Compared to the bustle and noise of a work site, the office is seemingly safe. However, office environments can present a number of safety hazards.

Office Hazard: Ergonomic Injury

Working in an office, you spend the bulk of your day sitting in front of a screen. This can result in:

• Strained neck
• Sore shoulders
• Inflexible spine
• Disk damage
• Poor circulation in legs

What You Can Do

• Get up and move- Go for a walk around the block on your break, stretch while you’re on a conference call, or take the stairs to grab the day’s mail.
• Alternate between sitting and standing- Complete the tasks you can while standing
• Sit properly – keep your shoulders and chin down, and your feet flat on the floor
• Provide adjustable equipment- one size does not fit all employees!

Office Hazard: Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common type of office injury, and can lead to:

• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Cuts
• Bruises
• Fractures
• Dislocations

What Can You Do

• Stay clutter free
• Keep tripping hazards (such as electrical cords) clear from walkways
• Wipe up spilled liquids (such as beverages or water tracked in from wet shoes)
• Use carpeting or other skid-resistant surfaces to reduce falls