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4 common injuries in office environments

On Behalf of | Feb 21, 2023 | Workers' Compensation |

Many individuals think an office environment is the last place for a person to suffer an injury. After all, office workers don’t operate tools like jackhammers, drive heavy vehicles or repeatedly lift heavy boxes. Though working in an office is less dangerous than in many other workplaces, it doesn’t mean office environments are hazard-free.

Office workers can suffer injuries, too — and they’re not limited to paper cuts. Here are four common injuries that occur in office environments.

1. Carpel tunnel syndrome

Carpel tunnel syndrome results from spending lots of time typing on a keyboard. Tingling, wrist pain and numbness are some of its common symptoms. 

2. Discomfort due to lack of air quality

Some office buildings possess terrible air quality because they lack proper ventilation. People who work in poorly-ventilated areas are at risk of breathing problems, headaches and eye irritation.

3. Slips and Falls

Interestingly, office employees are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be injured from slip-and-fall incidents than non-office employees. For example, an office worker slips on spilled coffee and sprains their ankle. Or, someone tries to use their chair as a substitute ladder but falls off and breaks their back.

4. Stress

Some office employees endure stressors like workplace bullying or overtime duties. (It’s even harder for them to deal with if they’re trying to juggle obligations at home like caring for children or tackling overdue bills.) Eventually, mental/physical stress can manifest into bodily ailments, contributing to missed work days.

Employers can aid in decreasing workplace injuries by providing ergonomic equipment, air purifiers and an open-door policy. Employees can also do their part in reducing injuries by stretching, taking frequent short breaks and abiding by company safety measures.

Regardless, workplace injuries in offices can still occur. If you suffered an injury while working in an office setting, consider seeking legal assistance to learn about workers’ compensation.