The following information comes from FirstComp Insurance.  You can read the full version by clicking here.

We generally think of the “office” as a safer place than manufacturing or construction environments. The risk of an occupational injury for office workers is lower than that of employees involved in other industries. However, injuries can be just as painful, severe and expensive. One reason office safety and health programs are not more widespread are that many organizations believe office injuries are minor. As a result, office hazards go unrecognized and unmanaged, and do lead to serious injuries and property loss. An organization’s safety program cannot be fully effective if there is only partial participation by employees and management. A safety program that is not pursued in company offices probably will not be vigorously pursued in other areas of the organization.

Types of Disabling Injuries

In a recent study, falls were found to be the most common office incident and account for most disabling injuries. Falls from chairs occur when a person is sitting down, getting up,  eaning back or moving about in a chair. Falls on the same level includes: slipping on wet or slippery floors and tripping over equipment, cords, damaged flooring or litter. Falls from elevations also occur when standing on chairs or other office furniture, and from ladders, loading docks, or other elevations.

Overexertion

Strain or overexertion occurs while employees try to move objects such as carrying or moving office machines, supplies, file drawers, trays, office furniture, heavy books or other loads. Reaching, stretching, twisting, bending down and cumulative trauma are often associated with these injuries.

Objects Striking or Struck by Employees

These injuries occur when  employees are struck by falling objects such as; overbalanced file cabinets, file drawers pulled out too far, supplies and equipment sliding from shelves or cabinet tops, office machines and other objects dropped on feet while being moved, equipment that falls from a desk or rolling stand, and employees struck by doors being opened. Striking against injuries occur when employees bump into doors, desks, file cabinets, open drawers, baskets and other people while walking.

Caught in or Between

Injuries also happen when employees get caught in or between machinery and equipment such as; drawers, doors, windows, copying machines, shredders, etc. Knife edges on paper cutters can cause serious finger lacerations/cuts.

Miscellaneous

Other common types of office injuries include; foreign substances in the eyes, burns from spilled hot liquids, insect bites, electric shocks, chemical exposure from cleaning supplies, repetitive motion, and paper cuts. The good news is that most office hazards can easily be controlled by; being aware, working safely, and by eliminating or minimizing recognized hazards. Follow these tips to reduce potential injuries and accidents in your office:

•  Ensure cords and/or communication cables are not stretched across aisles, doorways or between desks.
•  Store heavy and most frequently used supplies/materials between the chest and knees to reduce strain type injuries.
•  Use a material handling device (i.e. hand truck, dolly, cart, etc.) to move heavy or awkward items.
•  Ensure work and storage areas are properly illuminated without shadows or glare.
•  Adjust computer workstations so arms, wrists, legs, back and neck are always in a comfortable, neutral position. Avoid awkward postures or positions such as reaching, twisting, bending, slouching, etc.
•  Interrupt repetitive tasks with regular rest breaks and include light stretching to promote movement and blood circulation.
•  Minimize office noise by redirecting phone conversations, lowering music volume, isolating noisy office equipment, and keeping HVAC and other equipment properly serviced.
•  Keep areas underneath desks clear as this can restrict movement .
•  Avoid spills and wet areas on slippery, uncarpeted floors. Mark the hazardous area with a “wet floor” sign until the floor dries.
•  Prevent file cabinets from tipping by; bolting, opening only one drawer at a time, and not overloading drawers. Close drawers and doors with the flat of your hand.
•  Ensure that all appliances and other electrical devices are properly protected, frayed cords can lead to serious electrical shock and fires. Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords as permanent wiring.
•  Never use office chairs or other furniture as step stools.
•  When using stairs: always use handrails, remove trash or debris, never carry items while ascending or descending, and never use stairs for storage.
•  If there are blind corners consider installing convex mirrors to improve visibility. Don’t stack or pile “stuff” on top of filing cabinets which can block lines of sight.
•  Know your building emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and assembly areas. Know the location, and how and when to use a fire extinguisher. Keep exits and aisle ways clear to allow for quick evacuation.
•  Properly dispose of matches,ashes and cigarette butts. Maintain good housekeeping practices at all times.
•  Conduct periodic facility inspections to make your office safe. Look around, and you will spot other hazards that can be easily fixed. When you see a hazard, don’t assume it is someone else’s responsibility to correct.