Every workplace has its own unique risks. Some are more obvious like performing construction work or driving trucks for a living, but even a quiet office environment can be risky at times. The most common office injuries are tripping, slipping and falling. And with all of the electronic equipment, there’s always the possibility of a fire hazard as well.

Perhaps the biggest risk in an office environment is the strain of sitting in a chair and staring at a screen all day. People have said that sitting is the new smoking, and while that’s a stretch of the truth, there are obvious signs that sitting takes its toll on the human body. In order to combat these negative effects, make it a point to stand up and stretch your arms and legs every hour. It’s recommended that you find time for a five to ten minute walk once or twice during the work day. This will help relieve the strain on your body, which can help you focus with more mental clarity on your next work task.

But workplace safety extends beyond what you can do for yourself. Try the following tips to maintain a safe office for everyone:

• Provide comfortable, ergonomically supportive chairs for your employees
• Encourage daily stretching and exercises
• Ban running, jumping, skipping and other forms of horseplay
• Display caution signs when necessary, such as around specialized equipment or near a wet floor
• Maintain cleanliness and tidiness to prevent tripping hazards
• Always close drawers before walking away (these are the source of many trips and falls)
• Designate an outdoor area for smokers and inform employees of its location
• Never use chairs or desks as ladders; only use an actual ladder
• Train new employees on safety protocols, such as emergency escape routes and the use of fire extinguishers
• Ensure that all lights and space heaters are turned off before closing for the night to prevent fire hazards
• Encourage your employees to report any safety concerns immediately

The safety of your employees is crucial to your business. Contact us for more information on Florida commercial workers compensation.