The healthcare and life sciences industry exposes its employees to illnesses and diseases, hazards, and demanding work responsibilities that can take a toll on their health and safety. But in order for them to meet their responsibilities and perform their work, they need to prioritize their own well beings. In this article, we list six important tips to help workers in the healthcare and life sciences industry stay safe and healthy.
Create a routine
Unlike various other industries that are only hazardous when it comes to physical wellbeing, a career in healthcare and life sciences also takes a toll on health because of the demands of the workplace. Employees should be adept at balancing their work and personal lives to keep their health and wellbeing in check.
Building a routine can help significantly. Professionals in this field should create schedules for all aspects of their work and life. This routine should also include time for rest and relaxation, such as mediation, naps, and exercise.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for healthcare employees so that they can perform well on the job. Professionals in this field often have different schedules and shifts, but in the midst of all of it, they should get at least seven to nine hours of sleep at night to keep their health in tip-top shape. Research has found that lack of sleep can cause serious health consequences and hinder productivity and safety.
Stay hydrated
A job as a healthcare or life sciences professional can be busy and draining, enough that many employees forget to eat or even stay hydrated. But drinking enough water is crucial to keep them energized and alert during their shifts, as well as regulate their body temperature, keep their organs functioning optimally, and deliver nutrients to their bodies.
Ideally, professionals in this field should drink the average recommended cups of water. This is at least 11 cups for women and 16 cups for men.
Reduce stress
Because a healthcare and life sciences career is fast-paced and demanding, stress levels among these employees are high. They should take time off from their day to address their stress levels and take care of their mental health. Rest is an important stress relief activity, as well as other self-care activities such as yoga, meditation, or even just taking short walks each day can do a whole lot in reducing the psychological impact of the career.
Be alert and aware
A healthcare setting is filled with people and machines that can be dangerous when not used properly. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals should always be alert at work and be mindful of what happens around them. This will go a long way in helping them avoid workplace accidents and protect not only themselves, but also their colleagues, patients, and other people roaming their work environment.
Be informed and accountable
Employees in the healthcare and life sciences industry should hold themselves accountable for their own safety, as well as that of the people around them. They should be vigilant during training, knowledgeable about the safety rules and protocols, and furthermore have the initiative to inspect for any health and safety hazards, report them to the proper authorities, and stay organized in their work to prevent causing harm to others.
The healthcare and life sciences industry can be straining — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Employees should prioritize their health and safety at work so that they can stay in the pink of health and perform their jobs better. Remember that these people are dealing with the lives of others, but in order to truly care for patients, they should first care for themselves. With these six vital tips, healthcare and life sciences professionals can keep themselves and others safe in the workplace.