Nearly 50,000 private-industry office and administrative workers in the United States suffered on-the-job injuries in 2020, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The majority of these injuries (84%) resulted from one of two types of incidents classified by the BLS as either “falls, slips, and trips” or “overexertion and bodily reaction.” These types of injuries can be prevented if workers or supervisors recognize the hazards and make some simple workplace changes. Here are seven steps to reduce the risk of injury among your office employees.
1 Stay clutter-free.
Ensure that walkways are clear of boxes, files, and other items that can create tripping hazards. Store materials in their proper locations to prevent clutter buildup.
2 Secure electrical cords properly.
Avoid stretching cords across walkways or under rugs, which can cause tripping risks. Anchor and cover all cords, keeping them out of high-traffic areas.
3 Never stand on chairs.
Standing on chairs—particularly rolling office chairs—is a major fall hazard. If you need to reach something at a higher level, use a fully opened stepladder placed on level, firm ground. Do not exceed the highest safe standing level.
4 Maintain a clear line of sight.
Collisions can occur when workers make turns in hallways or around blind corners or cubicle walls. Consider installing convex mirrors at intersections to improve visibility and reduce collisions. If workers can see who is coming around the corner, collisions are less likely to occur.5 Install slip-resistant surfaces.
Carpeting and other skid-resistant materials can help reduce falls. Marble or tile floors can become slippery, especially when wet. Placing carpets at entrances, where workers may have wet shoes from rain or snow, can reduce slip-and-fall risks.
6 Provide adjustable equipment.
One size does not fit all in an office workstation. Work surfaces, monitor stands, keyboard trays, and chairs should adjust to fit each employee. Although the initial cost of ergonomic equipment may be a concern, the long-term benefits of reduced health claims, absenteeism, and increased productivity outweigh the investment.
7 Use proper mouse placement.
Always place the mouse beside the keyboard. Workstations where the computer is on a tray, but the mouse remains on the desk can cause neck and shoulder strain. Keep your arm relaxed and move the mouse with your entire arm. Avoid resting your wrist on the desk surface.
For more information on reducing the risks of “slips, trips, and falls” or ergonomic-related workplace injuries, view or download any of DWC’s related publications or streaming videos. DWC safety training instructors are also available to meet your company’s safety and health training needs. See TXSafetyatWork.com for available OSHA-authorized classroom training and customized workplace safety and health instruction.