Given how much time we all spend at work, it should be among the safest places we can be. But even “safe” looking work environments, ones in which hard hats are not required or even considered, can present hazards. 

Here are five tips to keep yourself safe while at work, regardless of where “work” is. 

• Speak up.

  First and foremost, if you see something unsafe at work, say something about it. From puddled water on the floor from a dripping air conditioner to frayed wires or even a fire extinguisher with an expired inspection tag, little issues that are overlooked can quickly become safety hazards. It’s everyone’s responsibility to look for these things and take fast action to get them addressed. 

• Be aware of your posture.

  If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk and later wonder why your back is sore, or your neck is stiff, this is for you. Sitting straight in your chair, ideally in an ergonomic chair that provides lumbar support, can help keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your joints, making you feel better and less tired as the day goes on. And don’t forget to get up and walk around every once in a while! Your eyes need the break too. 

• Take breaks.

  Speaking of breaks, take them! Take your lunch break. Take a little break during the day to stretch your legs, whether that’s a short walk outside or a lap around the inside of the building. And while you’re up and walking around, get some water — stay hydrated for your health! Breaks give your mind (and eyes) a break, help you stay awake, give you a moment to catch your breath on particularly busy days, and are just good ideas in general. 

• Keep your space clean.

  Whether you work in a cubicle, on a long desktop with other people, or by yourself in an office, do a wire check every so often to make sure there’s nothing laying on the floor that could catch your feet. Look for other tripping hazards too, and then look for any items that could unexpectedly fall over and cause injury. Try to keep things as neat and clean as possible, organized in a way that makes sense to you but isn’t putting yourself or anyone else at risk of injury. 

• Do what you can to reduce stress.

  A good piece of advice for life in general, but it might seem harder to do at work. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed or over-worked, take a moment to think about the projects on your to-do list. If needed, talk with your manager about your list and how things should be prioritized. See if you can have a little more time if needed to get things done. Higher levels of stress can be very bad for your health and can lead to feeling distracted, which makes it easier to not see the wet floor in front of you that could’ve been avoided before you slip and fall. 

It doesn’t matter where you work or what kind of work you do. Be aware of your surroundings, take your time to look around when you’re going from place to place, and speak up if something looks amiss. We’re all in this together! 

If you’re feeling unsafe in your current job, or if you’re ready for a change because the stress is too much, take a look at the jobs available through Davis Staffing. We work with excellent companies looking for highly skilled people just like you, and we’ll help you connect with them. Call Davis Staffing today, and let’s get to work!