Few people associate desk jobs and office spaces as a place where they could potentially be injured. Although your office won’t necessarily be a ‘high-risk’ area, this doesn’t mean that office safety isn’t important. Accidents can and still do happen, even if you sit seven or eight hours a day.
What are the office dangers lurking around your workplace? Here’s what you should keep an eye out for.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
According to the CDC, the most common office accidents are slips, trips, and falls. Strangely, office workers are more likely to take a tumble than those who work in other circumstances. Some of the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:
- Wet floors
- Sitting or standing on unstable furniture
- Tripping over obstructions on the floor
- Poor visibility
Avoiding some of these dangers means using your common sense. Look before you walk, and use a stable ladder (with support) to reach things sitting on high shelves. However, if you see hazards that could hurt someone, don’t be afraid to point them out to the relevant parties. You could save someone a sprained ankle or a sore wrist.
Electrical and Kitchen Equipment
The equipment around the office can pose a hazard when it’s not properly maintained or when employees aren’t trained to use it. Kitchen equipment, in particular, can be a huge danger to office workers. Gas stoves, hot surfaces, and contaminated surfaces can all get in your way.
Are there machines and appliances sitting around for everyone to use? Ask HR to print up a list of instructions for each machine to keep everyone safe.
Office Ergonomics
The ergonomics of your workstation impacts your health, and it can contribute to chronic pain, injuries, headaches, and eye issues. Finding the right chair, desk, keyboard, and monitor is important for protecting your health.
Managing your ergonomic risk protects not only your physical health but also your job. One of the benefits of improving office ergonomics is improving your productivity.
Remember: if you have additional needs as the result of an injury or disability, let HR know. The law says they need to provide you with reasonable accommodation. So, don’t sit in a chair that damages your back to avoid making waves! Your employer wants to know if you’re in pain.
Keep Yourself Safe and Healthy in Your Office Environment
Your office may be indoors and temperature-controlled, but more hazards are lurking between desks than you might think. You can keep yourself and your coworkers safe by using equipment properly, alerting maintenance to issues, and seeking out ergonomic workstations.
Are you Looking for Your Next Clerical or Office Role?
Energi Personnel can help. Get in touch or register as a candidate to learn more about the jobs we have available.
