OSEA Safety Blog

Workplace Safety – Office Edition

We tend to focus heavily on the construction and manufacturing industries when it comes to workplace safety – many of our articles are centered around those industries as they are seen as high hazard industries. However, did you know that the CDC has found that office workers are approximately 2.5 times more likely to suffer an injury from a fall than non-office workers?

Not only that, but there are numerous hazards that are common in office-type-settings. Some, but not all, of those include:

• Back Injuries due to improper lifting techniques
• Ergonomic injuries from improper work station set up and poor posture
• Being struck by objects, bumping into objects and being caught between objects
• Illnesses from poor indoor air quality

Some quick tips below can help you keep your office employees safe and healthy:

• Keep aisleways/walkways clear
• Ensure all spills are cleaned up immediately
• Keep filing cabinet drawers shut
• Use proper step ladders and never stand on office chairs/furniture to reach
• Ensure HVAC system is properly maintained and filters are changed routinely
• Ensure employees are trained on proper ergonomics and that work stations are set up properly