Office Equipment Safety Hazards
Office equipment safety hazards are a serious issue in the workplace today. Gone unchecked, they can lead to worker injury, expensive lawsuits, workers compensation claims, and even death of the victims. While it is typically the responsibility of supervisors or managers to correct such hazards, often the rank-and-file employees must take it upon themselves to see that the situation is handled. Make sure that you are aware of the potential dangers that you may encounter with office equipment.
Broken Items
Broken or worn items in the workplace are a safety nightmare waiting to happen, regardless of the type of equipment they affect. A malfunctioning chair, for instance, could break and cause a person to fall, badly injuring her. A damaged desk drawer could collapse, catching an unwitting victim's fingers inside. Always make sure that the equipment in your office is kept in good repair, and report broken items to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible.
Ergonomic Issues
Over time, uncomfortable seating, lighting, or typing devices can cause chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries. One example is carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the nerves in the wrist and hands. Back, shoulder, and neck pain can also be caused by seats with little lumbar support, leaving the victims out of work for weeks, or even months. Finally, poor lighting and computer screen glare can cause eye strain, resulting in decreased vision and migraine headaches.
Electric Shock
Electric shock is another safety hazard of office equipment that can come from a variety of sources. Frayed or damaged wiring and open water near an electrical source are two potential hazards. This can include damaged sockets, buckets of liquid used for cleaning, or even liquid chemicals stored near ordinary power outlets. In addition to making sure that electrical equipment is in good repair, managers should assess the safety of janitorial practices when it comes to electric shock.
Lifting
Another safety hazard in the office can occur when workers are required to move or transport equipment. If not enough workers are available, or the ones who are available are not physically strong, injuries can occur when equipment falls on workers, or they strain and tear muscles while lifting. Workers who are required to move heavy equipment should be trained how to safely do so beforehand, and be given periodic refresher courses.
Broken Items
Broken or worn items in the workplace are a safety nightmare waiting to happen, regardless of the type of equipment they affect. A malfunctioning chair, for instance, could break and cause a person to fall, badly injuring her. A damaged desk drawer could collapse, catching an unwitting victim's fingers inside. Always make sure that the equipment in your office is kept in good repair, and report broken items to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible.
Ergonomic Issues
Over time, uncomfortable seating, lighting, or typing devices can cause chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries. One example is carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the nerves in the wrist and hands. Back, shoulder, and neck pain can also be caused by seats with little lumbar support, leaving the victims out of work for weeks, or even months. Finally, poor lighting and computer screen glare can cause eye strain, resulting in decreased vision and migraine headaches.
Electric Shock
Electric shock is another safety hazard of office equipment that can come from a variety of sources. Frayed or damaged wiring and open water near an electrical source are two potential hazards. This can include damaged sockets, buckets of liquid used for cleaning, or even liquid chemicals stored near ordinary power outlets. In addition to making sure that electrical equipment is in good repair, managers should assess the safety of janitorial practices when it comes to electric shock.
Lifting
Another safety hazard in the office can occur when workers are required to move or transport equipment. If not enough workers are available, or the ones who are available are not physically strong, injuries can occur when equipment falls on workers, or they strain and tear muscles while lifting. Workers who are required to move heavy equipment should be trained how to safely do so beforehand, and be given periodic refresher courses.
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