Whether you love or hate working from home, it’s hard to deny how convenient it is. When you work from home, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic, your car breaking down, or your train being late–you just have to make sure that you’re up and ready to start your day.
Still, it is important to realize that remote workspaces are not free of hazards. Whether you spend the entire day in your home office, or you go out of the house during certain hours, it’s best to be safety-conscious at all times. After all, the last thing you need is an injury; if you don’t like being stuck at home all day, then you’ll hate being bed ridden until your injury heals.
Be proactive by following these tips:
Set Up Your Home Office For Ergonomic Success
If you find that you’re putting your body in awkward positions just to perform daily tasks, then take a step back; ensure that everything you need to reach–your computer, your phone, your notebook, your tools–are arranged near your appropriately. If you’re straining to do your job in any way, then stop. The more you strain yourself, the more likely you are to get injured. All your daily movements should be fluid and natural. If they aren’t, then reevaluate immediately.
Eliminate Trip Hazards
Nearly every home has some kind of trip hazard at one time or another. Scattered childrens toys, a block of wires, exercise equipment, long-corded appliances–the possibilities are endless; therefore, get in the habit of surveying your home for trip hazards. If something is in the middle of the room, then move it to the side; if you notice an abundance of wires strung out across the floor, then tape them to the wall.
Keep a First Aid Kit On Hand
To be truly safe, we must recognize the importance of having the supplies you need to react to injury immediately. If you do trip and fall, do you have band aids, disinfectants, and gauze? If you answered “no,” then you just identified a major issue with your at-home safety plan. First aid kits come with all the essentials you need during minor emergencies. If you do have a first aid kit, how old are the contents? Did you know that many medical supplies go bad? While they won’t harm you, they may be less effective if they are used past their expiration date.