SUGGESTIONS FOR PREVENTING  OFFICE INJURIES

Our offices look harmless enough; they don't have the hazards of a factory or construction site. But accidents in the offices are quire common, and can create injury, loss work time and headaches. Disabling injuries (one that leads to restrictive activity for at least one day beyond the day of the injury) can be prevented. How can you help prevent injury to co-workers in your office? Here are some tips from the Board of Risk and Insurance Management to prevent certain types of common office injuries.

FALLS

• Place furniture and equipment against wall or partitions, not in walk ways where people can trip over them.
• Be sure that the opening of file or desk drawers does not obstruct any passageway.
• Floor coverings and surfaces should be durable and slip-resistant.
• Carpeting should provide good traction and be free of tears and loose flaps over which people could trip.
• Stairs should have adequate lighting and sturdy handrails.
• All chairs should be stable (five-legged chairs are more stable than four-legged chairs). The castors on a swivel chair should be on a base at least 20 inches in diameter.

OVEREXERTION

• Plan work stations properly to avoid overexertion. Each station should have sufficient supplies and files to minimize lifting and carrying these items.
• Store heavy items on lower or mid-level shelves to avoid strains and sprains.

IMPACT

• Ensure that items are stored securely to avoid worker being struck by falling objects.
• Use safety glass in all windows and doors and mark glass doors with a stencil or decal in the center.
• Be sure office aisles are wide enough to allow for easy passage
• Furniture should have rounded, not sharp edges.
• Open only one file drawer at a time and close before opening another drawer.

OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS

• Each work station should have enough electrical outlets to eliminate the need for extension cords, which can cause trip and fall accidents.
• Cords should never be stretched across walkways.
• If floor outlets are placed under desks, position them so they can't be kicked or used as footrests.
• Be sure that any re pairs to office equipment or electrical devices are made by qualified personnel to protect employees from shock and fire hazards.
• Provide adequate lighting in all areas.
• Provide enough emergency exits to comply with all local codes.
• Office machines should be equipped with shields that cover moving parts to prevent clothing, jewelry, hair, or fingers from being caught.
• Make sure fire extinguishers contain a substance (e.g. halon), designed specifically to quench electrical fires.

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