Having a safe work environment is essential in any business. As we know, accidents happen. In order to avoid them, there are some office health hazards that you need to look out for.
Slips and trips
Keeping the workplace safe is a top priority for any organization. One of the most common causes of workplace injuries are slips and trips. These accidents are also the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. While the causes of these accidents vary, there are a few things that can be done to prevent them.
Educating employees is an important step in preventing slips and trips. Increasing compliance with proper housekeeping practices can also help. This includes keeping walkways clear and eliminating obstacles.
Falls are also the most common type of injury reported by employees. These accidents happen because of a momentary lapse of attention. They can cause serious injuries and personal problems.
Uneven floors
Keeping your office floors level and clean is essential to the health and safety of your workers. Because of an uneven floor you can even end up with a traumatic brain injury. The best way to ensure this is by keeping the area well lit, checking for debris and making regular repairs.
Uneven floors can also lead to serious injuries. The National Floor Safety Institute says that hazardous floors are the number one cause of emergency room visits. These injuries can result in surgery and long-term care.
Uneven floors can also lead to structural problems. An uneven floor can cause a gap between the floor and the baseboard. This gap can also be a trip hazard.
An uneven floor can also affect the way that your large machinery works. Level floors can improve workflow and safety for forklifts, pallet jacks and cranes.
Unattended spills
Keeping your office floors dry is a no brainer. You may even want to take the time to put together an office safety checklist. Not only will this keep you and your co-workers safe, it will make your boss proud. Having a plan in place will allow you to focus on the important tasks rather than worrying about the nitty gritty.
However, when it comes to health and safety there are many factors to consider. In addition to the obvious hazard proofing and limiting your exposure to toxins and chemicals, you should also look for the best ways to improve your health. While you’re at it, you may want to learn more about your company’s policies, procedures and training programs.
Uneven rugs
Having an uneven or loosely attached rug in your office or home can be a hazard to your sanity and your health. If you haven’t gotten around to doing it yourself, the next best thing is to find out about a service provider in your area. These firms are experts at putting together floor plans and installing rugs in the shortest amount of time possible.
A good way to find out about a service provider is to go online and read up on their offerings. Many of these firms have a concierge service that can point you in the right direction. There are also some companies that offer “lounge” type services where you can sit down and get all of your questions answered in a comfortable setting. Using this service can save you a lot of money and make you feel like a valued customer.
Cluttered areas
Having a cluttered workspace can cause a variety of health hazard related issues. These include accidents, stress and anxiety, and even death.
A cluttered workplace can be hazardous to both employees and visitors. Aside from the obvious dangers, a cluttered work station can lead to decreased efficiency and workflow. It also gives the appearance of a lazy work ethic.
A cluttered workplace can be a fire hazard. A pile of flammable items is a fire risk, and piles of paper may obstruct a fire exit.
A cluttered work station can also increase the risk of a slip and fall. The best way to keep this from occurring is to make sure to clear up the clutter.
Fire hazards
Having an effective fire safety management system is crucial for any business. It’s important to identify any potential fire hazards in your office environment and take action to prevent them. A Fire Risk Assessment is a useful tool to ensure your office is protected against fire.
Office fires can be devastating to your business. They cause losses ranging from incapacitation to inventory loss. The most common causes are human error and improper cleaning procedures.
Keeping office equipment well maintained is important. Electrical equipment can overheat and start a fire if it comes into contact with flammable materials. Proper disposal of waste materials can also help prevent office fires.