It’s fairly obvious that safety and health hazards can exist on worksites filled with heavy machinery and equipment, while a job in a climate-controlled office building would seem less fraught with danger since most of the work tasks are completed while sitting in a chair. However, a surprising number of hazards can be present in an office setting.
Here are 25 steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury among your office staff:
- Stay clutter-free. Be sure that all materials are safely store in their proper location.
- Step on up. If you need to reach something at an elevated height, be sure to use a stepladder.
- Maintain a clear line of vision. Install convex mirrors at intersections to help reduce collisions.
- Get a grip. Carpeting and other skid-resistant surfaces can serve to reduce falls.
- Shut the drawer. Always shut open drawers when not in use.
- Safe Stacking. Store heavy objects close to the floor, and never exceed load capacity of storage units.
- Provide adjustable equipment. Any work equipment should be adjustable to accommodate the widest range of employees.
- Train workers on how to use equipment. Make sure that employees know how to adjust their own office equipment.
- Keep your feet on the floor. Make sure that employees’ feet are always touching the floor when they are seated.
- Provide document holders. Use document holders on employees’ desks to avoid neck strain.
- Correct mouse placement. Employees’ mice should always be placed next to keyboards.
- Dim the lights and use task lamps. Remove some bulbs from overhead fixtures so that light is at about half normal, and use task lamps.
- Correctly position monitors. Place monitors slightly below eye level and 20-26 inches from eyes.
- Minimize screen glare. Avoid positioning monitors opposite open windows, or be sure to always close shades or blinds.
- Wear the right glasses. If you spend a large portion of your day working on the computer, you should alert your eye doctor.
- Increase the font size on your computer. Small font sizes can strain both your vision and your neck, so simply adjust your font size.
- Take a break. Give your eyes a rest and allow them to focus on things at varying distances to help reduce strain and fatigue.
- Maintain cords in good repair. Cords should be inspected regularly for wear and taken out of service if they are frayed or have exposed wire.
- Inspect space heaters. If employees use space heaters, verify that the devices have a switch that automatically turns it off.
- Never block fire sprinklers. Objects should never be placed higher than 18 inches below the sprinkler heads to allow a full range of coverage.
- Do not block escape routes or prop open fire doors. Items should never be stored along an emergency exit route.
- Conduct walk-throughs. Periodically walk around the office to help with hazard recognition and maintenance of ergonomic task design.
- Monitor signs of musculoskeletal disorders. Recognize the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and alert employees of the need to make an ergonomics alteration to their workstation.
- Talk to employees about their concerns. Simply ask workers how they are feeling.
- Establish employee reporting systems. Create an anonymous reporting process that encourages workers to come forward with their concerns.
