The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports about 3 million Americans are injured at work each year. Although that number is startling, what’s even more shocking is most of those injuries could have been avoided.

Take a break

Your body needs physical and mental breaks from time to time. If you stand for long periods of time, use your break to go for a walk or sit down. If your job requires continuous repetitive movements or lifting objects, allow your muscles some down time. If you sit at a computer all day, during your break stretch your legs and relax your eyes.

Check your steps

Make sure you know the right way to perform a task before getting started. You wouldn’t install a ceiling fan at home without making sure the breaker is off or climb a ladder in the backroom without first checking to be sure it’s firmly planted. Your safety is important at home and work, so know the correct process and follow it every time.

Cover yourself

At home, you might use goggles when remodeling your kitchen to avoid getting debris in your eyes or rubber gloves when handling strong chemicals to prevent burning your skin. You take the same precautions at work by putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) like goggles, cutting gloves and slip-resistant shoes before completing many tasks. PPE can be all that stands between you and an injury, but it’s up to you to put it on.

Stretch it out

When you feel tension in your muscles, it’s a good idea to stretch. Stretching can help prevent you from straining a muscle or spraining a joint. For tips on stretching your arms, neck, legs and back, check out the February edition of Publix News Online at www.publix.org.