Surprising Number of Hazards In Your Own Office

Office workers are exposed to more hazards than one might think. Workplace hazards come in many forms including slip-and-fall accidents, ergonomic hazards, poor indoor air quality, electrical fires, as well as many other dangers. It was reported in 2016 that on average, about 78 people lose their lives each year from occupational injuries or illnesses. It was also reported that thousands more become so severely injured on the job that they require ongoing medical treatment and lose the ability to work. It is important to become aware of workplace hazards in order to avoid them.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

According to the National Safety Council, respiratory infections, asthmas, and allergic reactions have become prevalent in office workers. If the air quality is not properly tested frequently enough, these problems are likely to form in workers. Air ventilation systems need to be checked quarterly, as well as the possible exposure to cleaning chemicals and pesticides. Other possible causes of poor air quality include water damage and mold growth, blacked airflow in cubicle workstations, overcrowded offices, and poor housekeeping.

Slip-And-Fall Accidents

This is the most common type of workplace injury as it comes in the form of a trip, slip, or fall. Usually, these types of accidents are a result of uneven or wet floors, loose or frayed carpeting, liquid and food spills, unstable work areas, and cluttered office spaces. In regions with cold winters, the outdoors also become a hazard for slips or falls.

Fire Hazards

According to the National Fire Protection Association, city fire departments responded to approximately 17,500 office fires in 2012. Most office fires are caused by damaged electrical cords, overloaded outlets, and old space heaters without automatic shut-off. The most common cause of an electrical fire is broken extension cords being plugged into overloaded power strips without a circuit breaker.

Ergonomic Injuries

Office workers become prone to carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as muscle and joint issues that form as a result of poor posture and repetitive movements when they spend a majority of the day sitting in a desk. Eye strain can also form as a result of lengthy hours spent working on a computer.

This article is an excerpt from https://ankinlaw.com/office-safety-hazards/