the office. And yet you'd be surprised at how many office injuries occur each day. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to prevent anything bad from happening to you in the workplace. Here are some office safety tips:

Keep an Eye on the Ground
If you're looking at a file or your phone while walking, you may not notice what's on the floor. Liquids or pieces of furniture can cause you to trip, slip or fall. Be sure to keep your head up and your eyes alert so that you don't run into any obstructions. In addition, if you see a spill, don't ignore it. Either clean it up or inform someone else to do so. That way, you won't be putting your co-workers in any danger either.

Give Yourself a Break
If you're working on a computer all day, it can really put a strain on both your eyes and your body. Down the road, this can cause major pains. Follow these Health tips from Health Magazine to help prevent any complications:

• Keep your head up and avoid straining forward. If you find yourself needing to look closer, you might need glasses. Also, try utilizing the zoom option on your computer.
• Invest in a good chair. Your seat will make or break how comfortable you're going to be in the office every day. Try to get one with lots of lumbar support and adjustability so you can change the way you're sitting at any given moment.
• Don't lean back. You should be sitting within reach of your keyboard and computer. Your monitor should be about 2 to 3 inches from eye level.
• Take breaks. You should allow yourself to get up and walk around about once an hour. Also, consider doing some arm and back stretches at your desk.
• Don't cross your legs. Sitting in this position doesn't allow for your spine to be straight, which can overstretch your muscles.

Be sure to consult a physician if you have any work-related back issues. In addition, ask your office managers for other desk options. For example, some people find that a standing desk is more comfortable to work on than sitting. Either way, it's best to have options.

Communicate
Some issues are not physical. If you have a problem in the workplace, be sure to work it out with your colleagues. That can be done through many different facets whether it's face-to-face, on paper or through email.

Ask For Help
It doesn't matter if you're lifting a heavy box or need an extra set of eyes on a proposal – don't be afraid to ask for help. You don't want to put any physical or emotional strain on your body or mind. It doesn't demonstrate weakness. On the contrary, asking questions and for assistance means you're willing to learn. Employers take note of people who show initiative like this. 

Dress Properly
Is your office always hot or cold? Since you will be spending a lot of your time there, you're going to want to make sure you're wearing the right clothing. Keep a sweater on your chair for those days when it gets chilly indoors. You don't want to be uncomfortable or get sick. If you're feeling cold, warm up with some hot tea or coffee.

In addition, make sure to take care of your body. Offices can house a lot of germs, so be sure to keep your work spot clean and always keep some hand sanitizer on hand – especially during flu season.