As an employee in any kind of workplace, the last thing you want is to get hurt and to have to miss work. You work to bring in an income that supports you and your family. Having to miss work and contributing to absenteeism is not the goal for you.
It’s sometimes difficult to avoid health risks when you’re working, depending on the job you have. However, management and your employer are responsible for keeping you as safe as possible. Your employer is responsible for providing safety equipment and posting warnings when necessary. They are responsible for knowing safety rules and regulations, providing adequate training and taking other steps to protect you on the job.
There are several common causes of absenteeism in the workplace, which are linked to injury. These include:
- Back pain
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Upper-limb disorders
- Occupational asthma
- Computer workstation injuries
- Occupational dermatitis
- Stress
- Noise and hearing problems
What can you do to avoid injuries or illnesses in the workplace?
It’s important to take safety classes and to pay attention to rules and regulations in the workplace. Report any hazards you notice.
If you do end up with an injury, then you need to report it right away so you can seek treatment and workers’ compensation benefits, if necessary. If you delay treatment, an injury or illness could worsen, which may make it harder for you to return to the workplace in the future due to pain and dysfunction.
Getting hurt at work means that you may qualify for workers’ compensation, which is something to discuss if you cannot return to your job for some time.