It seems like ages since I was Health and Safety officer at work. In fact, it seems like ages since I worked at all since I went self-employed and became a student too.
I feel like I’ve had a lot of experience in office safety, since it was a big part of my old job and has been part of degree course in management. With that in mind, thought it worthwhile sharing wisdom with you lovely lot.
Stay safe in the office with these fab tips:
Some things will seem obvious, some less so. Cleaning up spills, clearing walkways, highlighting hazards discontinuing use of broken electrical appliances are all the big ones. Keeping eating areas clean, washing your hands frequently and only using objects as intended are the other main points to focus on.
Take a holistic approach and take care of your health
If you need spectacles for reading or using a computer, always wear them to prevent headaches. Another tip that not many people know is the 20-20-20 rule. This rule helps prevent eyestrain and dry eye from using the computer. The idea is that every 20 minutes, you should look 20 feet into the distance for 20 seconds. This probably seems excessive, but this is when it works most effectively. Speaking as a dispensing optician, a realistic aim would be to do it hourly, rather than every 20 minutes.
Posture is also important. If you are spending a lot of time at a desk, it’s important your chair is at the right height and your screen is angled correctly with no glare. Some people who have aches and pains can benefit from foot rests as well as wrist supports that clip onto their keyboard.
I know this is easier said than done, but keeping work-related stress is a must. In fact, it’s part of the law now that your employer has to do everything in their power to make your work as stress-free as possible.
Storage and housekeeping
Keep storage areas tidy. Don’t store heavy items high up where they could land on somebody. Don’t overload shelves or work surfaces.
It’s important to learn to lift properly and be mindful of that every time you need to lift and carry something. Thousands of employees are injured each year when handling, lifting or carrying items.
These are just a few pointers, if you want to learn more about protecting yourself from office hazards, Accident Advice Helpline have created this fantastic interactive infographic. You should definitely check it out.
