4 Signs Your Job Is Damaging Your Health
4 Signs Your Job Is Damaging Your Health. Some jobs may not seem particularly hazardous on the surface – but whilst there may be few immediate dangers, there could still be long-term health hazards to look out for. Here are just a few signs that your job could be slowly damaging your health and what you can do to prevent this.
You’ve developed aches and pains that won’t go away
Repeated actions, poor posture, and poor ergonomics at work can all lead to aches and pains. Sometimes this pain may disappear after a few hours, but sometimes this pain can become chronic. Back pain is a common example – this could be the result of bad form when lifting heavy objects or it could be the result of poor posture when sitting at a desk. A back doctor may be able to help with solutions ranging from medication to exercise recommendations to surgery. RSIs (repetitive strain injuries) cannot always be cured, but can usually always be reduced. It’s worth talking to your employer about this injury as health and safety measures may be able to be introduced into the workplace.
You’re gaining weight from inactivity
Many modern jobs such as desk jobs and driving jobs are largely sedentary. A lack of physical activity throughout the day can lead to weight gain, which can have its health risks ranging from diabetes to joint problems. Weight gain is something that can be reversed by exercising more and introducing a better diet. Even if your work requires you to stay sat down, make sure to take advantage of your breaks as a chance to be active or try to compensate by exercising more out of office hours.
Your ears are ringing at the end of each day
Ringing in the ears is often caused by exposure to loud noises and can eventually lead to permanent ringing (tinnitus) or hearing loss. If your job is causing your ears to ring, it could be a sign you need to wear ear protection of some kind. Most employers are legally required to supply this if their work environment reaches a certain decibel level – you should talk to your employer if this equipment isn’t supplied. Construction sites and nightclubs are common examples of such workplaces.
You’re constantly stressed from work
Work-related stress can have serious negative health effects. As well as being linked to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, increased blood pressure can cause physical health problems in the long run such as strokes and even heart attacks. Whilst many jobs have their moments of stress, no job should be constantly stressful, and may want to consider ways of relieving responsibility at work or taking up a new job. Alternatively, you may be able to reduce the health risks of stress by taking time to distress – exercising, listening to music, and having a hot bath are all effective ways to distress at the end of the day, whilst taking a holiday away from work is also important.