Unlike in the past when most people used to work from the office, today millions of people work from home. Some of the reasons why most people nowadays prefer to work remotely are because it gives them much-needed flexibility and convenience. But working at home also comes with its own set of challenges, including an increased risk of suffering from work-from-home-related injuries. Globally, experts have seen a rise in work-from-home injuries in the last. In this article, we will discuss frequent work-from-home injuries you are likely to suffer from.
Repetitive strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries are common work-from-home injuries that affect most people. Repetitive strain injury symptoms are always not easy to detect and that is why they are commonly referred to as invisible injuries. However, although the symptoms take a long time to manifest, they are usually very painful once they show up.
Repetitive strain Injuries occur as a result of repeated movements that affect the musculoskeletal system. A recent study revealed that Repetitive strain Injuries account for 59% of all work-from-home injuries. Repetitive strain Injuries mostly affect people who are working from home because they don’t invest in a quality workstation which increases the risk of getting injuries on places like on hand, shoulder, neck, and wrist. Not having a quality workstation is dangerous and can lead to poor circulation, fatigue, reduced range of motion, nerve damage, and muscle weakness which can affect your productivity.
Migraines
Another very common injury that most people who work from home suffer from is migraines. Migraines are sharp pain in the head that interfere with balance, vision, and concentration. If you have ever suffered from migraines, then you definitely know the immense pain associated with it.
Most experts blame poor workstation setup as the main reason why many people who work from home suffer from this condition. Migraines not only affect individual productivity but also lower their overall quality of life. More so, people who suffer from migraines are also likely to suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The best way to prevent suffering from migraines while working at home is to ensure that your workstation is safe and from hazards such as flickering light and noise.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is a common work-from-home injury that affects millions of people across the globe. Lower back pain mostly affects people working from home because of physical inactivity, poorly designed workspace, and incorrect posture. The sedentary position that most people hold when working hard at their desk can result in stressing the back muscles that support the rest of the body that is in a statutory position.
When the spine bends and works too hard, then you are likely to suffer from lower back pain. For instance, when your workstation is too high, you will have to lean forward and sit on the edge of the chair. This position will leave your back unsupported throughout the period you are at the workstation, leading to lower back injuries.
Burns
Another very popular work-from-home injuries are burns. This injury is common for people who work from home because most of them usually prepare their meals. The fact that they spend more time in the kitchen put them at more risk of suffering from various cooking-related burns to the face, hands, and arms.
A recent report revealed that a majority of burns from people who work from home are cooking-related. Common types of burns that people working from home are likely to suffer from include: burns from oil spills, burns from hot liquid, and barbecue-related burns. Some work-at-home-related burns can be fatal and even lead to permanent disability and loss of wages.
Falls and slip
People who work at home are at high risk of falling and slipping. The reason why they are very common is that most people who work at home have not invested to ensure that their home is safe. For example, if your work-at-home office has poor lighting that obstructs your view, it will increase your chances of slipping or falling.
Uneven surface, wrinkled carpeting, and trailing cables are also major causes of fall and slip for individuals who work at home. Slips and falls accidents at home are dangerous and can cause significant damage that can affect your ability to work.
