There are many dangerous professions in California. Assuming a job is not risky is one of the biggest mistakes a worker can make. Every job comes with some sort of risk. This includes office jobs, which may seem rather benign. There are many common injuries that office workers suffer from on a regular basis.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the on-the-job injury risks for office workers include everything from falling to repetitive injuries. Because workers are stuck inside a building, they face risks of fire and bad indoor air quality All work areas should have proper ventilation and every employee should be clear of fire exit procedures. Falls are also common and can be due to loose papers on the floor, crowded workspaces or wet floors. Work with a computer can bring about eye strain or ergonomic injuries, such as back strain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The U.S. Department of Commerce adds that offices are often overlooked when it comes to injuries related to lifting, but that moving office supplies or equipment could easily lead to such an injury. Storage areas can pose some of the biggest risks in an office. They often are responsible for injures where a worker is struck by an object. They also pose risks for office workers of being caught in between items, such as shelving units. Workers may find other risks when going about their days, such as getting fingers caught in drawers, paper cutters or elevator doors. Cleaning supplies in an office environment pose a hazard to employees, too. They should be properly labeled and used as directed.