The office can prove to be a dangerous work place. It can result in cuts, burns, slips, trips, falls, crush injuries, repetitive strain injuries and eye strain. To keep yourself and your fellow workers safe in the office follow these guidelines:
- Furniture should have rounded edges, as opposed to sharp edges. If you notice protruding edges, faulty chairs or wobbly table legs, report this immediately so that it can be repaired
- Do not misuse tilting chairs, making sure that they are kept in good repair
- Do not use chairs, tables or other items of furniture in place of a ladder
- When not being used, be sure to close all desk, file cabinet and table drawers
- Only open one file cabinet drawer at a time, and do not leave it open after use
- When closing drawers do so slowly, to ensure you do not pinch your fingers
- Paper cutter blades should be closed when you are not using them
- Keep your hands away from printer and typewriter carriages
- Sharp objects, such as scissors, paperclips, thumbtacks, razorblades should be stored out of sight and used carefully
- Floors and walkways must be kept clean, dry and unobstructed
- Stacked objects must not be stored where they will not cause a hazard