The workplace can be very dangerous. There are many workplace health concerns, depending on what kind of place is worked at.
Almost all workplaces have the danger of neck and back injuries, from sitting at a desk to lifting and moving heavy objects. Extreme care must be taken to follow all lifting and pushing/pulling rules. For those sitting at desks, breaks should be taken often to relieve the back and neck muscles from being tensed up or in one position to long.
Other workplace health concerns include repetitive movement disorders. Any movement that is repeated over and over, such as typing and certain kinds of tools, causes stress to the body. Without sufficient breaks, tendons stiffen up and cause extreme pain. This can bring on things like carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis.
For those who work outside, there is a whole other set of workplace health concerns. Along with neck, back and spine injuries, there is the possibility of heat stroke in the summer and hypothermia in the winter. The older outside worker needs to take extra precautions in the winter to warm up frequently and where appropriate cold weather clothing. Skin cancer is also a risk for the outdoor worker. Sun screen should be used generously and often. Protective eyewear is also important, not only for protection from the sun, but to keep unwanted objects out of the eye.
Many workers are at risk just by breathing at work. Factories usually have dust from different substances in the air, which can contribute to asthma. Other workplaces can have toxins in the air from paint fumes, and chemicals of all sorts, to name a few. Farm workers are at risk from things like anthrax, which is commonly found in hoofed animals like cows and sheep, and also sheep’s wool. Moldy hay and some grains also give off toxins that are dangerous.
Construction workers have workplace health concerns from all kinds of things, also. Dust, sawdust, and sometimes asbestos are all very common on construction sites. Using ladders safely is very important to avoid falls that could result in badly broken bones. Other safety gear should also be used properly. Falling off of roofs and scaffolding can result in broken bones, disability, and sometimes death. Power tools are another safety issue on construction sites. One careless move and body parts can be sliced open or even off. Any of the tools used in a trade can become a dangerous weapon if used incorrectly.