When you get ready and head off to work, it’s nice to know that you’ve got some safety steps in place.  If you’re like millions of other Americans, your job is your only source of income.  It’s important that you stay well, so you can continue to do your job. 

Take some steps to protect yourself in the workplace, and education yourself on safety tips.  Here is a brief look at a few solid work safety tips for dummies to get you started.  

Stretch before you start working

Your body has to be prepared for all the movement and work you’re about to put it through while you’re on the clock, so give it a bit of a head start.  Proper stretching methods can do a lot to protect your muscles from injury or strain.  

Take at least 10-15 minutes before starting work to stretch your back, legs, and arms.  Do a quick search online to get a more thorough idea of which stretches are most beneficial.  

Learn proper lifting methods

If you work a job where you are unloading heavy freight or stocking shelves, you need to know how to properly lift.  Safely unloading your company’s freight is a recurring job that will arise, and it’s important that you know how to properly distribute the weight as you lift.  

In general, you should lift with your legs as opposed to your back.  When you pick up a heavy item, hold it close to your core.  The distribution of the weight is what is most important.  Even distribution will keep your body from straining any one area.  

Get up and move around 

You don’t have to work a super physical job to be required to do things to prep your body for the job.  A job where you sit in a chair in front of a computer screen all day will test your body in different ways.  

If you work an office job, it’s important that you get up and move your body throughout your work day.  Stand up every hour for just a minute or two to keep the blood flow strong in all parts of your body.  

Wear proper braces when needed

If you already know that there are parts of your body that have a little trouble staying in line, make sure you wear the proper braces to help grant a little more support throughout the work day.  

Follow the rules set by your employer

Finally, follow the rules your employer sets for the workplace.  The rules are set for a reason, and it’s typically to protect your safety.  Even if you don’t understand the purpose of the rule, it’s probably important.