Keeping your office workers safe is essential as a business. If they don’t feel like you’re looking after them, they’re less likely to stick around, and you’re more likely to experience high turnover and minimal retention.
But what can you actually do, and what shouldn’t you be doing? Here is some of our advice.
Do provide them with ergonomic furniture
You want to start off by ensuring that you’re providing your office workers with the right types of ergonomic furniture.
Make sure their chair, desk, and monitor are all at eye level so they can rest their hands flat on the table in front of them. Their head should be centered above their shoulders, and their elbows should be close to their body with their back supported. Don’t allow workers to hunch over their laptops or keyboards, as this can make it highly unpleasant for them to work and eventually lead to burnout.
Do provide regular movement breaks
Keeping office workers safe also requires providing them with regular movement breaks. Workers should be able to get up and move around every 30 to 60 minutes, allowing them to stand, stretch, and change positions. These small movements throughout the day can have a massive impact on their overall health and well-being. If they’re able to move, they can prevent some of the injuries and difficulties that build up from sitting all the time.
Do implement proper fire safety procedures
You also want to make sure that you are implementing proper fire safety procedures. Keeping aisles and walkways clutter-free is critical during an emergency and allows people to leave the building safely. If you see any spills, clean them up right away and separate your working area with fire curtains to contain any potential fires.
Don’t leave cords stretched across the hallway
It should go without saying, but you want to avoid leaving cords stretched across the hallway. These are a trip hazard and can lead to injury and costly lawsuits if somebody hurts themselves. If you have lots of cords, make sure they’re hidden behind a panel or at least kept underneath a rug.
Don’t allow employees to do anything that could lead to a slip, trip, or fall.
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of injuries in the office, so make sure you train your employees to avoid them. If you don’t, it could lead to costly legal fees and bills. For example:
- Don’t let your people stand on chairs or unstable surfaces.
- Don’t allow them to carry loads that obstruct their vision.
- Make sure you train them to clean up clutter before it creates a hazard.
Don’t ignore power safety
Finally, make sure you don’t ignore power safety. Electrical issues can be a problem in many offices, as a lot of company leaders find out. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself, even if you think it will save you money. Doing so can lead to higher costs in the future and on-site injury. Don’t use space heaters or other appliances without proper ventilation.
