Being aware of office safety hazards and learning safety tips can go a long way toward preventing accidents. The leading types of accidents that occur in an office are often the result of falls, overexertion or improper materials storage. We’ve outlined tips to help you prevent each of these types of incidents.

Fall Prevention

1. Clear pathways

You need to make sure you keep the aisles clear throughout the building so there are no tripping hazards. The hallways shouldn’t have boxes and debris scattered throughout.

2. Secure all electrical cords

Keep the electrical cords tacked down with thick tape so that they also don’t become a tripping hazards. Make sure you have an office safety checklist you go over with employees on simple items and procedures that will make this easier to remember.

3. Use ladders when reaching for high objects

Always get a ladder when reaching far above your head this will prevent things falling on you. It will also hopefully avoid back strain. Remind employees to practice workplace safety when they are moving things and getting up on ladders.

4. Fix any loose flooring

Don’t allow broken or loose tile or torn up carpet to stay for long.  Also make sure there are safety signs to warn employees where these hazards are prior to being repaired.  Slip and fall injuries are expensive.

5. Wear non-slip shoes

Make sure your shoes aren’t the reason for you falling.  Make sure they have at least a little grip on them. Especially with extra moisture from rain or snow can make your shoes extra slippery.

End Overexertion

1. Ask for help

If an object is too heavy, or up too high, ask someone for help. Trying to do too much can cause you to strain and lift objects using the wrong muscles. This can lead to long-term muscle and back injuries. When in doubt – ask for help.

2. Lift with your legs

Lifting anything incorrectly can cause injury. OSHA recommends keeping your back straight and lifting with your legs when picking up anything from a low height. Also keep loads close to your body, if you hold the weight too far away, it causes a lot of lower back strain.

3. Change material storage height

Materials stored at knee level are easier to lift rather than having to bend all the way down to pick them up especially heavier weight items. There are also back braces that can be used while doing heavy lifting.

Improve Material Storage

1. Store heavier objects on lower shelves

Heavier objects are better on lower shelves rather than higher shelves for a couple of reasons. Number one, lifting heavy objects from above your head can not only cause strain from lifting. It can cause a really serious injury if you drop that object on yourself or someone else.

2. Make designated storage areas

Make sure you have good storage bins and cabinets for your office supplies. This will give you a specific place for employees to put things as well as find supplies when they are looking for them. The other benefit is that way your office supplies won’t get put or stacked in unsafe areas that can impede your office safety.

3. Leave aisles unobstructed from stacked boxes.

Make sure you keep aisles and halls clear of stacked boxes. This can cause an injury to someone if the boxes fall on them, or other employees as they walk past. Falling objects can burst, causing not just a fall hazard, but also chemical spill hazards. Keep aisles clear while stocking or retrieving objects from shelving. If the worst happens and a spill does occur, be sure to keep spill kits, oil absorbent socks, and safety gear nearby to clean up your spill and keep you safe while attending to the incident.