by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 21, 2009

The work place is one major area that affects our good health. The reason for it to be recognized as a major stake holder in our health is the time we spend at the workplace. In some instances we might be spending more time at the workplace than at home.

At work there could be many health hazards and risk factors in losing our health. Learning to live with these risk factors and trying to avoid them as much as possible would be the key to a healthy living. We will look at certain areas that need attention if we are to do so.

1. Stress reduction

In the modern day, work is mostly targeting deadlines. People are expected to work like machines and finish the work on set deadlines. Unfortunately, these deadlines are not made based on the ability of the human being but rather in view of economic output.

In a situation such as this, it is important for the workers to reduce these stressors as much as possible. We may be able to adopt several methods in order to overcome these,

Avoid time wasting
Plan your work
Take adequate rests in between
Be mindful about the bodies need to eat and drink
Set realistic goals for the day
Learn to delegate work appropriately
Improve your knowledge and working capacity
Relax you mind and body through either exercise or 'yoga'

Many people will adopt their own way of coping with stress. If we learn to cope with work related stress, it will eventually uplift our mental as well as physical health.

2. Protective wear

Another important aspect to consider, especially in industrial work is the harm that can be caused by accidents. These are called industrial hazards and it requires to wear protective gear in order to prevent such accidents. Wearing masks, gloves, hair covers, helmets, boots are some of the things that can be done by a worker to protect as well as improve their health.

3. Avoid contact with possible infection

The work place harbors all sorts of diseases in the form of infected individuals, contaminated water or food, polluted air etc. In all possible instances, try to avoid getting contact with a person known to be infective. On the other hand, an infected person should have the conscious to prevent the germ being contracted by other colleagues.

4. Avoid over straining

We sometimes feel we need to do lot of work either to please our selves or to please someone else. This can cause over straining on your part and lead to all sorts of health related problems. This could range from mental agony to physical pain.

Don't over strain yourself. But, keep in mind that doing your best does not and should not amount to over straining.

5. Build up a good rapport with the colleagues

Building a good rapport will help immensely in keeping our mind and body healthy at work. It will reduce unhealthy arguments as well as annoyances.

Apart from the above mentioned facts, the following will also be useful in keeping healthy at the workplace:

Coming to work on time
Not delaying work
Not missing meals
Working under adequate lighting and good ventilation

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