Oct 9, 2023 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Most worker’s injuries that you come across are physical. A broken bone, a concussion, a bad slip… There are plenty of ways to receive an injury on the job. However, one means of injury, is illness that you contract on the job site. Just like a physical injury, workplace illness can look plenty of different ways. As many of you know, the flu has been running rampant in the Carolinas over the past few weeks. It seems like between the weather change, and kids getting back to school— most families can’t seem to catch a break.
However, what you might not realize, is that schools are not the only place where illnesses spread like wildfire. In fact, work spaces are just as common. So, what can you do? Workplace illness prevention tactics are actually quite simple, and as an employee— or employer, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your workplace sick-free.
Workplace Illness Prevention Tactics: Fighting Flu Season
Disinfect your spaces
One of the most obvious steps you can take to prevent workplace illness, is to keep your spaces clean and disinfected. You’d be amazed how many germs can make their way into your workspace throughout the day. Shuffled papers, trips to the coffee maker, door knobs… No matter where you go, it is likely that someone with sickness has also been there at some point within the day or week. While this certainly heightens the risk of contracting a workplace illness— disinfecting those high-traffic areas can make a big difference.
So, wipe down your desk, your keyboard, phone, even the communal coffee pot. Contributing the those spaces that you use, and share, goes a long way.
Don’t take flu season lightly
We all think that we’re immune to the sickness, and workplace illness, everyone else faces every year. However, many (or even most) of us find ourselves bedridden at the hands of that infamous ‘something going around’. The flu, along with those pesky colds we pass around, are highly contagious. In fact, a statistic published by the NORC stated that 41 percent of Americans have not, and will not, get a flu shot. Many claimed a lack of effectiveness, and nasty side effects which keep them from participating.
However, when you’re working in group settings— you might be risking your own, or someone else’s, chance of contracting a workplace illness.
Know your limits
We all know how important it is to not miss work. However, the importance of not going to work when you’re sick— is also essential to understand. While we appreciate that you have a strong work ethic, consider the risk of workplace illness in doing so. Many of us have the capability to do some amount of work from our homes. So, if you are sick but still have the ability to work— consider asking your boss to be put on light duty, or remote work duty, until the illness passes.
Oct 2, 2023 | Accident prevention, Work Injuries
With summer around the corner, you can expect the sun the be at its most prevalent and strongest. While the sun definitely has its benefits, it can also be dangerous as well. Therefore, proper sun protection is very important. Knowing how to protect yourself will allow you to work in the sun safely and avoid damaging your body…
Sun Protection: Avoiding Work-Related Burns
Clothing
One of the most immediate forms of sun protection comes in what you’re wearing. Being out in the sun can be deceptive. Even if you don’t think the sun is all that strong, your skin can quickly get burnt or damaged. That’s why it’s a good idea to try and cover up as best you can, especially with those more-sensitive areas.
For example, long-sleeved shirts and pants can help cover your arms and legs, respectively. Hats are also a very useful means of sun protection. Not only do they help cover your face, they also help protect your more sensitive scalp from the sun. Sunglasses are another handy thing to wear, as they protect your eyes from the UV rays as well as make it easier for you to see.
Sunscreen
While clothing can help, sometimes the heat or your job requirements means you can’t fully cover yourself. That’s where sunscreen and sun block come in handy. These forms of sun protection help give you a very large boost in keeping your skin safe. However, it’s important to use the right kind of protection.
Sunscreen is designed to be absorbed by the skin and absorbs UV Aging rays. Sun block sits on top of the skin, and blocks UV Burning rays. However, these days, most formulas are mixtures of sunscreens and blocks, ensuring you get the protection you need. Make sure to get sun protection with a high enough SPF for your needs, and reapply as needed.
Healing
Of course, if you’ve already got a sunburn, then sun protection becomes especially important. Continuous sun exposure on burnt skin can not only make it worse, but also potentially increase the risk of things like skin cancer. If you have a sunburn, make sure to limit your time out in the sun, stay hydrated, and use things like aloe vera to help your skin heal.
Oct 1, 2023 | Accident prevention, Work Injuries
When getting ready for your bartending shift, you might pull out your makeup, uniform, and those trusty non-slip shoes. While being uniformed is absolutely a requirement of the job, there are also a few other steps you might consider taking to keep your body in check. Bartending can be a pretty physically demanding job to have; you’re on your feet, moving around, and maybe lifting heavy objects from time to time. Not to mention, the hours can be pretty long. For these reasons, among many others, we highly suggest a pre-shift stretching session to help limber you up and ward off some of those unwanted lower back pains that come later in the evening.
Pre-Shift Stretching: Bartending Essentials
Preparing for physical activity
It’s just work. Therefore, many of us prepare for it by throwing on clothes and walking out the door. However, your job is pretty physical. From lifting kegs, to mopping floors, and tending to twenty patrons at a time. In short: you’re the savior of every bar-goers Friday or Saturday night. Bartending is athletic performance, and a pre-shift stretching session will help you prepare for such. Loosen those muscles, get them warm, and improve your range of motion before you take on that 14-hour shift.
Tend to those problem areas
If you’ve ever bartended a day in your life, you can probably point out the areas which hurt most at the end of it all. From the soles of your feet, to your lower back, hips, neck, and so forth… When you do your pre-shift stretching, target those areas specifically with certain stretches and yoga poses. While targeting those specific areas is important, a full body stretch is never a bad idea.
Mind your body when it needs rest
We live in a society that pushes the idea of pushing your limits. Not to mention, a majority of bar and restaurant culture operates on the idea that being able to work your shift is more important than mental and physical health. In times of crisis, such as a winter storm or an injury of some sort, you might feel guilty (or even incapable) when it comes to calling out or getting your shift picked up. Pre-shift stretching won’t necessarily keep you from getting a cold, especially after a long few days behind the bar. However, the idea we are stressing here is self-care. Minding the needs of your mind and body is important in any profession.
