Roughly 2.3 million people around the world have been affected by work-related accidents or diseases. Poor and unsafe working conditions are burdens to society, causing illnesses and accidents that may affect the quality of life. People working in the tech industry, for example, are at risk of workplace injuries and illnesses in the same way as non-office employees. Injuries and accidents affect productivity, income, and physical and mental health. Improving safety at the workplace not only enhances work output and efficiency but also raises employee morale.
Create A Workplace Safety Program
Hazards such as trips falls and slips are common accidents that happen in offices. They can lead to injuries, disabilities or even death. It’s not only missed days that are the direct results of workplace accidents; employees can also pursue their rights under the law by hiring personal injury lawyers to seek legal compensation on their behalf. Hence, a workplace safety program must be crafted, not only to protect the business from lawsuits due to negligence but also to send a message to workers – that employers care about them.
Training is a vital component of any workplace safety program, as well as written safety policies. Workers must be trained on basic safety skills, such as how to use fire extinguishers and to prepare for emergencies, including earthquakes or floods. For example, each employee must be aware of potential hazards that can exist in the server rooms, such as overheating or electrical failure of information technology (IT) equipment. Knowing how to raise the alarm and put out small flames can save lives and property.
Improve Workplace Stations
Tech employees are also very susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work. Their postures and movements, as well as the repetitiveness of the activity and pace of work, are some of the risk factors involved in these types of jobs. Sitting or standing in the same position for an extended period of time can trigger pain and discomfort. Repetitive movements are dangerous as well, especially if they involve using the same joints and muscle groups. Doing the same motion too often results to fatigue, and does not allow the body to recover.
Hence, to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, businesses can opt for ergonomic procedures at the office. Providing adequate workspace for an employee to sit and stand comfortably is one strategy eliminating unnecessary disturbance and stress. Workers can stretch out limbs to increase blood flow and prevent muscle tension. Equipment can also be better positioned to avoid awkward and uncomfortable positions. To illustrate, computer screens should be positioned at least a meter away from the user for comfort and to avoid eye irritation and headaches. In addition, the positioning of the keyboard mouse should be formed around the natural body posture to prevent strain and muscle overload. Hence, investing in lowered desks, pull-out keyboard trays or elevated chairs can help improve the worker’s comfort, health, and wellbeing.
The risk of injuries and illnesses among tech workers is lower than it is in other sectors or industries. However, occupational safety is still important because no employee is invincible to occupational injuries. Creating a workplace safety program, including training and improving the work station, are sensible strategies that tech businesses can apply to enhance the safety and health of their employees.
