Too many business owners think that office safety only applies to industrial jobs or construction sites.
That could not be further from the truth! No matter what industry your business is in, several essential safety protocols must be followed.
It may surprise you to learn that office workers are some of the most injured people on the job. Likely because construction sites have been mitigating risks for decades – and it is high time that office-related injuries get mitigated, too.
More than 1000 employees are injured each year at the office, most of whom are commonly injured by slipping and falling or from repetitive strain injuries, but there are others involved, too.
Below are seven of the most crucial safety design tips to help make your office a safer place:
1 – Organisational Skills
One of the best methods for ensuring workplace safety is by keeping the office clean and well-organized.
As easy as this tip sounds, it is one of the most frequently overlooked safety issues. A cluttered or messy office or storage space can easily lead to a tripping accident or a fire.
To avoid someone getting injured, tidy up work areas and desks daily, and keep your filing done. Make sure the area around your desk is free from potential hazards.
2 – Layout Basics
Although everyone may not always consciously notice the safety aspects of an office layout, they should help people make safer choices throughout their day.
Every area must be easily accessible by all and, most importantly, must include evacuation procedures for all mobility types. The ideal office layout includes open-plan areas and the sensible placing of offices or workstations.
In an emergency, everyone will need to get out quickly and safely, so be sure to consider that when designing your workplace environment.
3 – Lighting
Where possible, use natural lighting before turning to artificial lighting.
Your employees need decent lighting so they can work without straining their eyes.
Workplace lighting should also enable your teams to move from place to place safely and without risking injuries caused by dimly lit hazards.
Color temperature is essential for maintaining a safe and happy working environment. The ideal lighting for an office is between 3500 and 5500 Kelvin. To illuminate the office effectively, light it in layers.
Pay attention to the under-lit areas and correct those as soon as possible.
4 – Fire Safety
Apart from alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers, two more elements of fire safety to consider installing at your office are fire shutters and curtains.
Fire curtains are better at preventing the spread of smoke – but they cannot be used as security products.
When deciding whether to use a fire curtain or fire shutter, weigh up the hazards of your workplace first. Both products are invaluable in the event of a fire, but one may be better suited to your workplace needs.
5 – Ergonomic Office Furniture
Workplace safety includes more than just protection from immediate physical dangers.
One of the most underrated elements of office safety is ergonomics. Office furniture should be designed to support the human body to minimize strain and potential long-term damage. Chairs with adequate back support are essential for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal problems.
Offer your employees adjustable equipment, such as desks and computer screens, that reduces eye strain and prevents neck discomfort.
6 – Signage
Every workplace will have specific areas, supplies, and equipment that must be labeled.
Fire exits, first aid kits, and hazardous waste signs must be bold and legible from a reasonable distance. Some office signs have specific legal requirements to comply with safety laws, so be sure to research those first.
Temporary signage is as important as permanent signs, so ensure your office has printable templates for on-demand situations such as a flooded canteen.
7 – Anti-Slip
Slip and fall injuries are one of the most common workplace safety hazards.
The safety measures in your office must address and prevent the risk of employees taking a tumble. In England, wet and wintery weather can make foyers a severe slip hazard. Stocking up on anti-slip products for your office building can help cover you for many eventualities.
Consider installing anti-slip stair treads to start with and add on from there.
To End
The first step to designing a safe space for people to work in is drafting a list of things your office needs.
Follow the laws and government guidelines when designing your office, and you will be sure to succeed in creating a happy and safe workplace for your employees.
