Workplace accidents are all too common

Each year an average of 4,000 people are injured by teapots badly enough to require medical attention; 40,000 American citizens last year were admitted to hospital after being injured by a toilet; three people in Britain die each year testing out nine volt batteries on their tongue; thirteen people are killed each year due to having a vending machine fall on them; an average of four people are admitted to British hospitals each Christmas day with broken arms sustained in cracker-pulling incidents.

Undoubtedly some of these statistics made you laugh and all of them made you feel slightly superior to the ‘idiots’ who managed to get themselves into these situations. However, workplace accidents are common and often just as easily avoided when correct procedures are followed.

Manual Lifting

Lifting heavy items without using the proper technique causes many injuries in office workers each year. To lift a heavy item you should stand with your feet planted firmly and wide-set and bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Many people bend double and strain muscles in their backs and necks when lifting. Your employer has a responsibility to ensure you know the correct technique. If your job requires you to carry boxes or other equipment and you have not been shown how then ask for a training session.

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