As the owner or manager of an office, you may think that you have little to worry about when it comes to workplace injuries and worker's compensation. However, even though most of the work in an office setting is completed by employees who are sitting in a chair or standing at a desk, there is always the potential for workplace injuries to occur. An office may not be considered a high-risk atmosphere for workplace injuries, but there are definitely things you can do to help make your office more safe for all of your employees and keep accident numbers low.
1. Eliminate Blind Spots. Blind spots are a problem in just about every form of workplace, even an office. If you have taller-than-usual cubicles, consider swapping them for shorter versions that do not rise above eye level, especially with cubicles that lie at the edges or corners of usual pathways around the office. If there are cornered walls where employees could unexpectedly run into something or someone, install blind-spot mirrors to help out.
2. Prevent Falls with Carpet. Slips and falls are always a primary concern in any workplace, including in an office. Installing carpet is one of the easiest ways to prevent workplace injuries due to slips and falls, and in an office space, carpet is a design feature that will fit right in.
3. Invest in Ergonomic Chairs. When employees spend a lot of time in a seated position, this can take a toll on their bodies. Therefore, it is best to invest in fully adjustable, ergonomic chairs. These chairs are designed to provide absolute support, regardless of body shape or type, because they are created to be adjustable.
4. Teach Employees the Proper Way to Sit at Their Desks. This sounds simple enough, but the truth in the matter is there can be a lot of injury that comes along with being improperly seated at a desk for several hours a day. The correct positioning at a desk involves things like:
- keeping both feet flat on the floor
- having the computer monitor adjusted at eye level
- keeping the mouse in the correct position
- adjusting the chair to the appropriate height level
5. Make Step Ladders Available. If there are things that are often out of reach for your employees, the first thing they will be tempted to grab so they can reach is an office chair, and that is a really bad idea that could lead to a fall because of the rolling wheels. Make sure you have step ladders or stepping stools readily available.
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