Every workplace has at one point in time dealt with its unique set of work-related injuries. As many workplace injuries are usually attributed to some of the most technical professions such as plant operation and construction, offices can also be dangerous if certain safety standards are met. Some of these injuries may be caused by physical objects, while others may be generated internally due to the working conditions. Something as simple as working while sitting in the same position for eight hours straight can cause some serious long-term issues. Here are a few ways to help prevent this from happening in the office.
Watch the Floor
Slips and falls are a major cause of injuries in the office. These are usually caused by wet floor surfaces from spills, damaged flooring, or even obstructions from clutter. It is advisable to clean up any spills as soon as possible, such as a coffee spill in the break room. Other measures you can take are repairing damaged floor sections as well as reducing the amount of clutter present in ages. In the winter, you can shovel and salt the walkways to prevent slips and falls that the company could be held liable for.
Prevent Power Surges
Offices are usually filled with several electric appliances connected to a central power source. Overloading of these power outlets could lead to electrocution and even office fires if unchecked. You need to ensure an interrupted power supply connection to protect your appliances and prevent any power surge.
In case of any renovation or remodeling involving the electrical system, it is best to relocate your employees till the work is completed. Using older buildings with outdated electrical systems can cause serious damage to your systems and put employees in danger, and need to be updated as soon as possible. For up-to-date electrical systems, use power strips with surge protection to protect your equipment from unexpected power surges caused by storms.
Prevent Repetitive Motion Injuries
Employees working in an office are at high risk for repetitive motion injuries, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow, and general muscle stiffness. The best way to prevent this is through a combination of ergonomic solutions, such as molded mice and ergonomic office chairs, and regular stretches and exercises.
Workplace injury prevention services offer warmup programs to help employees stretch and stay limber, especially for cases involving back pain and repetitive strain injuries. These firms help the management to come up with innovative means to engage their employees through periodic exercises without necessarily interfering with their productivity.
Plan for Emergencies
This is a broad topic that involves setting up a first aid response team equipped with well-stocked first-aid kits. Within the office, you can also designate emergency exits in case of an emergency. Your plan should also include regular emergency drills to help coordinate safe meeting places. You should also come up with a system that is able to for every member of your staff.
There are various measures that can be taken to prevent office injuries. Some of these can be taken care of internally, such as storing items safely, while others may need you to hire workplace injury prevention services for an elaborate plan.