>> Safety Issues in Today's Workplace

Safety issues are an important topic in today's workplace, especially with the rise in accidents in places of work and business. Accidents may often be small, but they can also lead to life-altering results such as mutilation and even death. The most common type of safety issue in workplaces relates to tripping and falling, however, there are many other causes to be considered. An organization with a superior policy for dealing with safety issues should be considering topics such as ergonomics and the arrangement of the space so that the tasks best fit the people who complete them.

The following are the primary safety issues and how an organization can best prevent them:

Falls
• Anything above shoulder level should be retrieved with the use of a step stool or ladder.
• Step stools and ladders should only be used if they are in good condition without any broken rungs or legs and without being wobbly.
• Chairs should always be used flat on the floor and not leaning back. Chairs with a "leaning" feature shouldn't be pushed beyond their limit which may result in over-balancing.
• Chairs and boxes should never replace ladders or step stools
• Pathways should be kept clear
• Electrical cords and wires must be kept out of pathways
• When seated, excessive twisting, leaning back, and bending over should be avoided.

Filing Cabinets and Bookshelves
• When filling drawers or shelves, always fill from the bottom, up, allowing the weight to keep it from tipping over
• When finished with drawers or doors, make sure to close them
properly to prevent bumps and tripping. Open only one drawer or door at a time.
• Filing cabinets should be placed in low-traffic areas.
• Any cabinets or bookcases over sixty four inches high should be secured to the wall to prevent tipping.

General Safety Issue Practices
Guard or tape any furniture corners or edges that are sharp. Any "pull out" keyboard or writing drawers should be pushed back in when not being used.
• Keep the work environment clean. Throw away trash and empty the cans often, and keep floors free of obstacles and unnecessary items.
• Spills should be cleaned immediately to avoid slips.
• Immediately report any defects in the workspace such as loose tiles, broken railings, broken doors, broken steps etc.
• Refrain from participating in any form of horseplay.
• Keep sharp objects such as scissors, tacks, and razor blades in closed containers.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Any neckties, long hair, jewelry, and other loose clothing should be kept well clear of any moving machinery parts.
• Air vents and air registered should be kept unobstructed.
• Furniture, equipment, or other materials should not be positioned in a way that they obstruct air movement or thermostats.
• Any pest control related problems should be reported immediately.
• Pest control chemicals should be used only by experts.
The most important way to prevent safety issues in the workplace is to use common sense at all times.