February 6, 2026 — Most New Year’s resolutions focus on personal goals: hitting the gym, eating better, or learning a new skill. But what about resolutions that could prevent a workplace injury or help you respond effectively in an emergency?
As employees return to work in 2026, workplace safety shouldn’t take a backseat to productivity. Simple daily habits, workspace adjustments, and renewed safety awareness can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and protecting well-being throughout the year.
Mona Montanino, Founder and President of 12 Panel Now, a U.S.-based provider of workplace drug-testing supplies and safety solutions, shares the health and safety resolutions every employee should prioritize in 2026.
“New Year’s resolutions are often about self-improvement, but workplace safety resolutions benefit everyone,” says Montanino. “When employees commit to better safety habits, they’re not only protecting themselves, but creating a safer environment for their colleagues too.”
Below, Montanino outlines the most important health and safety resolutions for the year ahead.
The daily habits that prevent workplace injuries before they happen
Workplace injuries often result from accumulated fatigue, poor posture, or ignoring your body’s warning signs. The following small daily habits can prevent these issues before they occur.
1. Take micro-breaks to combat fatigue
Working for hours without a break increases the risk of accidents. Fatigue slows reaction time and reduces focus.
“Micro-breaks are one of the simplest yet most overlooked safety practices,” says Montanino. “Taking just two to three minutes every hour to step away from your task can reset your focus and prevent the kind of mental fatigue that leads to accidents.”
2. Stay properly hydrated and nourished
Dehydration and low blood sugar impair judgment, cause dizziness, and reduce coordination. Keep water available throughout your workday and plan meals that provide sustained energy.
“Proper hydration and nutrition will make you feel good, while also maintaining the physical and mental sharpness needed to work safely,” Montanino explains.
3. Build stretching and mobility into your routine
Repetitive motions and prolonged sitting can lead to muscle strain. Before starting physically demanding tasks, take a few minutes to stretch. If you work at a desk, incorporate neck, shoulder, and back stretches throughout the day.
What employees should adjust in their workspaces in 2026
Your workspace setup directly impacts your physical health and injury risk. Montanino lists a few adjustments you can make now that can prevent chronic pain later.
1. Get your ergonomic setup right
Your chair should support your lower back, and your feet should rest flat on the floor. Your keyboard and mouse should allow your elbows to stay at a 90-degree angle.
“A proper ergonomic setup is a necessity for long-term health, and shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury” Montanino says.
2. Check your screen height and posture
Your monitor should be at arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. If you’re working on a laptop, consider using a separate keyboard and mouse with a laptop stand.
3. Learn proper manual handling techniques
Bend at your knees, not your waist. Keep loads close to your body. Avoid twisting while carrying something heavy.
“Back injuries can be career-ending, and they’re often preventable,” says Montanino. “Taking an extra few seconds to lift properly is always worth it.”
Health and safety skills every worker should refresh each year
Safety training shouldn’t be a one-time event. Montanino recommends making it a resolution to refresh your safety knowledge, to keep you prepared for emergencies. He lists several ways to do this:
1. Review fire and emergency evacuation procedures
Do you know where all the emergency exits are? Could you find them in the dark? Regular review of evacuation procedures keeps this information fresh.
“The time to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes is now, not when alarms are going off,” Montanino points out.
2. Refresh your first aid awareness
Basic first aid knowledge can save lives, but people usually haven’t refreshed these skills in years. Consider taking a refresher course or reviewing basic procedures online.
3. Review equipment safety procedures
If your job involves operating machinery or vehicles, review safety procedures at the start of each year. Check that you understand emergency shut-off procedures and proper protective equipment requirements.
The sleep, stress and burnout reset workers should take seriously
Your mental state plays a significant role in workplace safety. Fatigue, stress, and burnout dramatically increase accident risk. Montanino shares several ways to manage these:
1. Establish better sleep routines
Poor sleep affects judgment and slows reaction time. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. For shift workers, prioritize sleep during off hours and create a dark, quiet environment.
“Sleep deprivation is a serious safety issue,” says Montanino. “When you’re running on too little sleep, your brain can’t function at the level needed to make quick, safe decisions.”
2. Develop stress management strategies
Chronic stress impairs concentration and can lead to physical symptoms that interfere with safe work practices. Identify what causes stress and develop strategies to manage it.
“Unmanaged stress is a legitimate safety hazard,” Montanino explains. “When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to rush or skip safety steps.”
3. Recognize and address cognitive overload
When your brain is overwhelmed, you’re more likely to make mistakes. Learn to recognize signs like difficulty concentrating or mental exhaustion. When you notice these signs, pause and prioritize.
“Your brain has limits, and pushing past them doesn’t make you more productive,” says Montanino.
Learn more about establishing drug testing programs, ensuring workplace safety and avoiding litigation at 12 Panel Now.
