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OFFICE SAFETY

Slips, Trips and Falls

Workstation Safety

Powered Equipment

Handling Office Equipment

Fire Safety

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INJURIES CAN OCCUR IN OFFICE SETTINGS TOO!

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

When you work in an office, you are twice as likely to suffer an injury due to a fall. Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 30% are falls from a height.

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Common Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

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- Distracted Walking

- Falls from Ladders

- Slips and falls on wet and slippery surfaces

- Tripping over cords or clutter

- Falling on stairs

- Standing on chairs instead of stepladders

- Poor Lighting

- Uneven floor surfaces

- Loose mats and rugs

- Poor footwear

AVOIDING FALLS

• Use handrails on stairs. Never place or store items on stairs. Use caution when walking on wet floors or uneven surfaces.
• Practice “cord management”. Extension cords should never be used as permanent wiring. Wires and cords should be placed away from walkways.
• Never stand on table, desk, boxes or chairs when reaching for items. Use a stepstool or ladder.
• Wear appropriate footwear for the weather. Use proper travel paths such as sidewalks that are clear of debris. Don’t take shortcuts!

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Good Housekeeping Includes

• Cleaning all spills immediately
• Marking spills and wet areas
• Mopping or sweeping debris from floors
• Removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter
• Securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
• Always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
• Covering cables that cross walkways
• Keeping working areas and walkways well lit
• Replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips.

WORKSTATION SAFETY

A lot of office accidents occur when we put ourselves at risk with unsafe behaviors.

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• Standing on chairs
• Leaning back in chair
• Not fixing a broken chair
• Pounding on a stapler could damage nerves in the palm of your hand
• Putting too much paper in a paper cutter could cause cut injuries
• Scissors, push pins in your desk could cause hand injuries

SAFE STACKING & STORAGE

GENERAL STORAGE PRACTICES

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• Secure Shelves and Cabinets: Ensure shelves and filing cabinets are properly secured to the wall or floor to prevent tipping, especially tall or heavy units. 
• Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the weight capacity of shelves or storage units. 
• Proper Stacking: Store heavy items on lower shelves and lighter items on top to maintain stability. 
• Clear Aisles and Pathways: Ensure aisles, corners, and passageways remain clear of stored materials to prevent tripping hazards and allow for safe evacuation during emergencies. 
• Designated Storage Areas: Store materials in designated storage areas, not in walkways or areas that obstruct access to fire equipment or exits. 
• Secure Storage: Use appropriate containers for flammable, combustible, toxic, or hazardous materials and store them in designated, safe locations. 
• Maintain Space from Sprinkler Heads: Keep stored materials at least 18 inches away from sprinkler heads to allow for proper functionality. 

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SAFE STACKING & STORAGE

FILING CABINET SAFETY

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• Open One Drawer at a Time: .Avoid opening multiple drawers simultaneously, as this can cause the cabinet to tip over. 
• Close Drawers Fully: .Ensure drawers are fully closed to prevent them from accidentally opening and causing injury or tipping the cabinet. 
• Avoid Overloading Top Drawers: .Do not overfill the top drawers of filing cabinets, as this can also contribute to tipping. 
• Secure Cabinets Together: .If possible, bolt file cabinets together or fasten them to the floor or wall to enhance stability and prevent tipping

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POWERED EQUIPMENT

Powered equipment presents potential safety hazards. Safe operation requires awareness, proper training and adherence to safety guidelines. Key focus areas are electrical safety, tool maintenance, and proper PPE.

Electrical Safety

• Inspect cords and plugs – regularly check for damage like fraying, exposed wires, or loose connections.
• Proper grounding – ensure outlets are grounded, cords have the ground plug, and use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in wet areas.
• Avoid overloading – do not plug too many devices into one outlet or power strip.
• Safe cord management – keep cords away from traffic areas, heat and sharp objects.
• Unplug when not in use – disconnect tools and equipment when not in use, curing maintenance or when changing accessories

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POWERED EQUIPMENT

Tool and Maintenance Use

Read the manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions. 

• Use the right tool: Select the appropriate tool for the task, and avoid making unauthorized modifications. 
• Secure work: Use clamps or vises to hold materials securely, freeing your hands to operate the tool safely. 
• Maintain tools: Keep tools clean, sharp, and in good working order. Replace damaged or dull blades. 
• Never carry tools by the cord: Disconnect the tool before moving it. 
• Avoid accidental starting: Keep fingers away from the switch when carrying or plugging in a tool. 
• Ensure proper ventilation: Provide adequate airflow when using equipment like printers and copiers to minimize exposure to emissions. 

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POWERED EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment

• Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris. 
• Hearing protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs when operating noisy equipment. 
• Gloves: Wear gloves when handling toner or ink cartridges, or when working with tools that could cause injury. 

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General Safety Practices

• Keep the work area clean and organized: This helps prevent tripping hazards and allows for safe movement. 
• Be aware of your surroundings: Maintain situational awareness to avoid accidents. 
• Report hazards: If you see a potential hazard, report it to your supervisor immediately. 
• Don't operate equipment if you're unsure: Ask for training or assistance if needed. 

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HANDLING OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment

• Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris. 
• Hearing protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs when operating noisy equipment. 
• Gloves: Wear gloves when handling toner or ink cartridges, or when working with tools that could cause injury. 

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General Safety Practices

• Keep the work area clean and organized: This helps prevent tripping hazards and allows for safe movement. 
• Be aware of your surroundings: Maintain situational awareness to avoid accidents. 
• Report hazards: If you see a potential hazard, report it to your supervisor immediately. 
• Don't operate equipment if you're unsure: Ask for training or assistance if needed. 

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FIRE SAFETY

Fires can happen suddenly and have devastating consequences, but with proper awareness and precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire in our workplace.

Understanding the Risks: Fires in the workplace can be caused by various factors, including electrical faults, flammable materials, improper storage, and human error. It’s essential to recognize potential fire hazards in our work areas and take steps to eliminate or minimize them..

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Electrical Safety

• Ensure electrical equipment is in good condition without frayed cords or exposed wires.
• Avoid overloading outlets and use surge protectors where necessary.
• Report any electrical issues to maintenance promptly.

Proper Storage and Handling of Flammable Materials

• Store flammable liquids and gases in designated areas away from ignition sources.
• Use appropriate containers and ensure lids are tightly closed when not in use.
• Follow safety data sheets (SDS) for proper handling and disposal of flammable substances.

FIRE SAFETY

Housekeeping

• Keep work areas clean and free from clutter, especially around electrical equipment and heating sources.
• Dispose of waste and combustible materials properly and regularly.

Smoking Policies

• Follow designated smoking areas and dispose of cigarette butts safely in designated containers.
• Never smoke near flammable materials or in areas where smoking is prohibited.

Fire Detection and Suppression

• Ensure smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems are installed and regularly maintained.
• Know the location of fire extinguishers and understand how to use them properly.

Emergency Procedures

• Familiarize yourself with the workplace emergency evacuation plan and escape routes.
• Participate in fire drills regularly to practice safe evacuation procedures.