Are you part of the work from home movement? Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more companies have offered their employees flexible work options, such as working from home. As of September 2021, as many as 45% of full-time employees were working remotely at least some of the time.
Working from home has many benefits: improved work-life balance, fewer hours spent commuting, a more comfortable environment, and plenty more. However, many of the safety risks in a traditional office setting are just as much of a concern. It’s still essential for remote employees to meet the minimum standard in safety and health in the workplace––even when the workplace is their home.
How to Avoid Work-Related Injuries While Working From Home
The importance of safety in the workplace still applies to remote work. It’s just as important to be proactive about safety to prevent workplace injury when working from home. Consider these tips to ensure your work from home experience is as safe as possible.
Tip #1: Consider Ergonomics
It’s important to prioritize work area safety and consider ergonomics. A study from the Institute for Employment Studies cited an increase in aches while working from home, with over half of survey respondents reporting new pains in the neck, shoulders, and back. One plus to remote work is that you have more control over your work station. Select a desk height, chair, and anything else that might impact your comfort.
Tip #2: Stay Active
One drawback to working from home is that it tends to be more sedentary. Remote workers often get less movement in throughout the day than their commuting counterparts. In an office setting, you’re walking to and from your car, up and down the stairs, and around the office floor to meet with coworkers. Compare that to your home, where it’s easy to go a few hours without leaving your desk. To prevent injury, be sure to get up and walk around regularly. Remote workers can also benefit from daily stretches designed to reduce tension in the neck, back, and legs.
Tip #3: Prevent Trips and Falls
It can be difficult to keep your space tidy while working from home, but one small trip could lead to a big injury. Be sure to keep the pathway to your desk and any other common areas clear. Make sure that any wires and cables around your work station are tidy and remove any potentially dangerous clutter. If you have children or pets, try to keep your work area free of toys and other tripping hazards.
Tip #4: Stay Alert
The reality is that working from home can lead to multitasking. Maybe you’re cooking lunch during a meeting and get distracted, leading to a cut finger or a hand burned on the stove. It’s always important to be diligent about safety during remote work and stay focused to prevent accidents.
Tip #5: Prepare With Basic First Aid
While working from home, chances are you’ll be spending more of the day alone than you would in a traditional office setting. As such, it’s smart to prepare in case something happens while you’re home without someone nearby to help. Stock up on first aid gear like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze pads. Taking a first aid class is also a great way to prepare.
The unfortunate reality is that 88% of cardiac arrests occur at home. The good news is that there’s a way you can be prepared: learning CPR. While everyone can and should learn CPR, it’s especially important for those who work from home or spend a lot of time at home. If you or a loved one experiences cardiac arrest at home, CPR courses will help you know what to do.
FAQs About Work From Home Injuries
It is always important to prioritize your health and safety. Work-related injuries can still occur while working from home, and the importance of safety at home is high. By making sure that you are safe and comfortable while working remotely, you will be more productive and healthy in the long run.
Working from home causes many of the same risks as working in an office, including eye strain, neck and back pain, minor bleeding wounds, and more. Allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, and other conditions are still a risk no matter where you’re working.
Learn Basic First Aid at SureFire CPR
Invest in your health. Learn how to prevent and manage injuries by taking our Basic First Aid Training course. This intro-level course is a great option for anyone interested in first aid; you don’t need to have any previous medical training. We’ll cover first aid for everything from muscle and bone injuries to allergic reactions to help you be ready for a working from home injury. We offer training sessions at our offices across Southern California, all taught by our incredible team of first aid experts.
Still curious? We’re here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out. Just use our contact form or give us a call at (888) 277-3143.
