General Workplace Tips

• Make sure all walkways are free of clutter or tripping hazards such as wires and extension cords.

• All desk should be kept clean and also free of clutter this will help prevent accidental spills which could damage equipment.

• Have working fire extinguisher and full first aid kits at all times. Make sure all employees know where they are located and are trained in proper use.

• Stairwells and fire exits should be clearly marked and again all employees should know where they are located.

• Empty all wastebaskets each night this will help in preventing fires.

• Let employees know there is a zero tolerance policy towards violence. This includes physical as well as mental bullying.

• Make sure all the cords on any equipment is in good condition no frays,tears or holes. That could potentially rip and start a fire. Replace old wires or equipment as soon as the problem is found.

• Do not use extension cords whenever possible. Don't over load any electrical sockets with to many plugs.

• Keep the walkway clear. Boxes and bundles, cables, wires and items carelessly piled are tripping hazards. Most times, these are just oops events, other times they are not.

• Look before you sit. Incidents of someone missing the seat often promote silent giggles but this actually could happen to anyone who would not take the time to reach for the chair before sitting down. Leaning back on the chair could end with your back to the floor. This is common to people who are thinking or are trying to reach something, misjudging balance. The person may pick himself or herself up as quietly as possible with nothing serious but an injured ego, sometimes though it does not end up as happily.

• Even with all the computerization in the office, filing cabinets are still in much use. Nothing very wrong here except that filing cabinets are heavy. Opening all drawers of the cabinet at the same time tips the balance of the cabinet towards you. Likewise, leaving a drawer open is a bump waiting to happen.

• Don’t read while walking. No one saved impressive time by reading while walking, yet this is a very common practice dumb and true. If you have to read while walking, be sure that no one is doing the same thing that you do. If you must, do not walk into the direction of the coffee station.

• Don’t carry anything higher than your eye level. Carrying loads higher than the eye level impresses no one. See how people refuse to walk towards you?

• Do not run, relax. Running may save a few seconds, after that you will take a breather for several minutes more.

• Refrain from putting anything atop cabinets. Cabinet drawers are for storing supplies. The top of the drawers is not.

• Use the handrails. Stairway handrails have its reason for being. Use it. People who do not use the handrail tire easy.

• Use the elevator whenever necessary. When carrying loads, wait for the elevator. The stairs are not worth the extra calories that you will burn.

• Watch where you step. Smooth surfaces are not always safe surfaces to step on especially in darkened aisles. Water could be dripping. Be safe. As they used to say, watch your step, this is truer when there is poor lighting.

• Don’t eat at your workstation and in front of your computer. Eating in the workplace saves time. Be sure though that it is not done near computers and other electrical equipment. Accidents caused by water must be avoided at all cost.

• Other simple measures that are taken that could go a long way in promoting workplace safety is reporting unsafe conditions, loose steps, burned out lights, defective equipment, overloaded sockets etc.

Source: Workplace Safety Tips