Safety Checklist for an Office

Despite their seemingly calm and safe appearances, most offices have the potential to present unsafe working conditions if its workers are not vigilant and pro-active in keeping the environment safe. A fire could trap workers unexpectedly, tripping hazards can be overlooked, and disorganized areas can eventually present a danger to those who spend nearly half of their waking hours there. To ensure the safety of your workplace, make it a standard practice to create and regularly use a checklist that includes the range of safety hazards that could be present. Assign an employee or group of employees to regularly make rounds in the office to look for possible areas of danger, note them, and correct them as soon as possible.

Create Standard Emergency Procedures

• Every employee should know what to do in the event of an emergency. Hold regular fire drills and be sure that all fire exits are clearly marked. Show employees where fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are located. Have all employees post emergency phone numbers in their cubicles or work areas in plain sight. Keep a first-aid kit handy and be sure that all employees know where it is. If possible, have several employees become certified in CPR and renew certifications whenever necessary.

Purchase Step Stools and Ladders

• If an employee needs to reach office supplies or other items that are stored on a high shelf, he should not have to stand on an office chair or a desk to access it. Offices with high shelving should be equipped with a sturdy step stool and/or a small stepladder. Provide training on how to use a stepladder properly, including how to set it up correctly and how to stand on it safely.

Make Carpets, Floors, and Mats Safe

• Loose carpeting or slippery floors can pose a safety hazard. Fasten all carpet in place and make sure area rugs have no folds or wrinkles that could cause a tripping hazard. Also make sure that area rugs rest on a rug pad to keep them from slipping on the floor below. If tile or laminate floors have recently been mopped, place a yellow hazard marker on the wet area to warn against falls.

Minimize Clutter

• Limit the possibility of tripping by keeping clutter to a minimum. Don't let employees stack books or papers on the floors of their cubicle or in the office aisles. Place designated bins nearby to encourage regular recycling. Provide coat racks to keep jackets and coats, as well as umbrellas and other items that don't need to be in personal space, in a central location away from areas where they could become tripping hazards.

Check Electronics

• With so many electronic devices used in modern offices, the danger of loose wires and overloaded electrical outlets may be present. Part of a safety inspection should include checking to see that all electronic equipment is properly installed and in good condition. If necessary, have an employee from the IT department perform repairs or replace faulty or unsafe equipment.

Choose a Leader

• Choose one person to be in charge of office safety. The designated employee should regularly patrol the office to look for potential hazards and seek correction. For larger offices, use a safety committee where members meet regularly to discuss health and safety issues and perform office safety checks.