Statistics show that the risks of occupational injuries in the tech sector are lower compared to other industries. A tech career doesn’t sound like something that poses significant risks. So, the question is, should tech businesses be concerned about employees’ health and safety?
The simple answer is yes! Even if the risks are lower, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist at all. Providing a safe work environment is not only beneficial for the employees’ wellbeing but also a legal obligation – and no business is an exception from the rule.
More often than not, safety is an afterthought in the tech sector. However, it’s worth mentioning that individuals working in this industry are not invulnerable to injuries. Therefore, businesses operating in the tech sector should prioritise occupational health, just like any other company. Regardless of the industry, employees are an invaluable asset, and it is paramount to ensure they are healthy and fulfilled.
What are the most common injuries in the tech sector?
While some jobs may be much more hazardous, the tech sector involves its own level of risk. Even if you spend most of your work time attending meetings or writing code, this doesn’t mean you are entirely safe. Injuries can occur unexpectedly – for instance, you could trip and get injured while going to the kitchen to get some coffee. The most common injuries in the tech sector are:
Slips, trips and falls
This type of injury is common in every work environment. While they may sound harmless, slips, trips and falls can lead to severe consequences. Even milder injuries, like bruising and sprains, can cause significant pain that will affect employees’ performance.
Several factors lead to slips, including wet floors and obstacles such as cables. Other times, uneven flooring panels can be the reason why employees may end up tripping and injuring themselves. If employees sustain an injury resulting from a slip, trip or fall, they are entitled to make a claim and get compensation for the damage they’ve suffered.
Nowadays, finding a personal injury expert on online platforms is very easy. Employees can get legal advice and file a claim against your company without much effort. However, if this happens, it will put your business operations at risk. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid this scenario by taking the required steps to create a safer workplace. This means ensuring the floors are clean and dry and eliminating any other hazard that could result in this type of injury.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Programmers and other tech employees repeatedly use a specific body part for the same movement in a day, which can strain that particular body part. One significant concern is carpal tunnel syndrome – this condition can cause numbness, pain and tingling in the arm and wrist and may lead to a loss of strength and inability to grip.
Business owners can help prevent these issues by implementing an ergonomic process. This is an efficient way to reduce costs and improve employee engagement and productivity. What’s more, ergonomics shows your business’s commitment to health and safety, which is paramount for employees that end up working for you.
What can you do to reduce hazards?
So, now that we’ve made clear that the tech sector also involves risks, the question is, what can you do to reduce them? Perhaps the most important thing you can do is build a workplace safety program. This involves writing a plan on how you can identify and control workplace dangers, establish safety responsibilities and respond to emergencies that can occur in the workplace. You must encourage employees to maintain the workstation clean, keep a correct posture and take regular breaks. If you already have a workplace safety program in place, consider improving it to ensure it covers the aspects mentioned above. This shows that you care about your employees’ welfare above anything else, which can be highly beneficial for both onboarding and retaining top talent.
Training and written safety policies are also critical elements of a workplace safety program. Beyond specific risks like slips, trips, and falls, you should also train employees on Emergency Preparedness and Fire Extinguisher Safety. Other ways you can create a healthier work environment include:
- Rewarding workers for safe actions;
- Encouraging stretch breaks;
- Ensuring you get the adequate equipment and suitable tools for your business;
- Having frequent meetings to talk about workplace safety.
Combining technology with safety to create a better work environment
Nowadays, businesses have the chance to combine tech with safety and health. This can take a business to the next level, ensuring employees perform tasks at their fullest potential. Using tech allows employees to be more aware of the threats they may face. For instance, 3D visualisation technology enables workers to determine if there is any danger before entering a particular website. Real-time data technology can be revolutionary for employees working remotely, as it improves safety.
Moreover, technology has also improved protective equipment, as workers can use safety glasses for increased protection while working on a computer. Tech companies are responsible for protecting employees and keeping them healthy, as new technologies enable workers to perform better. Considering that the workforce is becoming younger, training methods must also evolve. Innovative technologies like virtual reality, AI and 3D training can ease the working process, making it more appealing. Moreover, a safer workplace leads to higher productivity in terms of income. These are excellent tools that you can use to detect hazardous work situations and help employees learn and work efficiently and safely.
Tech in the workplace doesn’t only mean advanced IT strategies – you can also use it to improve workers’ health and safety, enhancing productivity. Some technologies that can help lower workplace hazards include training, reporting and monitoring workers’ safety. Technology provides all these fantastic resources that will boost your business and ensure it will last for a long time without experiencing severe disruptions. Therefore, every company operating in the tech sector should embrace all these technological advancements and use them to their advantage to create a safe workplace culture.
