Five Common Office Hazards to Prevent – Part 1

Despite the fact that the office environment appears relatively safe compared to other work-sites, there are many risks to your safety and health all around you.

Below are a few of the hazards associated with working in an office environment:

Slips, trips and fall, sprains and strains, poor workstation ergonomics, indoor air-quality problems, insufficient or excessive lighting, noise, electrical hazards and random acts of violence amongst others.

Being aware of these dangers is the first step in eliminating them and reducing the odds of injuries occurring. The Safety specialist can implement processes to identify dangers and correct problems, including safety walkthroughs, creating formal reporting system for unsafe conditions and organizing Safety training sessions.

Here are five of the most common office hazards.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slip, trip and fall results from unattended spills, wet floors, exposed cords, unstable work surfaces, uneven floors, loose rugs and cluttered areas.

Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow and ice, create outdoor slip hazards on exterior steps, ramps, walkways, entry and exit areas, and parking lots, and indoor hazards when wet floors are not cleaned up promptly.

Clean up all spills immediately, and post signs identifying hazards in areas that are being cleaned or that have recently been cleaned, and in areas prone to water accumulation and wet surfaces.

Office walkways should be kept clear, as boxes and other clutter can create a trip hazard.

Electrical and telephone cords should also be properly secured and not stretched across aisles or walkways, and carpets should not be frayed or buckled.

Ergonomic Injuries

Office workers spend many hours a day seated at a desk, working on a computer, resulting in ergonomic strains and other injuries related to posture and repetitive movement. These types of hazards are very difficult to detect immediately.

A variety of adjustable chairs, desks, keyboards, etc., should be offered to accommodate the widest range of work styles. Employees should know how to set up and operate adjustable equipment for the best workstation fit. Facing the computer screen directly at user should be discouraged.

Employers/employees could look-up an e-tool illustrating general ergonomics guidelines for setting up a computer workstation and performing computer-related tasks which includes:

1. Position the chair, keyboard and monitor in a straight line with your body.

1. Maintain a relaxed, neutral posture.
2. Sit up straight, adjusting the chair to provide firm back support.
3. Let your arms hang loosely at the shoulders.
4. Keep your elbows at a ninety degree angle while typing.
5. Use an adjustable keyboard tray to position your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height which should usually be lower than the desk surface.
6. Place your mouse next to the keyboard, and keep it as close as possible to your body, to avoid reaching.
7. Adjust the chair’s height so that your feet are firmly on the ground.
8. Make sure the glare is not directly at you face all the time

The Safety Specialist together with the Human Resources Team can monitor employees for musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. But employees must report any pain, fatigue, numbness or weakness, as these may be signs of an ergonomics problem and the start of a more serious issue.

To be continued next week