29 Jun Office Safety – It Only Takes a Minute

Office Safety – It Only Takes a Minute

Office safety can be easy to overlook because office work is generally considered less hazardous than construction or industrial work. However, slips, trips, falls, strains, electrical hazards, and office equipment can still cause serious injuries.

Most office injuries can be prevented by taking a minute to recognize the hazard and correct it before someone gets hurt.

Take a Minute for Office Safety

• Watch where you are going. Avoid walking while reading documents or looking at your phone. If something requires your attention, stop in a safe location before reading it.
• Close file drawers. Never leave file cabinet or desk drawers open and unattended. Open drawers create trip and struck-against hazards and may contribute to cabinet tip-over.
• Slow down. Walk—do not run—in office areas. Be especially careful around corners, doorways, stairs, and other areas with limited visibility.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Wear shoes suitable for workplace conditions. Do not walk barefoot or in stocking feet where you could step on staples, sharp objects, or other hazards.
• Assess the load before carrying it. Do not carry more files, boxes, or supplies than you can safely handle. Make additional trips, get assistance, or use a cart when necessary. Never carry a load that blocks your view.
• Keep cords out of walkways. Extension cords and electrical cords can create trip hazards and may be damaged by foot traffic, furniture, or equipment. Extension cords should not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
• Use office equipment safely. Keep fingers and hands away from the operating areas of automatic staplers, paper cutters, shredders, and similar equipment. Follow manufacturer instructions before clearing jams or performing maintenance. Disconnect equipment from its energy source when required before servicing or clearing a jam.
• Maintain good housekeeping. Keep aisles, walkways, stairs, and exits clear. Never store boxes, supplies, or equipment where they obstruct an exit or emergency egress route.
• Use safe body positioning. When accessing low files or storage areas, bend your knees rather than bending excessively at the waist. Avoid awkward reaching and twisting.
• Move your whole body. Position yourself directly in front of files, supplies, or equipment rather than twisting your back or reaching beyond a comfortable distance.

Take Action When You See a Hazard

Do not walk past an unsafe condition simply because correcting it will take an extra minute. Close the drawer, move the cord, pick up the object, clean up the spill, or report the condition so it can be corrected.

Small hazards can cause significant injuries when they are ignored.

Remember

Office safety does not require complicated precautions. It requires employees to remain aware of their surroundings and take a moment to correct hazards before an injury occurs.