By Amelda Cilliers / / Comments: 0 Office Safety Hazards 1. HAZARD: Slips and tripsStaff and visitors may be injured if they trip over objects or slip on spillages.PREVENTION: InjuriesTo prevent the majority of slips and trips in the office:General good housekeeping is carried out.All areas are well lit.Trailing leads or cables are moved or protected.Staff keep work areas clear, eg no boxes left in walkways, deliveries stored immediately.Staff mop up or report spillages.2. HAZARD: Manual handlingStaff risk injuries or back pain from handling heavy/bulky objects, eg deliveries of paper.PREVENTION: InjuriesTrolley used to move heavy items where appropriate.Heavy items are stored/accessible at the appropriate height.Staff are aware/trained on how to split heavy loads and make them easier to handle.Staff are aware of ways to move objects that are too heavy to lift by hand.3. HAZARD: ErgonomicsStaff risk posture problems and pain, discomfort or injuries, eg to their hands/arms, from overuse or improperuse or from poorly designed workstations or work environments. Headaches or sore eyes can also occur, eg ifthe lighting is poor.PREVENTION: Posture problems, pain, discomfort and injuriesAssess workstations, reduce risks and provide information and training.Work planned to include change of activity or regular breaks.Ensure any workstation / work environment related concerns expressed by staff are followed up.4. HAZARD: FireIf trapped, staff could suffer fatal injuries from smoke inhalation/burns.PREVENTION: Fatal injuriesFire risk assessment must be completed and adequate fire safety measures must be in place.An emergency preparedness and response plan must be implemented and tested.Fire alarm tested regularly.Fire drills carried out at least once a year.Regular checks made to ensure escape routes and fire exit doors are not obstructed.5. HAZARD: Work equipmentStaff could get electrical shocks or burns from using faulty electrical equipment. Staff may also suffer injury from moving parts of equipment or unbalanced equipment.PREVENTION: Electrical shockAll new equipment checked before first use to ensure that placement does not cause additional hazards.Staff trained in use of equipment where necessary.Staff encouraged to spot and report any defective plugs, discoloured sockets or damaged cable/equipment.Defective equipment taken out of use safely and promptly replaced.