It’s true that your workplace is not a construction site, and you have no need for hard hats and high-vis vests, but even in the office, there could be danger lurking around every corner. After all, every single commercial premise in the world needs to be up to code and have a health and safety policy to its name.
By Team Savant
Image: T.H. Chia
But sometimes, these policies aren’t quite up to scratch. Most of all, they miss out on a few factors, and don’t consider the more secret and hidden dangers that could make your office a hazardous place to work. Which is why it’s important to go over examples of such dangers right now.
The Detriments Of A Desk Job
Working a desk job, 8 hours a day and 5 days a week, can cause a lot of damage to a person's health, even if it feels like you’re just sitting around! A person can experience regular back and leg pain from sitting too long, and the associated eye strain of working with a screen all day is on the rise.
Many people who work with notepads and laptops also report suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome at an increased rate, which could lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of fiction in the hand. However, this is entirely preventable, and all you need to do is cut back on how often a person uses a keyboard and mouse.
A Fire Waiting To Happen
Fires occur a lot more frequently than you may realise; on average, about 7500 workplace fires are reported each year. Indeed, almost a third of fires occur during working office hours, and they can cause nearly three quarters of all property damage. Now these statistics are shocking, and they could involve your business in the near future if you’re not careful.
Which is why you should think about getting your electrical office sources seen to. Seeing as electrical fires are the most common to experience in the workplace, this is where you need to start. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can cover for you 5 or more years at a time, and ensure that your office wiring and all equipment is up to code and working properly.
Slipping And Falling
Finally, be sure to keep in mind how you and your employees could slip and fall from a bit of workplace carelessness. Whilst this might seem like a non-issue, or even a comedic one, it could lead to big problems for you in the long run.
A forgotten ‘wet floor’ sign here, no carpet in front of the entrance there, and you could end up with either a lawsuit or weeks off from work to deal with. Neither are any good for the productivity of your business!
There are many secret dangers in your office, and you should go around now and see if you can spot any. You need to be sure your working premises are always safe for use.