Workplace safety is an essential aspect of any business regardless of industry. Employers must ensure their employees are working in a healthy and safe environment.

While many employers focus on common risks like slip, trips, and falls, they often ignore the risks associated with stroke and infarction. In this article, we will explore the top occupational hazards that can lead to stroke and infarction.

1. Long Working Hours

Long working hours can put employees at risk of developing major health issues, including stroke and infarction. Workers who work over ten hours a day are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than those who work eight hours or less.

Research has also shown that employees who work overtime are at a higher risk of developing stroke due to chronic stress from overwork. Employers must ensure that their employees work reasonable hours and take breaks to avoid burnout.

2. Working in a Sedentary Position

Office jobs are often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which can put workers at risk of developing several health issues, including stroke and infarction.

The lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and poor circulation, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other circulatory conditions. Employees should be encouraged to take breaks to move around and engage in physical activity during work hours.

3. Exposure to Noise

People working in loud conditions have an increased risk of developing hypertension, which is a risk factor for stroke and infarction.

Noise pollution can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Employers should conduct regular noise monitoring in workplaces that produce high noise levels and provide appropriate hearing protection for employees.

4. Exposure to Chemicals

Some occupational chemicals can contribute to an increased risk of stroke and infarction. Chemicals like lead, carbon disulfide, and carbon monoxide can cause damage to the heart and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Employers must conduct regular checks to ensure the employees are not exposed to hazardous chemicals at the workplace.

5. Physical Demands

Physical labor, such as heavy lifting or operating machinery, can cause injury to the heart and an increased risk of stroke or infarction.

Employers must ensure that employees work within their physical limits and are trained in proper lifting or operating techniques to prevent injury.

6. High-Stress Jobs

High-stress jobs can cause chronic stress, leading to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including stroke and infarction.

Employers can help mitigate stress for employees by providing resources like counseling or supporting a healthy work-life balance.

7. Irregular Sleep Schedule

Irregular sleep patterns can lead to poor sleep quality, which can trigger high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Employers should provide flexible work arrangements, allowing workers adequate time to rest and maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

8. Shift Work

Employees working shifts can damage the circadian rhythm, leading to increased stress and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and infarction. Rotating shifts can impact the body clock and cause an adverse effect on health.

Employers should consider implementing shift patterns that allow workers to maintain their body clock rhythm.

9. Poor Nutrition in the Workplace

Poor nutrition, such as consuming food high in trans-fat and lacking fruits and vegetables, can contribute to the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Employers must offer healthy food options in the workplace to promote a healthy lifestyle for their employees.