When many of us picture workplace injuries and accidents in Homestead and other communities, we many picture manufacturing jobs, work enforcement, and other high-risk occupations. In reality, workplace injury can happen in any job site, including seemingly safe office jobs.
If you work in an office, there are several ways you can help prevent injuries in your workplace:
- Reduce clutter to prevent trip and fall injuries
- Always use ladders to reach something at a height to prevent falls from chairs or other unsecured objects
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Do not work distracted
- Ask your employer to place carpets with no-slip backing over any surfaces which can become slippery when wet
- Return objects where you found them
- Avoid leaving cabinet doors and drawers open, since people can bump into them
- Place heavier objects on the bottom of shelves and cupboards to prevent head and crushing injuries
- Make sure tall furniture and shelving is securely attached to walls to prevent tip-overs
- Ask for safety training and attend it
- Report any dangerous conditions you see
- Keep wires and cables secured under desks to prevent tripping hazards
- Do not overburden extension cords and outlets, since it can cause a fire hazard
- Know where the emergency exists are and get familiar with the safety, evacuation, and fire plans at your place of work
- Create an ergonomic work area by adjusting your monitor, desk, chair, mousepad, and lighting to your specific needs
- Get additional training or look up manuals for office equipment you use, so you understand how to use it correctly and safely
- Make sure your feet touch the floor when you are sitting at your desk and adjust your seat or desk or use a footrest if you cannot
- Use document holders to keep papers at eye-level if you need to refer to them as you type
- Use voice-transcription software, if possible, to give your hands a rest if you type often
- Rely on task lamps and avoid creating desk spaces which are too bright or too dim, since this can contribute to eye strain
- Use a glare reduction filter to prevent eye strain
- Take frequent breaks to avoid distraction, eye strain, and stress
- Use larger fonts on the computer screen to avoid neck and eye strain
- Tell your doctor and eye doctor about your job so they can work with you to prevent the most common injuries and issues
- Regularly inspect cords on the office equipment you use, so you can replace them as they become worn
- Make sure sprinklers and fire escape routes are not blocked
- Keep alert for any symptoms of back pain or any aches which could indicate a work-related injury or illness
- Take action right away to get treatment for any possible work-related injury or illness
- Know the reporting system for work injuries or work hazards and use them
If you have been injured in your Homestead or Florida workplace, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Getting fair compensation helps you pay for needed medical care, bills, and other expenses while you are recovering, so getting fair compensation is essential. Contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Homestead workplace injury attorney if you have been injured in the workplace and want to know more about getting fair compensation for your injuries.