How dangerous is your Career?
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For many, a career is a way of life. It's an aspect of our lives that is required in order to support ourselves and our families. It's an important factor in determining the types of purchases we can make, where we will live, and what types of things we can purchase. A career is one of the most important aspects of an individual's life, so choosing the best career for your lifestyle and interests makes a huge difference when considering how successful and happy you will be within your career.
For some, a career can be physical work which requires strength and persistence. Manual labor can be a lifestyle in which some enjoy. It allows them to build things, potentially exercise, and spend their time moving around and engaging in physical movements. For others, a non-manual occupation may be the best option since it allows them the ability to think logically, enjoy time indoors, and doesn't require a large amount of physical work. Most of these employees will find themselves working in front of a computer screen, or potentially traveling to and from various business meetings and sales presentations. This may be the most suitable career for many.
Regardless of the option you choose, there are things that can be dangerous, or potentially hazardous to your health when working within each of the career options.
Physical Occupation Hazards
Physical occupations may present the most obvious dangers because of the nature and scope of the work required of employees. For these types of occupations, employees are regularly required to have the ability to lift and move heavy or large objects. With this being said, it's important that the employee is in good physical shape, and has the strength and ability to move items around without any issues. Furthermore, it's important they do not have any pre-existing health conditions that may limit their ability to perform the scope of the work required for the position.
These types of options may also require the employee to spend time outdoors,with the potential to be exposed to mother nature's creations. With this being said, it's important that physical employees have the knowledge and ability to keep themselves safeguarded from weather conditions and extreme heat or cold temperatures. Wearing jackets when it's cold outside, or keeping themselves dry by using ponchos when it rains are some of the common practices one should take when working outdoors. For construction workers, it's important they safeguard their body from harm by wearing protective hard hats and safety equipment to prevent any threat for injuries while on the job. OSHA guidelines have been set forth to require safeguard practices, however, it's important that these types of employees remember these practices at all times.
Non-Physical
Non-Physical types of occupations tend to have a much lower associated risk factor when weighing the differences between physical occupations and non-physical. When reflecting upon these types of occupations, many individuals may have a more difficult time determining some of the risk factors that come alongside these types of occupations. However, there are a few risks that should be discussed.
Employees working desk jobs, or office positions may require a great deal of time to be spent in front of a computer screen. As a result, there is a great deal of time spent staring at a computer screen monitor on a daily basis. After several weeks, an individual's eyesight may need to be re-evaluated as vision ability can change based upon this type of work. Furthermore, sitting in the same position for an extended amount of time doesn't allow the body to circulate blood throughout the body as quickly. It's important to stretch regularly, and take short breaks from time to time. Additionally, individuals working a desk or office job may find themselves having a sloped posture, or curvature of the back, from their position in front of the computer. This can lead to serious back issues down the road. Your posture while sitting in front of a computer should always be remembered.
Weighing Your Options
There are plenty of pros and cons that come about from each type of position. Though some may be more apparent or obvious, it's important to consider how your health and well-being could be negatively or positively impacted by the type of occupation you choose. Weighing your options, and taking careful consideration into your lifestyle and what's most important to you is the first step when considering if a job is right for you. In what ways can you improve upon your current occupational practices to improve your safety and reduce your risk?