There are many different risks to consider when you operate a business. Financial issues are an obvious example, as are health risks to workers. However, when it comes to health and safety, do you know where most problems lie for all businesses? You might think it is on construction sites, or on production lines with heavy machinery. But, while these areas of industry are dangerous, there are lots of regulations in place that prevent accidents. In fact, one of the most dangerous places in a business that you can work in is the good old office.
The central issue, of course, is that office workers sit for long periods of time and are typically sedate for most of their days. Now, for anyone working hard labor, you might have a pinch of jealousy at the easy life of the office worker. But, in the long-term, you will be far better off doing physical work.
The human body didn’t evolve to sit in front of a computer screen. It was built to walk long distances, carry heavy loads, and partake in hunting and fishing. It’s why so many people who work in office jobs go on to have serious problems with their backs, including curvature of the spine.
Sitting at a desk causes other problems, too. Because workers move around so little, they are only burning off minimum calories and tend to lead a more inactive lifestyle. This means they are much more likely to develop heart disease – which can also arise through the stresses of office working.
Another hidden problem in offices is the air quality. Unless businesses are maintaining their air con and heating, bacteria and germs can easily build up. Spores can travel around the room, causing breathing problems for people with asthmatic conditions. In fact, if these issues aren’t addressed, it poor air quality can even lead to people developing an asthmatic condition.
Rats, insects, and other pests can also bring disease and ill health into the office environment. Mosquitos can cause havoc, too, especially in warmer climes. Companies that do business abroad should also be aware that health issues can also be brought back into the workplace. It only takes one employee to come back with a strange foreign illness for it to start spreading like wildfire. ABC Pest Control has a good take on this in their guide to the Zika virus.
However, forget about animals, bugs and bacteria for just a second. The biggest cause of health issues in the office are slips, trips and falls. People tend to get comfortable in the office they work in, and with that comfort comes complacency. Staff members fail to look where they are going, don’t watch out for objects on the floor, and will often end up having an accident. You might not think of a simple trip as being overly serious. But, bear in mind that the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics report that they are responsible for 15% of all deaths every year. And, there is an enormous cost to businesses, too. Around 95 million workdays are lost every year to accidents – way over half of all sick days reported.
So, while all these little incidents might not sound much, you can see where the problems lie – and how much they could cost your business. Make sure you are doing all you can to protect yourself from these common health issues of the office.