It is true that doing physical labor is going to put you at more risk for workplace accidents as compared to most office environments. In fact, some of the most dangerous occupations for workplace accidents include service occupations (such as police and firefighters) and construction workers. However, this does not mean that those working in an office environment are completely safe from workplace accidents. In fact, according to the Albergin Einstein College of Medicine, office workers are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be seriously injured in a fall as compared to non-office workers.
This may sound shocking, but it is true. Common sources of these injuries include trying to use a chair instead of a ladder, and tripping over open file cabinets or wires on the floors of offices. Slipping on wet floors is also a very common cause of workplace accidents in an office. Lifting injuries are often quite common, particularly with the many boxes of paper that office workers are moving around on a daily basis.
The good news is that these sorts of injuries are relatively easy to prevent with a little bit of common sense. First, make sure that you are always looking when you are walking down the hallway of your workplace. Particularly if you happen to work in a place where there may be open drawers, keeping an eye out for this can save you an unwanted fall. If you notice any hazards like crumpled up carpet or wires where they should not be, report these immediately.
Finally, make sure to take care of how you are lifting, no matter how small or light the item may appear to be.
