Office safety is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in creating a healthy and productive work environment. From preventing slips and falls to ensuring proper ergonomics, maintaining a safe office protects employees and reduces the risk of accidents.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips and falls are the most frequent cause of injuries in office settings. People working in offices are twice as likely to be injured by falling than any other workplace. There are many office hazards that contribute to slips, trips, and falls, such as:
- Unattended spills
- Wet floors
- Exposed cords
- Unstable work surfaces or floors
- Loose rugs or mats
- And, more!
Fortunately, there are prevention methods for these hazards, including:
- Keep desk and file drawers closed when not in use
- Use only step stools as ladders; not unstable chairs
- Push chairs up to the desk or under a counter when not in use
- Secure rugs, mats, and cords to the ground
- And, use wet floor signs where appropriate
Computer Ergonomic Injuries
Office workers spend long hours a day on the computer, resulting in ergonomic injuries related to posture and repetitive motion. When setting up your computer and workspace, follow ergonomic guidelines, such as:
- Align the chair, keyboard, and monitor with the body
- Maintain a relaxed and neutral posture
- Sit up straight and adjust the chair to provide firm back support
- Keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle when typing
- Use adjustable keyboard trays to position the keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height
- And, adjust the chair’s height so the feet are firmly on the ground
Eye Strain
Because of long hours on the computer, eye strain isn’t abnormal. Eyes may become dry and irritated making it harder to focus. To relieve eye strain, close the blinds, dim overhead lights, position computer monitors slightly below eye level, and increase the font size. These suggested tips should be done with company policies and other workers comfortability in mind.
Additionally, blue light eye glasses can relieve eye strain during prolonged screen time.
Housekeeping
Aside from injury prevention, good housekeeping practices contribute to office safety. Housekeeping practices aid in keeping the workplace clean and organized, and reduces clutter and obstructions. Some housekeeping practices include:
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Keep work areas or storage facilities clean, neat, and orderly
- Keep aisles, stairways, and emergency exits clean and organized
- Lay extension cords in a way to minimize tripping hazards
- And, more!
Resources
For more information on office safety, visit JJ Safety’s website. JJ Safety offers online training, safety meetings, and safety programs on office safety topics.
Conclusion
Office safety is essential for protecting employees and maintaining a productive workplace. By prioritizing safety measures, businesses can reduce accidents, minimize downtime, and promote a culture of well-being and responsibility. A safe office environment not only benefits employees but also supports the overall success of the organization.