Taking measures to ensure safety at workplace
Thousands of injuries occur at any workplace. Some are minor, while others are disabling. The main types of disabling accidents can result from:
• Over-exertion and strains
• Falls
• Being struck by objects
Office workers often get injured by electric shocks, spilled hot liquids and a foreign substance in the eye. Other sources of office hazards are:
Poor Ventilation
Air pollution from cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide and cleaning fluids can harm employees. The ventilation system should provide quality indoor air. It should also provide the right levels of humidity and temperature. Importantly, the ventilation system should be well maintained.
Poor Illumination
A badly lit office may cause accidents resulting from shadows, glare, eyestrain and fatigue. To avoid this, walls should be light-coloured whereas ceilings and floors should have a dull finish. The shades on windows should be adjustable
High noise levels
Constant chatting, telephone calls, printers and fax machines noise can result in stress and anxiety. Very loud noise could damage hearing ability. Use draperies, carpets and acoustical ceiling tiles to muffle noise. Adjust the volume of the telephone ringer. House the noisy machines in an enclosed space. Also, reduce traffic in between workstations by rearranging the routes.
Office Design / Space Planning
The desks should be 3 feet apart
Cords should be out of aisles.
Office machines should be properly placed on tables or desks.
Computer and electrical wires should not hang or trail.
Carpets should be inspected and repaired at regular intervals
