Stair falls are a serious hazard in the workplace and can result in serious injuries or even death. In New Zealand, falls from height, including falls from stairs, account for 8% of all workplace fatalities. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment and take steps to prevent falls from height, including those from stairs.

Our digital H&S app can help prevent serious falls by providing employees with an awareness of the dangers. For example, the app can include:

• Safety checklists for stairways, which employees can use to identify hazards such as inadequate lighting or slippery surfaces.
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• Training modules on safe stair use, including how to properly ascend and descend stairs, how to use handrails and guardrails, and how to identify and avoid hazards.
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• A way for employees to report trip hazards or maintenance issues quickly and easily.

By incorporating a digital health and safety app into yourworkplace safety program, you can take a proactive approach to prevent serious falls while promoting a culture of safety.

Here are some additional benefits of using the My Real Safety app:

• Improved Communication
  ‍Having H&S info accessible to all your staff via app can help improve communication between employees and safety managers. This is because the app provides a central location where they can report hazards, ask questions, and receive training.
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• Increased Compliance
  ‍Help increase compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing employees with the information and tools they need to stay safe.
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• Reduced Costs
  ‍A digital health and safety platform can help reduce costs associated with workplace injuries. This is because the app can help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place by making employees aware of hazards both from training and moment-to-moment perspective.

In summary, using a digital health and safety app can not only help prevent stair falls in the workplace but can also provide a range of other benefits, including improved communication, increased compliance, and reduced costs. By taking a proactive approach to workplace safety, employers can create a safer and more productive work environment for their employees.

Even though office jobs typically don't require heavy lifting, lifting objects outside of your usual work duties can put you at risk of physical strain or injury. In New Zealand, over 25% of workplace injuries are caused by lifting, carrying, or putting down objects.

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and can minimize the risk of injury by:

• Providing proper training on lifting techniques.
• Investing in equipment such as dollies or hand trucks.
• Implementing policies for handling heavy objects.

The MRS app can be a useful tool for providing training on proper lifting techniques and reminding employees of safety protocols. By using such an app, employees can better understand how to lift heavy objects safely and prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

Here are some additional tips for lifting heavy objects safely:

• Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
• Use your legs, not your back, to lift objects.
• Keep the object close to your body.
• Lift with a partner, if possible.
• Take breaks often.
• If you feel pain, stop lifting and ask for help.

Spinal health is a critical factor in maintaining overall well-being, especially for office workers who spend long hours sitting at a desk. Two primary areas of the spine, the cervical and lumbar regions, are prone to discomfort and strain due to the nature of office work. This section will explore the challenges faced by office workers and how a digital health and safety app can help alleviate and prevent spinal issues.

Cervical Spine: The Office Strain on Your Neck

The cervical spine consists of the top seven vertebrae (C1-C7) in the neck region. Office workers often experience discomfort in this area due to prolonged periods of staring at computer screens, craning their necks to look at documents, smartphones, or other devices. This can lead to strain, stiffness, and pain in the neck and upper back muscles.

Lumbar Spine: The Lower Back Pain Epidemic

The lumbar spine comprises the five lower vertebrae (L1-L5) in the lower back. Lower back pain is prevalent among office workers who spend extended periods sitting at a desk with improper posture, inadequate lumbar support, or insufficient movement throughout the day. This can result in muscle imbalances, strain, and discomfort in the lower back region.

When every person in your organization has a H&S app on their phone, this can play a vital role in promoting awareness and reinforcing good ergonomic behaviors for office workers. By using scheduled training to provide timely guidance, reminders, and resources, these apps can help users maintain a healthy work environment and avoid day-to-day, moment-to-moment ergonomic issues.

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