Workplace Hazards

Watch Out! 17 Surprising Workplace Hazards Whether you work in an office or factory, alone or with thousands, safety should always be top of mind. According to the US Department of Labor, over three million non-fatal injuries and illnesses occurred in 2009, the most recent year's data, with an additional 4,340 fatalities. While safety laws govern specific industries or functions - for example, the use of machine guards, goggles or hard hats - many of us work in offices where rules are not so clear-cut, yet hazards loom nonetheless. Here are a few of the most common. 1. Windowless doors. It's easy to get slammed or slam someone else, when you can't see what's on the other side of a windowless, outward swinging door. 2. Loose carpet, tiles or stairs. High traffic areas wear out quickly and should be monitored and maintained regularly. 3. Poor lighting. In stairways, poor lighting can cause a fall; at your work station it causes eyestrain and costly mistakes. 4. Blocked passageways. Boxes or crates stacked too high obstruct the view of others coming from the opposite direction. Also, make sure hallways are wide enough for easy movement. 5. Sloppy housekeeping. Clutter, scraps or trash lying around can make you slip or trip. 6. Poor ventilation. A work place that's too hot, too cold, or lacks circulation reduces productivity. 7. Slippery floors. Even a small amount of spilled liquid makes tile slick. 8. Poorly stacked materials. Boxes should be stacked securely so they don't topple, and be no higher than 18" from the ceiling. 9. Fatigue. With job security on the line, many of us stay wired well beyond working hours bringing on chronic fatigue, burnout, and insomnia. 10. Refrigerator. As more people economize by brown bagging it, leftovers can become a breeding ground for bacteria leading to digestive distress and missed days. 11. Chairs. Leaning back to talk to the next cube dweller can land you on the floor. 12. Repetitive movements. Sitting in the same position, typing all day on the computer or even jamming the phone between your shoulder and ear can pull tendons and muscles. 13. Pencils in holders with the points up. 14. Loose clothing or dangling jewelry. These can get caught in shredders, copiers, and other types of office equipment. 15. Splinters from wood furniture. Watch out for rough edges on older, well-worn wooden desks, chairs and conference tables. 16. Top heavy file cabinets. Sure, it's quick and easy to place your active files in the top drawer where it's handy, but make sure the lower drawers have enough weight in them to keep the cabinet balanced. 17. Computer screens. Working at your computer for long periods can be visually demanding, so give your eyes frequent breaks by looking away. While no workplace is totally safe, you can make yours more so with awareness of the hidden dangers on the job. Consider keeping personal emergency supplies in a drawer including a flashlight, walking shoes, water bottle, and nonperishable food. For more ideas on how to stay safe all day, every day, talk to your local office supplier.