Tag: workplace

  • Conquer Job Stress

    SUCCESS OVER STRESS

    Happy man with arms up while setting at work desk.

    Burnout: When stress goes too far

    When stress goes on for too long, a person may feel “burned out.” This usually means they become exhausted and unable to do their job well anymore. They may also become negative or feel angry toward others at work.

    Burnout can seriously affect your health. It can lead to depression and possibly other problems, like heart disease and stroke.

    Stop the cycle

    It’s not too late to manage your work stress. Even if you feel your stress is high, there are ways to make things better. Here’s how:

    *Take breaks – even short ones.Just 10 minutes of downtime during the day can make a big difference in your stress levels. Don’t work through lunch and break times.

    *Practice the art of waiting and walking away.If you feel angry or stressed about something, don’t respond right away. Say something like, “let me think about that and get back to you.” Avoid sending angry emails when you feel stressed.

    *Go easy on yourself.Are you expecting perfection from yourself? No one is perfect. Learn from mistakes and move on.

    *Discuss your concerns.If you’re having trouble with something at work, talk to your supervisor about solutions. Don’t keep it bottled inside and assume it will work itself out.

    Source: American Psychological Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Injuries

    Work Life

    Most workplace injuries can be prevented. What you need to do depends on the job you do and the hazards you are exposed to. Your place of work may have certain standards and safety measures. Some are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Know and follow your workplace’s safety rules. Ask questions if you don’t understand them.

    General Safety Tips

    *  Help prevent slip and falls.

    – Keep walk areas free from clutter. Secure telephone and electrical cords to prevent tripping.

    – Wear nonskid shoes or footwear with a tread pattern to prevent slips, if needed.

    – Keep walking surfaces dry and free of water, grease, etc.

    – Use proper lighting. Look where you are going. Don’t carry things that block your vision.

    – Don’t lean back in your chair.

    – Don’t climb on chairs or boxes. Use a ladder that lets you safely reach items.

    *  Don’t pile items on stairs or against doors.

    *  Report injuries and “near misses” of injuries to your supervisor or to security. Follow your company’s rules for this.

    Safety for High Risk Occupations

    Certain jobs may require workers to:

    *  Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). These tell you how to use chemicals safely. They can be on printed pages and in a computer. Know where this data is. Use the information given.

    *  Wear protective headgear (e.g., hard hats, hair covers, etc.).

    *  Wear safety glasses with side shields, goggles, face shields, tinted glasses to reduce glare, etc. Keep eyewear clean and in good condition. Replace it if it is broken or has a defect.

    *  Wear ear plugs or special ear muffs. These protect hearing from damage.

    *  Wear steel-toe shoes or boots.

    *  Protect your lungs from dust, fumes, gases, vapors, etc. If needed, use the right type of mask or respirator for the material you are working with. Not all masks filter all particles or gases. Have your respirator “fit tested” to assure safe use.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Eye Health At Work

    Eye Conditions

    Man wearing protective eye and hearing gear while using machinery.

    Follow your workplace’s safety rules to protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc. Keep your safety eyewear clean and in good condition.

    More than 700,000 persons in the U.S. have eye injuries at work a year. Most of these could have been prevented.

    Find out if and what type of eyewear is required for your job. Ask loved ones if they wear required safety eyewear at work.

    Persons who walk through work areas that have eye hazard areas need to wear protective eyewear.

    When you visit a worksite that poses a risk of eye injuries, ask for protective eyewear if it is not provided.

    Glasses and contact lenses used for other activities may not be effective when working with computer screens.

    Let your eye doctor know if you work at a computer so they can prescribe the proper eyewear for you to use.

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine