Posts Tagged ‘health & safety’

Workplace safety should be a top priority for all businesses. Not only do you want to protect your employees from injuries, but it can also be quite expensive for compensation towards any injured parties. There are some simple ways that you can help to make your workplace safer.

1. Keep all work areas clean. Whether you work at a desk, or on the line, a clean workspace is the easiest way to prevent a lot of injuries.
2. Make sure that all machinery has been installed correctly, and that it is in proper working condition. Both installing equipment improperly and missing a maintenance on the machine may cause mechanical problems that could have been easily avoided.
3. Label all products and materials correctly. Know the products you are working with, and know what could be hazardous to mix with these products. Keep compounds that react badly to each other away from each other.
4. Install fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, have fire extinguishers on hand if there is ever a need to use one.
5. Make sure you have an alarm system installed on your facility. This is an easy way to prevent break-ins. If possible, also include security cameras.
6. Give clear instructions to all employees. This will allow all employees the knowledge of how to do things properly and safely.
7. Consider forming a safety committee. This committee should be responsible for keeping an eye open for any potential dangerous situations. The committee would also be responsible for making processes and equipment safer.
8. Use proper signage to inform employees of any potential dangerous places and activities. This could range through everything from signs to indicate a wet floor to signs that indicate hazardous materials.
9. Enforce safety procedures and requirements. Safety regulations such as wearing safety glasses or work boots can do a lot to prevent injuries.
10. Report any and all dangerous situations to your superior or supervisor. If you ever see a potential dangerous situation that is about to happen, let the right people know.

We all know that there are times when life at the office can get extremely busy and hectic. Especially right now when times are tough – people are working harder to keep their companies going. And a lot of time, this means that we don’t focus on ourselves at all, which can be dangerous. If we don’t take ourselves, there is the possibility that we will get sick or burnt out and won’t be able to take care of our company down the road.

So what are some quick and easy things that you can do to maintain your health?

1. Get enough sleep. The average adult requires 8-10 hours of sleep per night. If you don’t get enough sleep, your performance will reflect this during the day. Your reaction time goes down, you will feel sluggish, and will have a hard time remembering things. As well, losing sleep on a regular basis will lower you immune system.
2. Snack Smartly. I don’t know about you, but I am personally a stress eater. When I get stressed, the first thing I do is reach for the junk food. There are, however, healthier alternatives: fruits and vegetables, cheese and crackers… if you must grab some junk food, there are chocolate bars and other snack foods that boast less calories.
3. Eat a Well-Balanced Lunch. Packing your own lunch can help with this point. A well-balanced diet will give you the nutrients you need to work your best and to keep illness at bay. Plus, eating fast food can leave you feeling very tired and lethargic afterwards.
4. Drink a lot of Water. Making sure that you are properly hydrated will do wonders for your health – there have been studies done that say drinking a lot of water lowers your chances of a heart attack. It can also get rid of headaches, and will cleanse your system of unwanted toxins.
5. Exercise Regularly. Even if it’s just taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking a walk at lunch, exercising will help you stay healthy.
6. Build a Support System. A support system of friends and family away from work can help you out if you’re ever finding that work is getting really stressful.
7. Get the Proper Office Equipment. Ergonomically designed chairs and office equipment will help you avoid body stress and will actually increase your productivity.
8. Keep your Office Clean. Telephones are one of the biggest carrier of germs that could cause you to get ill. It’s easy to imagine where else germs may be hiding in your office. By keeping it clean, you’ll be reducing the risk of getting sick.
9. Wash your Hands. Again, this has to do with germs and keeping yourself from getting sick. Especially when your co-workers are ill – washing your hands will help prevent the spread of germs and disease.
10. Go Outside When Possible. Sitting inside all day isn’t good for your body. The light indoors isn’t proper, and you probably don’t move around as much as you should. Even if it’s just to stand outside for a portion of your lunch break – the vitamin E that you absorb from the sun can help you maintain your health.

Safety comes first, even for those employees who are not working “on the plant floor”.  Accidents and injuries in the office account for thousands of hours of lost time and millions of dollars in Worker’s Compensation and medical costs.  Hazards do exist in the office environment and it is essential that employers and staff follow solid safety practices as they go about their duties.

With proper ergonomic techniques, employees can avoid or reduce back pain, eye and muscle strain, and tension.  By incorporating practical solutions such as the re-organization of work materials, ensuring a neutral position while working at the computer and incorporating glare reducing measures, employees are protected and more productive.  The added benefit is that each employee feels better at the end of the day and returns to work with a positive attitude, instead of feeling worn out and lethargic.

Workplace stress does affect your staff’s ability to perform their jobs.  Even though we work in a fast paced world, there are coping techniques we can implement so as to reduce stress symptoms.  With the inclusion of a “Fitness & Wellness” plan, you can reduce stress related conditions and improve safety records as accidents and injuries occur less frequently with healthier employees.

Unfortunately, workplace harassment has become a greater safety concern within the office environment.  Harassment encompasses a wide range of behaviour from inappropriate practical jokes to verbal intimidation, sexual harassment and stalking.  By incorporating safety measures for handling such situations, employers ensure that employees feel safe in bringing these situations forward, knowing that they will be dealt with appropriately, allowing them to concentrate on their work functions.

With an implemented Office Safety plan, you are fostering a positive workplace environment that ultimately improves employee morale, increases productivity and reduces the incidence of accidents and related costs.  Everyone benefits when office safety is foremost.

Sherri-Lynn Varnai, P.Eng.