Workplace safety is a priority topic for business owners across the board. Whether you run a construction company, warehouse, healthcare practice, or restaurant, providing your team with a safe and decent work environment is paramount. A clean, healthy space free of potential hazards minimizes illness and injuries, increases productivity, boosts morale, and reduces the chances of legal consequences. Be that as it may, it’s not uncommon for business owners to overlook safety in office settings.
While a construction worker’s chances of getting injured might be higher than someone that works at a desk all day, there are hidden dangers office managers need to consider. A building inspection can give employers more insight on potential hazards, while OSHA 10 training sessions ensure employees are trained on workplace safety.
In the meantime, continue reading for some of the everyday office hazards and practical solutions you can take today.
Clutter
It doesn’t take much for an employee to trip on something and suffer an injury. An office building filled with clutter significantly increases those chances. All it takes is a file box in the middle of the walkway for someone on your team to trip and fall.
Get rid of clutter in the office. Invest in enough filing cabinets, bookshelves, and other office storage products to ensure everything is organized and out of the way.
Extension Cords
Electrical devices and equipment are commonly used in the office. When there aren’t enough sockets available, employers often use extension cords to provide a power source. However, having too many things plugged in can cause an electrical problem or an office fire.
Office managers are encouraged to reduce the number of extension cords used in the office. If you need more sockets, hire an electrician to install them for you. Employees should also be instructed not to use things that could cause a shortage, injury, or fire, such as space heaters in their cubicles.
Desks And Chairs
Office workers complete a large portion of their jobs seated at their desks. Sitting for eight hours a day puts excess strain on the body, including neck and backaches or injuries. These risks are even more likely when your team has uncomfortable office furniture.
Employers should ensure that everyone has a comfortable chair that provides back and neck support. An office chair that adjusts to various levels is also recommended to maintain proper posture while working at the computer. Standing or adjustable desks are also beneficial as employees can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
Lighting
Those bright lights might look great, but they’re not ideal for quality vision in the workplace. Improper lighting can lead to everything from eye strains to headaches.
Natural light is the best form of lighting for the workplace. If your office building has lots of windows, consider pulling back the curtains or blinds during the day for optimal light. If additional light is needed, switch to dimmer bulbs and allow employees to keep desk lamps in their workstations to illuminate essential projects.
Air Quality
How great is the air quality in your office building? Most employers don’t know the answer to that question. However, poor air quality can cause widespread sickness. Everything from dust and allergens to chemicals and bacteria floats in the air, triggering allergic reactions and illness.
Enhance the air quality in the office by ensuring you have a sound ventilation system, having the HVAC maintenance regularly, and opening the windows for fresh air. If your office gets dusty or the space is small, an air purifier may also be ideal.
The office may seem like the safest place to work, but there are hidden dangers to consider. As employers have a moral and legal obligation to protect their staff’s physical and emotional well-being, workplace safety needs to be a priority. Start with an inspection and employee training, then take precautions like those listed above to provide a safe space for your team to do what they do best.