Administrative Professionals' Health and Safety

April 22, 2009 is Administrative Professionals Day. Improve your health, and lower your risk for stress and strains while at work by following these tips.

Technology has changed how we work, and science has helped improve our health and safety at work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006, administrative professionals (secretaries and administrative assistants) held about 4.2 million jobs, making this one of the largest occupations in the U.S. economy. Administrative professionals often must sit for long periods of time and spend a lot of time at the computer or on the phone. Improve your health, and lower your risk for stress and strains while at work by following these tips for administrative professionals:

• Create a comfortable work space. Arrange your chair, desk, and items so that you can work comfortably without needing to overreach, sit or stand too long, or use awkward postures. Use a back or foot rest if needed.
• Take breaks. Stretch your legs, arms, and neck to recover from muscle fatigue.
• Manage stress. Early warning signs of stress include headache, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, job dissatisfaction, and low morale. Take steps to recognize and manage stress.
• Be safe. Fatal and nonfatal violence does occur in the workplace. An average of 1.7 million people are victims of violent crime while working or on duty in the United States. Learn practical measures for identifying risk factors for violence at work, and take strategic action to help keep yourself safe.
• Eat healthy meals and snacks. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
• Get physical activity. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.

More Information

• Administrative Professional Health and Safety Tips
• Office Environment and Worker Safety and Health