Offices have been thought of, as being safe, however, there is a great potential for incidents in offices as there are on construction sites, although the risk may be less obvious.
Each year there are many serious injuries sustained by office staff. Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of injury in offices, those occuring on the same level being almost as numerous as those on stairs. Next comes the handling and lifting of goods, materials and equipment, followed by stepping on and striking against things, falling objec, machinery, transport, the use of hand toos, fire and electricity.
References:
OSHA- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- 29 CFR, Part 1926, Subpart C, OSHA 1926.35 " Employee Emergency Action Plans".
- 29 CFR, Part 1926, Subpart C, OSHA 1926.27 " Sanitation"
-29 CFR, Part 1926, Subpart H, OSHA 1926.250 " General Requirements for Storage"
-29 CFR, Part 1926, Subpart D, OSHA 1926.56 " Illumination"
Guidelines For Allocation
Office and workstation layouts shall be established by following the guidelines for efficiency, convenience and safety as listed below.
EMERGENCY EXITS
1. All exits shall lead directly to the street, parking area or other open space that gives safe access to a public way.
2. A minimum width of 1.5 meters should be established for aisles. Obstructions such as wastebaskets, telephone and electrical outlets, low tables, briefcases and office equipment must be placed where they do not present tripping hazards.
3. Doors should no open into the path of employee travel. However, if the condition does not permit, the floor shall be marked indicating the direction of swing door.
4. Conditions of emergency exit shall be maintained clear always and shall never be padlocked.
FLOORS
1. All floor surfaces shall be kept clean, dry and free from protruding nails, splinters, loose boards, holes or projections.
2. Floor shall be kept clear of pencils, bottles, paper clips, and other loose objects.
3. Tripping hazards created by electrical or phone outlets in the floor shall be prevented by arrangement of furniture or by other means.
4. Where a wet process is used, drainage shall be maintained.
5. All floor finished and/ or carpets will provide protection against slips and falls. Defective tile or carpet shall be repaired immediately.
WORKSTATION ERGONOMICS
1. The correct equipment shall be selected to minimize the risk of repetitive motion of trauman or other strains and sprains.
2. Computer workstations shall be selected to fit with the users.
3. The brightness and glare control shall match to the needs at the workstation.
4. Temperature shall be controlled within an acceptable comfort range.
OFFICE TRAFFIC
Employee shall:
1. Walk in orderly manner and never run.
2. Avoid reading while walking.
3. Only wear low heel shoes.
4. Wear safety shoes at all times in the work area ( If office is within construction area)
STAIRWAYS
1. Stairways shall be protected with anti-slip material.
2. The handrails shall be used, one step at a time taken, keep to the right and do not hurry (always maintain 3 point contact).
3. Stairway shall be kept clear and nothing shall be stored or thrown on steps of stairways.
LIFTS
1. Don't run for a lift.
2. The doors of automatic lifts must not be stopped with a person's hands but should wait for the next elevator.
3. People should watch their step when entering or exiting a lift because the car may not be completely level with the floor when the doors open.
FIRE PROTECTION
1. 10 kg fire extinguishers suitable to the conditions and hazards involved shall be provided and maintained in an effective operating condition.
2. Portable fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located and mounted where they will be readily accesible. Extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view and shall be identified by way of sign, etc.
3. Construction Company should provide portable fire extinguishers for employees use in the workplace, Company shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved.
4. Paper cardboard boxes, clothing and other combustible materials shall be stored at a minimum of 305 millimeters (12 inchest from any heat source. Do not allow combustible materials to accumulate beneath desks or in other areas where they may create a potential fire hazard. Keep combustibles to a minimum.
5. Corridors, stairways, exits, fire extinguisher accesses and hose station accesses shall be kept clear of stored materials and other obstructions.
Note: In copy rooms, heavy build-ups of combustible such as dust and paper around receptacles have created a fire hazard.
6. Plainly mark locations of fire extinguishers and hoses and ensure each extinguisher is tagged with the date of inspection. Ensure there are no obstructions within 460 millimeters (18 inches) of any sprinkle head.
7. Do not open fire doors.
FOOD STORAGE
1. Keep food strorage separate from chemicals and similar non-food items.
2. Provide covered waste receptacles in kitchen and eating areas or make sure they are taken out of the facility on daily basis.
