22 May Office Safety – Avoid Common Office Injuries

Office Safety – Avoid Common Office Injuries

Office safety is important because everyday office activities can cause injuries when hazards are overlooked or safe work practices are not followed. Although offices are generally considered lower-hazard workplaces, employees can still experience strains and sprains, ergonomic injuries, slips and falls, cuts, and other preventable injuries.

Recognizing common office hazards and correcting them before an injury occurs helps maintain a safe and productive workplace.

Ergonomics and Computer Work

Employees who spend extended periods working at computers may experience discomfort or musculoskeletal injuries involving the neck, shoulders, back, wrists, and hands.

To reduce ergonomic hazards:

• Arrange the workstation so your head, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and back remain in comfortable, neutral positions.
• Adjust the chair so it provides adequate lower-back support.
• Position the monitor directly in front of you at a comfortable viewing height and distance.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Position the keyboard and mouse to minimize reaching and awkward wrist positions.
• Use keyboard shortcuts when practical to reduce repetitive mouse use.
• Change positions periodically rather than remaining in one posture for long periods.
• Take short movement or stretching breaks throughout the workday.
• Report persistent discomfort so the workstation or work practices can be evaluated.

Lifting and Material Handling

Office supplies, boxes, files, and equipment can cause strains and sprains when handled improperly.

• Evaluate the weight and size of an object before lifting it.
• Get assistance with heavy, bulky, or awkward loads.
• Use a cart, hand truck, or other mechanical aid when appropriate.
• Keep loads close to your body.
• Avoid twisting while lifting or carrying.
• Make sure you can see where you are walking while carrying materials.
• Store heavier items where they can be reached without excessive bending or reaching.
• Use an approved step stool or ladder to reach elevated shelves.

Never stand on chairs, desks, boxes, or other makeshift objects to reach overhead items.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Good housekeeping is one of the simplest ways to prevent office injuries.

• Keep aisles, hallways, stairs, and emergency exits clear.
• Clean up spills promptly or protect the area until cleanup is completed.
• Keep electrical, computer, and telephone cords out of walkways.
• Close desk, cabinet, and file drawers when they are not being used.
• Replace damaged floor mats and chair mats that create trip hazards.
• Pick up loose objects, packaging, and other materials from walking surfaces.
• Use handrails when using stairs.
• Walk—do not run—through office areas.
• Report damaged flooring, loose carpeting, inadequate lighting, and similar hazards.

Cuts and Hand Injuries

Even routine office equipment can cause cuts, punctures, and pinch injuries.

• Use appropriate tools when opening packages.
• Use staple removers instead of fingers to remove staples.
• Store scissors, knives, and other sharp objects safely.
• Keep fingers clear when closing drawers and cabinets.
• Do not attempt to repair electrical or mechanical office equipment unless trained and authorized.
• Follow manufacturer instructions when using paper cutters, shredders, and other office equipment.

Electrical and Equipment Safety

Inspect office equipment and electrical cords for obvious damage.

• Do not use damaged electrical cords, plugs, or equipment.
• Do not overload outlets or power strips.
• Keep liquids away from electrical equipment.
• Maintain adequate ventilation around equipment that generates heat.
• Do not route cords through doorways or across walking surfaces where they can be damaged.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment promptly.

Emergency Preparedness

Office employees should know what to do before an emergency occurs.

Know:

• Emergency evacuation routes and exits.
• Designated assembly areas.
• How to report an emergency.
• Locations of fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment.
• Locations of first-aid supplies and AEDs, when provided.
• Workplace procedures for fires, severe weather, earthquakes, power failures, and other applicable emergencies.

Never block exits, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, or emergency equipment with furniture, boxes, or stored materials.

Remember

Office injuries are preventable. Maintain good housekeeping, set up your workstation properly, use safe lifting techniques, keep walking surfaces clear, and correct or report hazards when you find them.

Do not let a familiar environment lead to complacency—safe work practices are just as important in an office as they are in the field.