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Three health issues desk job workers must watch out for
Office workers are not completely safe from occupational health risks.
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Sitting for long hours in front of the computer can affect your posture, causing muscular and skeletal problems such as back and neck pain. (Shutterstock/File)
W
orking in an air-conditioned office and sitting comfortably at a desk may seem like the ideal working conditions. The job may come with considerably lower health risks than jobs such as working in a factory or in construction.
However, it does not necessarily mean office workers are completely safe from occupational health risks.
Kompas.com has compiled a list of three health problems office employees working desk jobs are vulnerable to.
Read also: Aromas, music help reduce stress in workplaces
Muscle and bone structure problems
Sitting for long hours in front of the computer can affect your posture, causing muscular and skeletal problems such as back and neck pain.
The body is designed to be active, according to kompas.com. When you are walking, for example, the abdominal muscles work to support the body to stand in an erect posture. The muscles don't work as much when you are sitting down, which can lead to them becoming weak.
To prevent aches and stiffness while sitting at your desk, make sure to sit with a straight posture by straightening your back and relaxing your shoulders. If you are using a computer or other device, bring it to eye level so that you are not hunching over.
Regular exercise is also important for strengthening muscles and keeping your body fit. It is also recommended to do simple movements to help relax the muscles while working long hours at your desk.
Read also: How to sit correctly at your desk
Eyesight problems
Staring all day long at the computer could also affect your vision, causing redness, puffy eyes, irritation, worsening eyesight, as well as headaches due to tired eyes. Poor room lighting could also contribute to causing the aforementioned issues.
Some ways to prevent eye damage could be by improving the light in your office and using a screen cover to protect your eyes from the constant glare from your computer.
It is recommended to check your eye health at least 1-2 times a year.
Hearing problems
Office employees may also experience hearing problems, which could be caused by listening to headphones at a high volume.
Avoid setting the volume too loudly on the headphones so as not to damage your ears. Also, do not forget to rest your ears. Remove the headphones occasionally to give your ears some time to rest. (liz/kes)
