If you work in an office, you probably don’t think much about workplace safety. After all, you’re not climbing a power pole or stacking heavy boxes in a warehouse. But the truth is that offices are not immune to workplace accidents. Here are some common office hazards to be on the lookout for.
1. Slip and Fall
From freshly mopped floors to tripping hazards such as cords and loose rugs, one of the most common office hazards is the risk for slip and fall accidents. Your odds of such an incident go up astronomically if you do what many office workers do without thinking: standing on a chair or a desk instead of a proper ladder.
2. Obstacles
Some offices are a virtual obstacle course of items stacked on the floor, open file drawers, and even blind corners that can cause workers to crash into each other. Take a look around your workspace and make sure there’s plenty of room to walk freely. When approaching a blind corner, take a moment to stop and look before you proceed.
3. Equipment Hazards
Improperly stored scissors, incorrectly used paper cutters, even worn out chair wheels can lead to accidents. Make sure you know how to properly use the equipment around your office, and report any broken or worn out furniture immediately. If you do end up with a cut or a scrape, be sure to treat it rather than ignoring it. Even minor injuries can get infected without proper care.
Likewise, be careful when lifting and stacking boxes or other heavy items. Lift with your legs instead of your back, and never try to lift more than is appropriate for your current physical condition. Make sure the pile is secure, and unlikely to dump items onto a coworker’s feet.
4. Repetitive Strain
If you sit at a desk all day, you’re at risk for repetitive strain injuries. You can reduce your risks by making sure that you have an ergonomic setup, but you’ll also need to find ways to add some physical activity to your day. Take periodic breaks to stretch and walk, and don’t forget to rest your eyes in between bouts of staring at a screen.
5. Environmental Hazards
Modern office buildings tend to be “tight,” lowering energy costs by reducing fresh air flow. As we all learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, air flow is key to lowering the risks of viral transmission. But without fresh air, you’re also being constantly exposed to off gassing from the furniture and floors, as well as common chemicals like copy machine toner. Open windows when possible, and be sure to walk around in the fresh air as often as you can.
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