10 steps to a safe office
58% of all occupational accidents take place in the service sector, according to accident statistics, most of them due to tripping or falling. Many of these could be prevented by simple measures.
Workplace accidents could often be avoided - and that goes for office workplaces, too. These 10 tips ensure a safe and healthy office:
- Keep floors clear: Anything standing around on the floor can become a tripping hazard. Do not place boxes and piles of paper on the floor and make sure cables are neatly tucked away. Always close drawers and cabinet doors after opening them.
- Use climbing aids: Office chairs are not suitable for reaching the folder in the top row. Provide safe stepladders for the employees.
- Non-slip floors: Stone or slab floors can become very slippery, especially when wet. Carpets can help here - especially in the entrance area, where employees come in with wet shoes when it rains. But beware: carpet ears can in turn become tripping hazards!
- Fasten racks: Incorrectly loaded racks or bins can tip over. Secure them to the wall and place heavy items near the floor, lighter ones on the upper shelves.
- Lifting and carrying: Lifting and carrying heavy loads incorrectly can cause back injuries - this also applies in the office. Carrying close to the body with a straight back, suitable means of transport and good physical fitness reduce the risk of injury.
- Safe stairs: 14800 of the accidents in 2012 took place on stairs. Good lighting and handrails can help here.
- Mark thresholds and edges: Clear markings reduce the risk of a tripping accident.
- Avoid temporary solutions: Provisional devices and wiring are often not safety compliant. Fix provisionals as soon as possible.
- Ergonomics: Anyone who spends the whole day in the wrong posture at the PC must reckon with postural damage. Individually adaptable furniture, correctly adjusted workstations and employee training on ergonomic work can prevent this.
- Avoid stress: Stress, hectic activity and overtiredness play a central role in many accidents. Appropriate work requirements and a realistic workload help to avoid this. Also debt employees on the subject of self-management: Efficient work, good time management and the topics of nutrition, relaxation and exercise should be the focus here.
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