3. Maintain food preparation, storage areas and equipment in a sanitary condition.
FILE CABINETS
1. File cabinets shall with safe distance from doors and passageways so that they do not interfere with exit facilities.
2. Place heaviest load in lower drawers.
3. Open only one file drawer at a time.
4. File drawers as well as desk and cabinet drawers shall be closed when not in use.
5. Do not lean, sit or stand an open drawers.
6. When closing a drawer, grasp the handle to avoid fingure injuries.
7. Cabinet must be anchored if they contain more than two drawers.
8. Do not store objects on cabinets that can become unstable.
ELECTRICAL OFFICE EQUIPMENT
1. Computers and printers will be placed on secure and stable stands.
2. Electrical staplers will be electrically disconnected whenever unjamming, loading, unloading or adjusting.
3. All electrical devices shall be inspected for safe operation prior to use and periodically thereafter.
4. Use electrical equipment compatible with the existing facilities power conditions.
5. Circuit breakers that trip open/ off may indicate a problem. Relocate equipment to another circuit or have the electrical system upgraded to meet needs.
Note: Tripped circuit breakers may not be re-energized until it has been determined that the equipment can be safely re-energized.
6. Only a person who has knowledge and experience, and is familiar with the equipment and its configuration duly authorized by management is allowed to reset tripped breakers.
7. Protect electrical fans with 13-millimeter (1/2-inch) or less mesh guards to prevent fingers from contacting the fan blades.
8. Replace worn electrical cords and plugs. Plugs will ba a one-piece design (no loose plate which may expose terminals).
9. Electrical equipment will be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed for its intended use.
10. Do not allow electrical cords to rest on radiators, wall heaters, or pipes or run through doorways or under carpets.
11. Do not use extension cords except the situation warrants instead of permanent wiring.
12. Portable heaters must be UL listed and have tip over protection or be listed by UL for use without tip over protection. Turn portable heaters off at the end of the workday.
13. Push the test button of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) is still working properly.
14. Do not block or obstruct access to electrical panels.
15. Surge suppressors will have a built-in circuit interrupter and have a cord equal or greater than the cords on the equipment being served.
16. Do not attach to building surfaces using staples or other means that may damage the cord.
SHARP OBJECTS
1. Use caution when folding or handling paper to avoid paper cuts.
2. Use a staple remover to remove staples.
3. When stapling an item to a folder, the piercing part of the staple must be directed to the inner portion of the folder.
4. Paper cutters of proper construction and in good condition require two common sense precautions: keep your fingers away from the blade when it comes down and keep the blade in a down and locked position when not in use. Report any needed repairs immediately.
LIGHTINGS
1. Should be to a good standard.
2. Keep fitthing clean.
3. Report broken or faulty bulbs of fittings for replacement by electrician.
4. Position light fittings so that stairs and corridor junctions are well lit and not in shadow.
5. Wiring should be in good condition.
6. Faulty wiring or damaged fittings should be reported immediately.
7. Combustible materials (cartons, papers, cloth, etc) should not be stored close to lamps.
8. Emergency lights should be provided where exterior light is inadequate for escape.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Ensure desks, walkways, stairways and storage areas well lit.
2. Do not lift beyond your strenght. When lifting, let your legs do the work, not your back. When heavy items are to be moved, arrannge for necessary help or equipment needed. If an object to the handled could cause cuts or splinters, wear gloves to protect your hands.
3. Turn lights on before entering a dark room. Report locations, which are inadequately lighted.
4. To avoid falling, do not tilt back in a straight chair, do not lean back too far in a swivel chair and do not over reach.
5. Broken glass should be wrapped in paper and placed in a wastebasket or in a special container provided for this purpose.
6. Use office equipment and furniture in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Furniture and equipment, which is defective or hazardous, shall be removed promptly.
8. All sharp edges, splinters, silver, burr on furniture or equipment shall be removed promptly.
9. Do not remain at your desk when overhead work is being performed.
10. Horseplay can cause injury and is not tolerated.
11. Make certain you know what to do in the event of a fire, the presence of smoke or fumes, or other emergencies. Follow the instructions provided by your supervisor. Seconds count in such instances.
12. Follow instructions on labels or refer to MSDS when using any type of chemical.
13. Clean up liquid spills immediately, especially on stairs and floors.
14. In passageway that a present a collision hazard at blind corners, the use of wall-mounted mirrors shall be instituted.
TRAINING
All personnel working in an office environment will be provided training in office safety hazards and emergency evacuation. Office personnel to be trained in the correct use of fire extinguishers.
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