What Safety Hazards Are Lurking In Your Office?
You typically don’t think of an office setting as a dangerous work zone, but it is. In 2008, more than 80,000 private industry office and administrative workers suffered on-the-job injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
■Arrange office furnishings to provide workers with unobstructed areas for movement.■Make sure stairways are well-illuminated and kept in good condition.
■Mark any differences in floor levels that could result in a fall.
■Keep walkways clear of cords, clutter and spills.
■Use task lighting where possible to direct light to where it is needed most.
■Reduce monitor glare by using plasma screens or removable anti-glare screens.
■Reduce sun glare with window blinds or tinted glass.
■If possible, relocate noisy equipment away from workers.
■Use carpeting to help absorb foot traffic and conversational noise.
■Incorporate partitions to reduce noise around workstations.
■Be sure workers know how to adjust chairs to eliminate strain.
■Reduce the possibility of low back strain by using footrests.
■Position computer monitors with the top of the screen at eye level.
■Reduce excessive reaching by placing the computer mouse close to the keyboard.
Source: EMC Insurance Company. From on-site inspections to online training, Count on EMC® to help you reduce the hazards lurking around your office.
