Working World

What jobs do you equate with the word dangerous? If you’re like me, you probably think of police officers and firefighters as the obvious top-two most dangerous gigs out there. Construction workers fall into this category, too.  Anyone dealing with dangerous equipment, such as the agricultural industry, or exposed to toxic chemicals also qualifies. But did you know that there are several seemingly benign job settings where injuries and illnesses are way more common than you might think?

For example, sales clerks have a high incidence of falling off ladders while restocking floors. Office administrative workers frequently fall prey to repetitive motion strain injuries from excessive typing, illnesses related to inhaling printing inks and other toxic chemicals, damage to eyesight caused by computer glare, and not enough breaks. Employees with jobs that require lifting of any kind risk back injury every day. That includes health workers lifting patients, janitors pushing heavy carts, waiters hoisting heavy trays, and sales clerks carrying heavy loads of merchandise back and forth from the stockroom to the sales floor, to name a few. So how does the average worker avoid occupational hazards and stay healthy?

Be your own best friend. Become actively involved in keeping yourself and your workplace safer. Be aware of your surroundings and take inventory of potentially hazardous conditions at work. Do you know where your fire exits are? Do you know what your employer’s safety policies are? Ask. If there are no safety guidelines in place, push for instituting some. Do some research with colleagues at other companies and see what their safety policies are. Refer your employer to California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), where safety tips are posted for both employers and employees.

The danger of escalating emotions. Does your employer have mental health services available for stressed out workers? Do they let go of people in a humane, dignified manner and provide support for finding another job? Many companies are taking the cowardly route giving people the axe via email or even phone voice mail. No wonder people are going ballistic and, in extreme cases, using violence to “get even.” When evaluating the safety conditions of your place of employment, consider whether or not your employer practices strong ethical conduct in its employee relations.

Be cautious. If you work with hazardous materials, have a spare set of protective gear handy. Goggles, gloves, work boots, etc. can get lost or damaged in the course of a workday. Don’t be caught without them. Even if it means equipping yourself, you are worth the investment.

R&R: the Rx for safety. A well-rested workforce is more alert and more productive. Happier and healthier employees make for a safer working world. Be sure to take not only your hourly breaks, but all your vacation days as well. And if you’re sick, take advantage of paid sick days so you don’t infect your coworkers.

Be nice to your body. Keep yourself well maintained and in peak condition. Strengthen your muscles to prevent strain, get regular exercise, rest and nutrition. Take regular breaks even if it means setting a timer to remind you to get up and stretch every hour. Stretching prevents potential muscle pulls and improves agility, helping you to avoid injuries. Remember to look away from the computer screen. Be sure to get proper ergonomic keyboards and chairs if you have a desk job. Wear back braces if your job involves heavy lifting.

Know your rights. Cal/OSHA says, “The California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 was enacted by the California Legislature to assure safe and healthful working conditions for all California working men and women. Cal/OSHA was created by this act to enforce effective standards and assist and encourage employers to maintain safe and healthful working conditions, and to provide for enforcement, research, information, education and training in the field of occupational safety and health.”   

Katy Allgeyer is an artist and freelance writer. She is a columnist for Working World magazine. Her features have appeared there and in Feng Shui Times, Art of WellBe­ing and You & Me Magazine.