No matter what industry you work in, there’s always the chance that you’ll get injured while you work. Even minor injuries can keep you from working like normal for months on end and while workers’ compensation insurance can help you avoid financial strain during your recovery, it’s far better to learn how to prevent the most common injuries in the first place. The more effectively you can keep yourself safe, the less likely you’ll be to need appointments with your Wyoming physical therapy team. Here are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk of work-related injuries every time you’re working.

Wear the Right Attire

One of the easiest changes you can make that will have a far-reaching impact on your ability to stay safe at work is to make sure you’re wearing the right gear before you start working. If your job has you on your feet all day on potentially slippery surfaces, invest in a pair of non-slip work shoes. If you work in an environment with loose debris, make sure you’re always wearing eye protection. Assess the most common hazards you have at your workplace and use gear that will help you mitigate your injury risk. If you’re not sure where to start, look at your employee handbook. Most have a section outlining the types of gear you should use to help you stay safe.

Ask for Help When You Need It

Back strain is one of the most common problems for workers across all industries. And it’s often caused by something as minor as lifting overly heavy items on your own. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, be prepared to ask for help. There’s no shame in getting a coworker to help you handle large objects or to split the strain of carrying things for long distances. If your employer gets annoyed with you for asking for help, let them know that you’re just trying to reduce your risk of injury and any subsequent workers’ compensation claims. 

Pay Attention to How You Move

When you’re in the zone, it’s easy to ignore minor discomfort or to get into bad habits. Unfortunately, those bad habits can end up increasing your risk of work-related injuries. Instead of going through the motions, check in with your body every 10 minutes or so. Make sure you’re moving in a way that keeps your muscles and joints in a good posture. If you need to make any corrections, do so as soon as possible. The sooner you can make adjustments to the way you move so you can stay out of pain, the easier it will be to avoid injury.

If You Do Get Hurt, Get Help

No matter what precautions you take, you can never completely guarantee that you’ll avoid injuries at work. If you do get injured, let your supervisor know immediately and listen to your doctor’s orders. If they suggest physical therapy to help aid your recovery, contact your nearest location and schedule an appointment.