Break these Habits to Stay Safe
The
National Safety Council has declared June as National Safety Month.
Take a minute to ask yourself an important question: What unsafe habits
do you have at work? Chances are that you’re taking risks every day.
It’s easy to get into a routine that puts you and your co-workers at
risk for serious injury, and you don’t even realize it.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor more than 14 workers lose their lives in workplace accidents that could have been prevented. In addition, it was also reported that an estimated 4.6 million workers suffer from serious occupational injuries each year. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, the most current statistics identify that over 1,000 Canadian workers died in workplace accidents - this averages to more than two deaths per day. In addition, it’s estimated that over 940,000 Canadian workers received injuries in the workplace.
So, in honor of Safety Month, and to help you create a foundation for workplace safety throughout the year, here are five not-so-safe activities you can take action on today.
Functioning with little sleep. When you arrive at work each day, do you feel refreshed and ready to tackle projects head on? When you don’t get enough sleep, it can decrease work productivity and cause you to move slower, have difficulty making decisions, and make more errors. Web MD states that reducing your sleep by one-and-a-half hours per night will reduce your daily alertness by 32%.
In a recent survey from the National Sleep Foundation, more than three out of 10 respondents said lack of sleep has impacted their quality of life.
And, not getting enough sleep is associated with diabetes, heart
disease, obesity, and even depression. The Centers for Disease Control
recommends adults should get between seven and nine hours of shut eye nightly. So, make sure you’re getting enough rest to keep you and your health functioning in top condition.
Stressing out. Today’s fast-paced society can be overwhelming. You have stress in the workplace
like deadlines and drama with co-workers. And sometimes personal
stresses such as family, bills, and illness can sneak their way into
your professional life too. When you’re stressed, it doesn’t take much
for you to lose your cool with co-workers, little problems escalate into
big problems, and you feel like there’s never enough time in the day to
get everything done.
Stress is risky because it can lead to high blood
pressure, anxiety, tension headaches, and job dissatisfaction. Web MD
also reports that stress in the workplace can cost employers big bucks because of employee mistakes, absenteeism, and turnover. To help manage stress,
focus on task management, find someone to talk to, and reserve time for
fun. Be sure to save time for you and relax in the free time you find!
Overexerting yourself. Have you
lifted any heavy items lately at work, whether it’s a box of paper for
your printer, furniture, heavy tools, or even weights at the gym on your
lunch break? Back injuries impact millions of workers each year. From
sprains to herniated disks to fractures, these back problems can result
from force, repetition, and stress. And not only this, but sitting at a
desk all day with bad posture can also lead to problems, so take the
necessary precautions to stay safe.
Back pain can cause trouble in performing daily
job functions. Protect yourself by focusing on good posture, taking
breaks, and learning how to lift properly. Be sure to know your limits for what you can and can’t do and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Driving distracted. Your job might
have you driving around town to get projects and duties completed.
Because cell phones allow people to stay connected to work 24/7,
texting, checking e-mails, and talking on the phone are common daily
activities. But, when driving, these actions are dangerous because they
require you to take attention away from the road or take your hands off
the steering wheel.
According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 1.6 million traffic accidents each year are caused by distracted drivers. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Transportation estimated there were almost 34,000 traffic fatalities for 2009. If you have to respond to a message, pull over. Or, you can invest in an ear piece for your phone to allow you to talk with both hands on the wheel. Stay focused and be sure to buckle up!
Working excessive overtime.
Studies have suggested that working excessive overtime hours is bad for
your heart. It can increase anxiety, cause feelings of depression, lead
to heart disease, and even cause heart attacks. This is caused by
stress, and can be found among individuals with competitive
personalities or hostile attitudes.
It’s important to manage your time spent on projects
and, when possible, say no to new projects when you already have a long
to-do list. Also, part-time and salaried workers are contracted to work a
certain number of hours and usually aren't compensated for working
overtime. Avoid excessive overtime as a habit. As the saying goes, “the
goal is to work smarter, not harder.”
Taking action on these everyday, risky activities will help you stay safe while at work
and help you perform to your best abilities. Keep these tips in mind to
make sure your doing your part for creating a safe workplace.
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Posted by: CarterEarline | June 20, 2011 at 06:26