We all know that there are a lot of things to look out for when working on a construction job site, in a warehouse, or in a manufacturing environment. But what if you work in an office? It’s easy to think that there are no hazards to worry about in an office but it’s that kind of thinking that leads to injury. Let’s take a look at some of the hazards lurking around the office.
The leading cause of office injuries is Slips, Trips, and Falls. Be on the lookout for loose carpeting, temporary extension cords draped across traffic areas, and open filing cabinets. Never stand on an office chair (especially the swivel ones) to reach something that’s been placed high up on a shelf.
Speaking of chairs; defective chairs should be taken out of service immediately.
Other hazards to look out for include burn hazards from laminating machines, pinch point hazards from doors, cut hazards from paper cutters, puncture hazards from the telephone message spike, etc. (Take a look around. I’m sure you can spot plenty more)
One question you should ask yourself: Do you know all possible escape routes in the case of an emergency such as fire, earthquake, active shooter?
Common injuries from working in an office include back injuries from lifting too heavy or with poor form, back and neck injuries from sitting at a desk with poor posture, and injuries from falling or having things fall on you.
Good housekeeping and general awareness is key to preventing injuries. Make sure that the office is free of clutter, that the walkways are kept clean and clear, that boxes are not stacked too high or unbalanced, and that shelves are anchored securely and not overloaded. All heavy items should be stored in low areas, never on overhead shelves.
A great number of office workers receive disabling injuries each year. All of those accidents could have been prevented. So, be on the lookout for possible hazards. Remove the hazards immediately if you can, or report it immediately. Safety is everybody’s responsibility.
That’s it for now. Until next time- Safety First!