Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, everyone has had to change the ways they go about their day. Those lucky enough to still have their jobs are adapting the ways they work to accommodate safety standards. This might mean social distancing and wearing a mask, or for those working from home, it means an entirely new way of working.
While the concept of working from home in your pajamas all day might have seemed somewhat interesting–even exciting–at first, the glamor wears off quickly. And yes, even working from home, you are still susceptible to work-related injuries.
Check out our tips below to help you stay safe and healthy while working from home.
Create a Dedicated Work Area
It’s hard to concentrate when you’re working in the same room you watch TV or eat your meals. Some don’t have much a choice, but as much as you can, create a dedicated workspace in your home. This will help you minimize accidents and make you as comfortable as possible. Remember that posture is important. If you don’t have the right setup available such as a desk at the right height or office chair, you might want to go pick them up. Your back will thank you for the investment.
The ideal sitting stance has you sitting with your ears over your shoulders and your shoulders over your elbows. Your forearms and your thighs should be parallel to the floor. Your eye level should be at the top third of your computer screen. This prevents “turtling”, which is when you hunch over your computer and forget to lean back again.
Schedule Your Breaks
It might seem like no big deal to keep working, especially with Netflix running for the seventh straight hour and your favorite blanket wrapped around your waist, but your body and your brain need breaks. Take a lunch break in another room of your house. Get up and take your dog for a walk. Call a loved one to briefly catch up. Whatever it is, taking a scheduled break gives you a moment to take a breath and will ultimately make you more productive.
Get Up and Move Around
When we’re at the office on a normal working day, we move around all the time without realizing it. It might be from office to office, to the conference room for a meeting, or to the break room for a cup of coffee. Even just chatting with coworkers has us up and about. Working from home has you often stationary the entire day, so make sure you are periodically taking a moment to get up and move around.
Pro tip: there are plenty of short yoga videos for free online. Just ten minutes of yoga will help keep you limber and prevent long-term injuries like back problems or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Specialized Health and Safety is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and safe working environment, no matter where you are. Follow us on Facebook for more tips and advice.
