How to prevent your small business’s employees from straining themselves

By Lizzie Weakley

Employees are the most valuable assets in every company. Protecting their health and safety while they work is the number-one priority to make. Every company has a workplace safety program in place, but there are other steps that employers and employees should take to prevent physical strain. Below are four simple examples.

Schedule breaks

Schedule breaks for every two to three hours that your employees work. Most small businesses do not have regular streams of customers coming in and out of the store. It’s still important to set break periods for them. Also, make sure that they’re not working during their breaks and having enough time to rest. It can be easy to lose track of time or overlook a break. Your employees will be better rested and work more efficiently if you schedule them in and enforce them.

Buy ergonomic furniture

Not all furniture is designed to provide optimal comfort to an office worker. Ergonomic furniture is designed to reduce the discomfort of sitting down for long periods of time, typing at the computer and staring out in front of you. Some people develop problems with their lower back pain when they don’t sit correctly. An ergonomic chair has a concave back with an arm rest, neck rest and bottom cushion for optimal comfort. Consult with your employees to discuss their needs. Disabled employees might need further accommodations.

Secure the workplace

Remove workplace hazards that could lead to accidents and injuries. An example is debris on the floor that may cause slips and falls. Train every employee to follow safety policies and procedures, which includes keeping the work area clean. To fill in the gaps leftover by employees, use onsite injury prevention services. Their providers will go to any workplace, evaluate the area, assess the dangers and suggest changes to increase safety. Such a check will help build confidence with your workers and help show that you are looking out for them.

Promote simple exercises

Although exercising the employees does not seem productive, it’s effective for those who are constantly on their feet all the time. Office workers need to stretch often to relieve tension in their wrists, hands and legs. People who are constantly on their feet, such as field inspectors and warehouse stockers, need regular exercises for their ankles, feet and legs.

Physical strain increases the risk of getting into a workplace accident and developing an injury. Every employee who feels less strain and pressure becomes more productive. In addition, employees are prevented from having to sue their employers or request compensation after an accident.

Occupational health is the field of ensuring that workers legally follow safety policies and procedures. Workplace strain is a common problem that can be eliminated through proper safety training. Employers should buy specially designed equipment that keeps their employees safe. The employees must take breaks often, avoid working longer hours than usual, and train themselves properly. Overall, everyone must take part in preventing physical strain and mental stress that reduces workers’ productivity.

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Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

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