3 Most Common Office Job Injuries

You do not need to work at a factory or construction site to experience workplace injuries. If you work at a desk or cubicle, you may not think you are in danger of an injury. But, in fact, office jobs come with hazards that can cause accidents. Even when most of your day is spent in a comfortable, climate-controlled office, you face unique workplace risks.

What exactly can cause an injury in an office setting? Read below to find out the most common causes of office accidents. 

1. Slips, trips and falls

According to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, falling is the most common office accident. Some common causes of office falls include:

• Tripping over electrical cords, loose carpeting, an open drawer or objects in walkways
• Using a chair instead of a ladder
• Slipping on a wet floor from a spill, tracked-in rain or fresh mopping 
• Slipping or tripping on something in an area with insufficient lighting

To prevent these injuries, you should clean up spills, use proper ladders and report any hazards to your supervisors. 

2. Ergonomic injuries

As an office worker, you spend a lot of your time sitting at a desk and working on a computer. You may get sprains and strains from repetitive motions and bad posture. If your computer chair does not have lumbar support, your computer screen is too low or high or your wrists are at an odd angle while typing, you can get musculoskeletal injuries in your shoulders, neck, back and wrists. Talk to your boss about making your workstation more ergonomic.

3. Lifting objects

Of course, lifting heavy objects such as file boxes, furniture or computer equipment can result in an injury to your shoulders, neck or back. Before you lift something heavy, ask a supervisor or co-worker for assistance. Even lifting something small can injure you if you use improper lifting techniques. 

If you have been injured on the job, arrange a free, no-obligation case evaluation with an experienced New York work accident attorney to learn about the possible compensation you might be entitled to for your injuries.