Tips for Staying Healthy on the Job

June 30, 2016

As a carpenter, or someone who has a job related to the industry, work can easily get in the way of your health. Putting in those long hours can take a toll on your body. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction laborers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Because of this, making sure you are staying healthy on the job is extremely important. Neglecting your health can ultimately affect the way you work. To work your best, your health must be at its best.

Along those lines, it’s important not to mistake extensive physical labor as a form of fitness. Try to follow these simple tips for staying healthy on the job:

Warm up before work.

Warming up before work lessens your chance of getting hurt on the job. Additionally, performing simple stretches after warming up with light movement can better prepare your body for what’s to come and prevent those nagging pains you feel afterwards. This comes in handy to those who lift heavy objects or work with hefty machinery.

Hydrate regularly.

Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the work day to avoid dehydration. Workers who hydrate correctly are not only more comfortable, but also remain cool and alert on the job. Proper hydration makes for a more productive and healthier work force. Hydration experts from OSHA recommend drinking before, during, and after physical labor to replace the body fluid lost in sweating.

Eat healthy.

Eating the right foods can make a huge difference on your job performance. Do you find yourself running out of energy quickly? If so, it may be the result of the food you are putting into your body. When your body needs energy to perform hard work, it relies on calories for fuel. As much as 85 percent of those calories come from carbohydrates. What you have to remember though is that there are good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates. Try to stay away from potatoes and sugar, and substitute those with good carbohydrates like brown rice, whole grain pasta, beans, and oats. Pair that with a nice helping of fruits, vegetables, and protein to keep your muscles strong and your body healthy.

Stick to a sleep schedule.

Sticking to a sleep schedule helps to regulate your body’s clock, giving you more energy throughout the day. Maintaining a proper sleep schedule could help you get a good night’s sleep and prepare you for those long, strenuous hours at work the next day. You will soon find it easier to fall asleep and wake up at a decent hour.

Don’t let work get in the way of your health! By following these quick, easy tips, you will be one step closer to a healthier lifestyle.

To learn more about a healthy warm up regimen, check out the UBC’s website at www.carpenters.org/Home/Home_CITF/Warmup_xercises.aspx.