10 potential accidents to be mindful of at work

10 potential accidents to be mindful of at work

Most people travel to work five days a week, and sometimes more. With all this time spent in the office, or outside, depending on the profession, it is quite likely that they have a workplace accident at some point. Despite most organizations taking precautions, it is better to be aware of the risks. So whether one works from a desk or is regularly on the move, here are the most reported workplace accidents to note.

Motor vehicle accidents
Several people drive cars or bikes to deliver goods and services as part of their job profile. They are exposed to challenging weather conditions, faulty automotive equipment, and negligent drivers that can lead to road accidents. Following driving policies set by the company is a key element in ensuring personal safety.

Physical altercations
Many people get into disputes at the workplace for several reasons, which may turn into physical altercations. The situation may lead to superficial or serious injuries. To avoid such instances, employers must create channels for employees to report any suspicious activity or bring any heated exchanges to the notice of management to prevent disputes.

Slip and fall
The floors at workplaces are cleaned regularly to keep them free from dirt and debris. But a wet floor is slippery, and one may slip and fall if they are not too mindful of their surroundings. Here’s where marking uneven decks, slippery flooring, and indicating other hazards can prevent such accidents.

Repetitive motions
Repetitive motion injuries are triggered by performing small-range or micro tasks constantly, including working on an assembly line, using a mouse on a computer, or typing. As a workaround, employees must be trained in ergonomic work techniques and use good-quality equipment to prevent accidents.

Falls from extensive heights
Construction workers often fall from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and other tall surfaces. They even face the risk of heavy objects falling on them if the structures are weak. The fall may stem from poorly built structures or a lack of safety measures. Safety training, fall protection, and employee diligence are essential for such employees.

Entanglement
Rollers, gears, and other heavy machinery may often entrap workers and result in severe injuries. The entrapment occurs because of loose clothing, jewelry, shoes, unbound long hair, and other careless acts. So before working with machines, one must wear the right safety gear.

Electrocution
People who work with electrical equipment, such as exposed wires or cords, without proper safety gear are at risk of being electrocuted. Identifying all electrical hazards to ensure employee safety may help prevent such accidents.

Overexertion
Overexertion may come from lifting, holding, pulling, or pushing heavy objects. The complication may lead to lower back injuries and joint wear and tear. Maintaining proper safety standards and regulating employee health is essential to avoid overexertion.

Malfunctioning machines
Machine parts and similar objects may often malfunction and work improperly when left unattended. The phenomenon can lead to minor or major injuries. Organizations that work with such machinery must check the components regularly to reduce accidents.

Lack of attention
An individual who is not focused in their workplace may risk running into cabinets, doors, walls, machinery, and windows, which may lead to injuries. Reducing clutter at the workplace and marking hazards can help reduce these accidents.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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7 foods that help deal with menopause symptoms

Menopause refers to the 12-month gap after a woman's last menstrual cycle, which tends to start during a girl's adolescence or earlier. Typically, women between the ages of 45 and 55 experience menopause at some stage with varying discomforts. Most symptoms can be managed via prescriptions and home remedies. Alternatively, doctors suggest simple changes in daily nutrition to manage the symptoms better. Here are seven foods one can consider to tackle the symptoms. 7 foods to help manage menopause symptoms Dairy Menopause can have a deteriorating effect on healthy bones due to sudden metabolic and hormonal changes. If left unchecked, it could lead to rapid bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis among older women. Experts suggest at least 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium intake regularly to support bone health. Natural skim milk, cow milk, soy milk, low-fat cheese, and yogurt are excellent foods to boost calcium intake. Cruciferous vegetables Leafy greens and healthy cruciferous vegetables should also be eaten daily to boost natural fibers, proteins, iron, and antioxidants in the body. Spinach, turnip, and collard greens are veggies rich in calcium to help improve bone health. Also, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense veggies linked to reducing the severity of hot flashes, one of the persistent symptoms of menopause. Lean meats Chicken, turkey, and tuna are excellent sources of lean proteins, one of the essential compounds for improving and strengthening muscle growth, muscle mass, and bone health. Vegetarians can alternatively consume lean proteins from lentils, beans, and tofu to meet daily requirements. Also, lean proteins help maintain a healthy body mass index as they are low in calories and fats and contain little to no preservatives. Complex carbohydrates products Whole brown grains, whole wheat pasta, and rice, and bread made from whole grains are complex sources of fiber that slow down digestion and help maintain normal blood glucose levels. These foods are also low in calories and rich in soluble fibers. Complex carbs help maintain a healthy body mass and prevent fatigue. Nutritious fruits Fruits help supplement natural soluble fibers. They contain essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins necessary to boost immunity and manage metabolic changes in the body. Magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and boron are all essential for maintaining bone health. Nutritionists suggest including apples, grapes, and dates among fresh fruit options and having a handful of dates and raisins as snacks. Soy products Some studies conclude that soy products consumed in moderation can help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. For example, soy milk, tofu, soy flour, and even soybeans (or edamame) contain enzymes that mimic chemical responses linked to estrogen to promote better hormonal balance. Plant seeds Menopausal hot flashes and other symptoms can also be managed with a balanced intake of plant seeds. For example, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and linseeds contain compounds that mimic estrogen production to maintain hormone levels and prevent metabolic imbalances due to hormonal changes. Soy, tofu, tempeh, miso, and even green beans are loaded with these plant estrogens.

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