Some injuries are more common among young workers. You can help avoid them with proper training, supervision, and by speaking up for yourself when something doesn’t feel right.
What are the common injuries for young workers, and how do I avoid them?
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Sprain and strain injuries
Sprains and strains, also known as musculoskeletal injuries or MSIs, are the most common type of work-related injury. Here are some tips to stay healthy and safe.
- Avoid long periods of repetitive movement and take frequent breaks if possible
- Avoid awkward positions – organize your work area so that everything is easy to reach
- Avoid twisting your body – move your feet instead of twisting your body
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Lifting and handling injuries
Incorrect lifting and handling of heavy or bulky objects is a major cause of sprains, strains, neck and back injuries, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and hernias.
- If possible, use mechanical devices such as forklifts, carts, and dollies to lift heavy objects instead of lifting or carrying them yourself
- Get help from others
- Hold the object you are lifting as close to your body as possible
- Avoid twisting your back while lifting
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Slips, trips, and falls
Slips, trips, and falls can be an especially common cause of injury. Here are some ways to prevent them and stay safe.
- Keep walkways and work areas free of clutter
- Clean up spills immediately or mark the area to warn others
- Make sure that you can see where you are going when carrying large items
- Clean up spills right away or mark the area to warn others – report the spill to the person responsible for getting it cleaned up
Spot the hazards challenge
Test your health and safety knowledge with the spot the hazards challenge. Find the health and safety hazards in these common workplace scenes.
Remember, the most important part of any job is coming home safe at the end of the day. Listen to your gut, if something feels unsafe to you, don’t ignore it. Talk to your boss and explain why you feel unsafe. You have the right to a safe workplace, and the right to speak up.