Most people don’t think of their office as an inherently dangerous working environment. After all, it isn’t like there are cars, heavy objects moving above heads or other external dangers that can threaten life and limb. However, the office environment does have some serious dangers.
The top workplace injuries; back and neck pain, vision strain, and pain in hands and wrists, can all occur in an office. There are also risks of falling over objects, furniture collapsing, faulty electrical equipment and poor ventilation and lighting.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, workers are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to become disabled due to a fall in the office than non-office workers. Some of the common reasons why a fall might happen include:

• Tripping over an open drawer, electrical cords/wires, loose carpet or objects not being stored safely.
• Trying to pick up something while sitting down in an unstable chair.
• Not using a ladder to collect objects up high.
• Slipping on wet floors.
• Inadequate lighting.

Another common injury, back injury, frequently occurs when lifting heavy objects.
Finally, objects in the office can be a hazard. Office workers can be struck by objects, accidently bump into them or get caught between two objects.

All of these accidents can lead to your company facing a lawsuit and having to pay out compensation. If you don’t have insurance, this could become rather expensive. The best course of protection is always proactive prevention. Here are three things you can do to help reduce the risk of accidents in your workplace.
1. Store Objects In Secure Areas
Any items in the office that aren’t in regular use need to be stored securely. Heavy objects should be stored close to the floor with lighter objects stored inside racks. These areas need to have adequate lighting and space for people to move freely around.
2. Conduct Regular Inspections
Inspections of all areas of the office from the furniture to the storage areas need to be done on a regular basis. You are looking for anything where there might be wear and tear, or where objects have not been stored properly. It is important to look at the carpet and wiring especially as well, as rooms where equipment is regularly taken out and put back again, are areas where safety standards might start to slip.
3. Train Staff And Give Them Responsibility
Staff should be made responsible for safety in the office. If they take an item out of storage, they should be advised to put it back properly. However, for this to happen successfully, training should be undertaken. Training should also include how to lift objects properly.

How do you improve safety in the office? Do you have any tips to share?

Let us know in the comments below.

https://www.einstein.yu.edu/administration/environmental-health-safety/accident-injury-reduction-