There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury on the job. If you're required to lift heavy objects, wear a back brace and use the strength in your legs to bear the weight of the object. You can also request carts, dollies, or other wheeled devices to help you. If you're on your feet most of the day, your shoes are very important. Sturdy rubber-soled shoes will not only give you traction on slippery surfaces, but also lessen the strain and fatigue of standing all day. You can buy special work shoes, or even insoles, that are designed to ease the strain on your muscles and joints from long periods of standing. Even if your job requires that you sit at a desk and use a computer, you're still at risk for injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, and eye fatigue. To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrists, you should request an ergonomic keyboard, a wrist pad, and take frequent breaks from typing. Muscle strains from sitting can be alleviated by adjusting your chair to the proper height, using a footrest to slightly elevate your legs, and using a back pillow to support your lower back. Eye fatigue can be avoided by using a glare filter over your computer screen and taking frequent breaks. Most work-related injuries are considered repetitive stress injuries, which means you're doing the same thing over and over again for too long. These injuries can be avoided or lessened by taking frequent breaks from the repetitive motion and stretching your muscles.
