An injury at work can leave you with lasting health issues, the need for ongoing medical care, and an inability to perform the duties of your position. You don't need to work in logging or construction to experience a work injury. A typical office has many elements that pose risks to a worker's health. Here are three of the more common causes of office injuries.

A Guide to Common Office Injuries

1. A Lack of Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the design and arrangement of a workspace to best meet the comfort and safety needs of the worker's physiology. Desks, cubicles, and other workstations need to be designed with ergonomics in mind to ensure the worker's body is supported. If a workstation does not provide this support, an employee is at risk of developing repetitive stress injuries, muscle strains, neck pain and stiffness, and other musculoskeletal damage. Taking regular breaks is also an important part of ergonomics, allowing your body time to move around and stretch and giving your eyes a rest from screens.

2. Falls

Office workers are two to 2 1/2 times more likely to sustain a debilitating injury from a fall than those who do not work in offices. The average office presents a number of slipping and tripping hazards, such as open desk or file cabinet drawers, electrical cords, poor lighting, and wet floors. A fall can result in a range of possible injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to slipped discs, broken bones, and brain injuries.

3. Lifting

Office workers may be asked to lift boxes, move furniture, or unload inventory. If the company doesn't provide dollies, handcarts, or similar equipment, there is a greater chance an employee will be injured by lifting something that is too heavy for them. An improper lifting technique can also contribute to this. For instance, if a person lifts with their back instead of their legs and core, they can experience a serious back injury at work.

If you've sustained an injury at work, the workers' compensation lawyers at Stow, Garvin & Glenn can help. For more than 50 years, they have been serving the Gainesville, GA, area. They provide representation in work and personal injuries and Social Security Disability claims. Call (770) 534-5265 to schedule a free consultation, or visit them online to explore their workers' comp services.