Each year there are roughly 3 million injuries and illnesses caused by the workplace. Wyoming in particular had 13,000 reported non-fatal work related injuries. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in their October 2015 news release that these numbers are down, 2.8 million people are still getting hurt on the job. A workplace injury is frustrating! It can put you out of work temporarily during your recovery, also leasing you to have to deal with workers compensation and ensuring you have income during this time. It is best to always practice safe work practices but inevitably, accidents may happen. Here are some preventative measure and how local premier Casper physical therapy can help.

1. Workplace Safety:  When working in a warehouse, out in the field, etc., it is important to familiarize with common accidents you may be prone to. Review safety precautions regularly and don’t let up. It is easy to get injured when you let your guard down. When using a forklift, be sure to take all precautions. Keep aware of your surroundings and wear proper safety gear. When driving through areas where people may be walking, keep aware and avoid narrow areas. For ladders, make sure you are using a sturdy ladder on a dry even surface. Do not alter the ladder if you need to climb higher and never use the top level. In fact, stay about three steps down from the to ensure safety. Then in many outdoor and indoor applications, wear proper protection. This includes eyewear, face protection and hard hats.
2. Office Tips: Workplace injuries can occur with those who primarily sit at a desk all day! It is important to make sure you are sitting in the proper position. Posture is key and sitting in a slumped or improper position can lead you to several problems down the road. Keep your neck and shoulders relaxed. Be sure to get up and walk around every so often. Not only will this help keep you moving throughout the day but also is one of the top ways to help avoid eyestrain. While you type, be sure to keep your wrists straight.
3. Physical Therapy: If you have experienced a work related injury, physical therapy can be a great option to get you back to work. You can also have a swift recovery and understand better ways to avoid the accident from happening again in the future. Your first visit will normally be an initial meeting to evaluate your injury. They will also let you know approximately how many sessions you might need. From there, your physical therapist will work with you on various exercises. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in.

If you have been injured on the job, North Platte Physical therapy is your go-to Casper physical therapy office. Many of our therapists are certified in pre-employment, job performance and return to work evaluations including Functional Capacity Evaluations. We’ll help you restore the quality of the affected areas and get you back to work! Learn more about how we can help you overcome your work injuries and find a location near you!