WORKPLACE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Did you know that June is National Safety Month?

Safety is a concern in all aspects of our lives, however, many of us do not take enough precautions to stay safe while at work. In fact, there are approximately 1.1 million workplace injuries nationwide each year according to the National Safety Council.

So in celebration of National Safety Month, we have put together some workplace safety guidelines and tips. And for more tips and information on workplace safety, check out our Safety at Work board on Pinterest!

ERGONOMICS

• Use good posture while at your desk. Sit up straight with feet flat on the floor.
• Place your monitor directly in front of you with the top no higher than eye level.
• Place keyboard directly in front of your monitor to prevent frequently turning your head and neck.
• Use a sit & stand workstation to prevent health issues caused by prolonged sitting.

INJURY PREVENTION

• Watch for spills or other obstacles on the floor and report any hazards.
• When using filing cabinets, only open one drawer at a time to prevent it from tipping over.
• Keep filing cabinet and desk drawers closed when not in use to prevent others from walking into them.
• Always use the handrails when taking the stairs.
• Secure all electrical and computer cords with cable ties and surge protectors. Loose wiring presents a tripping hazard.
• When lifting, use the “L” position and lift from your legs to prevent muscle strain.
• Make sure your workplace is well lit and replace lightbulbs when they burn out.
• Use the elevator when carrying heavy loads.
• Secure heavy objects in lower drawers or close to the floor.

ELECTRICAL & FIRE SAFETY

• Obey your company’s smoking rules and only smoke in designated areas.
• Do not throw away matches, ashes or cigarette butts into the regular trash.
• Do not touch electrical outlets, plugs or switches with wet hands.
• Label and safely store all combustible items and fluids.

BE PREPARED

• Know your workplace’s evacuation plan in case of a fire or other disaster.
• Make sure your office has designated fire marshals or security personnel for times of need.
• Your workplace should practice fire drills once a year at the minimum.
• Have a designated safe place for employees to go during a tornado or other type of windstorm.
• Store a well-supplied first aid kit in your office to treat potential injuries.
• Regularly inspect sprinklers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your workplace.
• Make sure exit signs are clearly marked.

REPORT IT

Report any safety hazards to your supervisor. Examples of some hazards you should point out are:

• Broken furniture or appliances
• Torn carpet
• Loose floorboards or tiles
• Stray electrical cables or obstruction of walkways
• Frayed or damaged electrical cords

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY AND SHOP SAFETY PRODUCTS NOW!