Can you sustain job-related injuries while working in an office?

Some professions have obvious dangers associated with them. Take being a firefighter, for instance. You could suffer smoke inhalation, get burned, slip and fall, be hit by falling debris or be affected by a slew of other hazards. 

Construction, electrical, utility work, tree removal and many other jobs can be physically perilous even if you are careful and conscientious.

But can you get hurt working at a desk in an office in Texas?

Sitting at a desk all day typing on a computer, attending meetings, sorting files, conferring with colleagues or answering a phone hardly appear to be activities that could harm you. Still, there are definitely ways that your health can be affected if you have that kind of office role.

Beware of these office conditions

There could be health-connected impacts from the incidents or situations described below.

• Accidents you never thought would happen: Something left atop a cabinet could hit you on the head or fall on your toes. A door could open, hitting you in the face. Jewelry, a flowing scarf or hair could get snarled in a machine. These are all typical office dangers.
• Arrange your work area sensibly: Have everything – namely, your chair, computer and desk – set up, so you do not excessively strain your body or eyes.
• Falling down: Office workers have twice or 2.5 times the risk of suffering a disabling injury than those who work outside of an office environment, according to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites damp floors, falling due to unsecured carpets and standing up on a chair as hazards. 
• Lifting: Your back should stay straight when lifting something. You should let your legs do the work instead of your back.

What to do if you’re hurt while doing your job

Attend to your injuries. Get medical attention if you need to. Then, take time to learn more about your eligibility for financial compensation.