Office Safety - Safety Topic

 

Many workers think that the office environment is the safest workplace. But, a safe office workplace requires hazard control, good housekeeping, and safe work practices.

• Arrange your office to allow clear walkways and aisles throughout the rooms and near exits.
• Attach tall and heavy office furniture to the wall to avoid tipovers in an earthquake.
• Do not store heavy items or hang pictures over your head in your office or cube.
• Close file cabinet drawers, file doors, and pull-out work tables when not in use.
• To avoid jamming your fingers or hands, make sure that cabinet and desk drawers do not open into walls or other furniture. Close drawers and doors with the flat of your hand.
• Prevent falls in the office by keeping walkways and floors clear of trash, cords, cables, and other items.
• Clean up work areas after each project and periodically throughout the day.
• Clean up liquid spills immediately and mark the hazard area with a “wet floor” sign until the floor dries.
• Walk slowly, and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use handrails when going up and down stairs.
• Wear proper footwear at the office; a non-slip sole and a back strap are safest.
• Store supplies and materials properly to maintain a safe workplace.
• Arrange your storage so that the heavier items are stored on lower shelves and keep lighter-weight items on upper shelves.
• Keep a sturdy step stool in storage areas to avoid reaching. Use good body mechanics when lifting and moving items.
• Request an ergonomic evaluation from your supervisor if you feel discomfort while at your desk or performing other tasks at work.
• Use only approved electrical equipment in the office.
• Examine electric cords and plugs for breaks, tears, and frayed wires before use.
• Do not use extension cords as a permanent source of electrical power; install an extra electric outlet if necessary.
• Do not create chains of extension cords and surge protectors (“daisy-chains”) because they can overload your electrical outlets and create fire hazards.

Periodic workplace safety inspections can keep your office safe. Report hazards to your supervisor quickly and make sure that they get corrected as soon as possible. Be prepared for an emergency in your building. Know your building emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and assembly area. Know how to use a fire extinguisher and when it is safe to do so. Keep exits and aisle walkways clear to allow a quick evacuation .

Think safely in everything you do 

Safety First

Teamwork prevents incidents and accidents - Safety Topic

Teamwork keeps employees safe and production high at any job. Teamwork prevents accidents.

All we have to do is: think of the other person’s safety as well as our own. Think about driving as one example of teamwork for safety. 

Safe drivers not only look out for their own safety, but make sure they do not endanger the lives of the other drivers. They give up their right-of-way to help another driver. They slow down to let a driver cut back in after that driver has tried to pass and discovered a vehicle coming in the other direction. It is not just a matter of one driver having the right of way or being in right; it is a matter of a little teamwork to prevent accidents.

The safe driver knows that someday, it may take teamwork from some other safe driver to prevent accident.

It is not just a matter of your working safely and following all the rules yourself; you must think about the other person’s safety, too. You must lend a hand once in a while to prevent or avoid an accident that may involve another worker.
You can never tell what kind of situation will require teamwork to prevent an accident. You must solve each situation by working together and helping other people on the job. We all know what teamwork means when we think of team sports, but do we know what teamwork means when we think of work? 

Good team leaders know what makes a successful team and good team members make it happen. 

• Communication: Team members always talk to each other. They know they are part of a team and they communicate with their teammates
• Responsibility: Team members are thinking about the safety of people who work at their sides, and the rest of the project, and doing the best job they can, safely
• Coordination: Coordination means the team functions like clockwork. Every member does their part to bring out the best in the team
• Safety: Teamwork means that on and off duty the safety of your team should be number one on your list; your safety is the team’s safety

What characteristics make a team unsuccessful?

• Taking unnecessary risks: Focusing on getting the job done, no matter the risk to your fellow employees
  
• No Participation: Lack of participation by the leader or employees within the group
  
• Complacency: Knowing the team’s weaknesses and not taking steps to improve or eliminate those shortcomings
  

Think safe - work safe - live safe

Think safely in everything you do 

Safety First

Are You Safe or Just Lucky - Safety Topic

How many times in the past --- both on the job and at home --- have you said to yourself, 

"Wow, that was a close one?"

No matter what department you work in  maintenance, production, the warehouse or in the office, accidents can happen. That's why we all need to be reminded from time to time to keep safety first.

We are committed to preventing accidents through safe work practices and safety education not luck. 

Think safe - work safe - live safe

Think safely in everything you do 

Safety First