Sometimes, businesses become complacent when it comes to
office workplace safety.
Great Occupational Health
and Safety programs and practices just seem to make
smart sense when dealing with construction,
manufacturing or industrial settings. However, an office
environment can be easily overlooked. Slipping on papers
left on the floor, tripping on tangled electrical wires
under your desk or falling down stairs are potential
hazards at your office.
Can you list other hazards in an office setting?
Additional hazards could include:
• Ergonomic issues - workstation design
• Lighting - proper illumination and changing
fluorescent tubes
• Office equipment - cutting and binding machines,
copiers, ladders and step
stool
• Shelving and storage - placement of objects, anchoring
shelves
• Cords - various electrical cords, over-loaded
electrical outlets
• Stress - type of work, deadlines, interpersonal
• Staircases - walking up and down staircases with hands
full, slippery steps
What steps can you take to make your office safer?
Undertake a job safety analysis by:
• Breaking down the activities into sequences.
• Identifying hazards at each step.
• Defining the preventive measures.
Remember to carry-out regular monthly office inspections
and report items to the Joint Occupational Health and
Safety Committee or your health and safety
representative. And if you have neither, report the
hazards to your manager; they will appreciate your
input!
Remember: office areas deserve OHS attention, too!