Self-care in any profession…
If you find yourself injured on the job for any reason, please feel free to give us a call. We can discuss your case, your healing process, and any benefit you might be entitled to. Your body, and healing process, is important to long-term health. Don’t let it go unnoticed.
Sep 10, 2023 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
When it comes to talking to your doctor, you should be honest. In all scenarios regarding your health, honesty is the best policy. But what about during a worker’s compensation case? After an injury, your patient to doctor communication about your injuries should be completely honest. It’s important to paint a clear picture of what happened. Keep in mind, though, this description will not only be heard by your doctor. Your medical records can go under review by lawyers, insurance companies, and judges.
Doctor Communication: Rules to Go By
Be Specific
There is a connection between all parts of the body. Nothing is separate or its own entity. If you are having problems with your knees after an injury mainly regarding your back, tell your doctor. He or she can decide if there is a relation to your worker’s compensation case injury or not. Doctor communication should be thorough and full of details.
Be Knowledgeable
Know what you want to tell your doctor before going in. It might be useful to write down some small details so you don’t forget. Keep in mind that you should make the most of the doctor communication you have. It could be some time before you get back to see that specific doctor.
Be Friendly
Being friendly to office staff, doctors, and nurses will get you further than being rude. Your doctor communication should come across as serious but friendly. Nurses and doctors will be more willing to listen and help if you aren’t rude. Remember that they didn’t get you in this position and are simply trying to help.
Be Honest
You should be honest with your doctor about any pre-existing conditions or medications you are taking. It could save your life because the way some medications interact with each other could kill you. Doctor communication is mostly private, so you should not feel embarrassed or afraid to confide in them.
When it comes to healing after an injury, honesty is the best policy. You should avoid saying things like “I’m fine” if that’s not completely true. Your doctor communication does not only have to be about how good you are feeling; it can be about how bad you are feeling, too.
Jul 23, 2023 | Truck Driving, Work Injuries
Driving a truck means long periods of sitting and remaining cooped up in the truck’s cabin. Over time, all of that driving could lead to injury and stress buildup. That’s why it’s helpful to know some trucker exercise techniques. These techniques can help you remain limber and healthy despite all that long driving…
Trucker Exercise: Stretches And More
Back stretches
The first kind of trucker exercise to consider are back stretches. A good stretch is very useful for decompressing your spine and loosening your muscles. Plus, they’ll also help reduce back pains and make those long drives a lot more tolerable.
For example, a good stretch to try is the backbend. All you have to do is place your hands behind your back, and lean as far back as you can. Repeat this 5-10 times, and then do the same in the front. Also, when doing these front bends, try to put your hands on your hips, as this will help stretch your legs too.
Walking/running
The next trucker exercise technique to try is walking or running. Much like stretches, walking or running can be done anywhere with practically no equipment. For instance, you could do some walking around a rest stop before you get back in your truck. In fact, truckers can actually use their trucks to their advantage.
It’s not a bad idea to walk or run around your truck when you have the chance. 32 laps around a truck with a trailer is equal to about one mile. Plus, 30 minutes of walking or running tends to burn about 200-300 calories. Therefore, this is a great way to get some exercise while also stretching those muscles.
Bodyweight exercises
Another good form of trucker exercise to consider are bodyweight exercises. These exercises include things like push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, etc. These exercises are great because much like the previous examples, you need little to no extra equipment for them. Although, it might be a good idea to bring a workout mat so you don’t have to directly touch the ground!
It’s a good idea to first start with a handful of exercises and then do a few repeating reps of each whenever you have the chance. Then, switch it up and add some new ones in the mix. Not only will that keep some variety, it’ll also let you add in other exercises into the mix as well!
Jul 22, 2023 | Employment, Work Injuries
Recovering from an injury can be a lengthy process. It’s not uncommon to face feelings of stress and anxiety during difficult times. However, there are ways to stay positive and keep up healthy recovery behavior as you move past a work injury. Here are a few tips for keeping your spirits up while your recover…
Healthy Recovery Behavior: Making Positive Changes
Balance your diet
Choosing the right things to eat is a major part of healthy recovery behavior. Eating the right foods will help you recover faster than eating poorly. You’ll want to try and eat foods that are rich in vitamins and protein. Vitamins (like A, B, C, and D) and other nutrients like calcium, zinc, and copper promote tissue growth and immune system strength.
Make sure you’re also eating enough food as well. As you’re recovering, you won’t need as many calories as when you were working. However, cutting your intake by too much can impede your recovery. Your body uses more energy during the early stages of injury for repairs, so make sure to still eat enough to help your body along.
Stick to the plan
After your injury, your doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan. Healthy recovery behavior means sticking to this plan even when you might want to take a day off. Stick to your physical therapy visits or at-home exercise routines. Putting them off will just make your recovery last longer than it should. Following their plan will help you recover quickly and properly.
Set recovery goals
Sometimes, it can feel like you’re stuck during your recovery. You’ll feel like you’re doing all the right things, but not seeing improvement. Writing down goals for your recovery is a good way to keep yourself motivated during your recovery. Setting realistic goals for yourself gives you something to work towards and will show you’re really making progress.
Get some rest
Being well-rested is another large part of healthy recovery behavior. Poor sleep can leave you fatigued and unfocused, causing you to not recover as well as you should be. You might be tempted to try and push yourself through your recovery, but that’ll do you more harm than good in the long run.
Keeping a positive mindset is the biggest thing when it comes to recovering from an injury. If your mind is in the right place, then you’ll recover faster than you might’ve originally expected.
