Office safety directly impacts the health and well-being of your employees. A shocking 123 workers were killed in workplace accidents, and 565,000 were injured. Accidents and injuries in the workplace don’t just mean potential financial losses for employers but also affect employee morale, hinder productivity, and of course could potentially affect an employee’s wellbeing indefinitely. In addition to that, failure to comply with safety regulations can generate legal and reputation issues.
Here are some of the most common office safety concerns to look out for.
Slips and Falls
This is one of the most common office safety risks and they can result in serious injuries including broken bones or head injuries. Obviously lack of coordination and concentration play a part, but to avoid them you can maintain clean and dry floors, and in areas of concern such as flooring prone to being slippery on entry in the rain, install non-slip mats.
Stray Electrical Wires
Exposed electrical wires obviously pose a significant risk, and can result in death. It’s crucial to ensure that all electrical wires are safely secured, in good working condition, and never frayed. If they are they should be secured or replaced immediately. Regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted to prevent electrical accidents.
Fire Safety
Employers should conduct regular fire drills, provide fire extinguishers, and educate employees on what to do if there was a fire as part of the onboarding process. If you are in a serviced office space, this aspect of office safety will in part be covered by the building managers, but implementing your own strict fire safety procedures can help reduce the risk of fire-related accidents.
Office Design
A poorly designed office – such as badly laid out workstations or improper use of ergonomic equipment can lead to long term health issues. Employers should ensure all furniture is comfortable and designed for long term comfort, and provide regular training on how to use any ergonomic equipment. Encourage employees to take regular breaks to move around.
By prioritising office safety, employers can not only mitigate risks, but they can create a positive and productive work environment.
For more information on a serviced office space in Woking where safety and comfort are paramount, get in touch with SEND Business Centre.