Health and safety in the workplace is a big deal these days. Companies can get prosecuted and fined for failing to comply. However health and safety guidelines are vast and it can be difficult for some businesses to ensure full compliance at all times. This is why it is important to have people on the staff who are fully trained in health and safety. They will be able to spot any potential risks or hazards and put measures in place to reduce them. This not only ensures employers are complying but also helps to make certain everyone has a safe and healthy environment to work in.
Health and Safety Training
A NEBOSH course can provide the comprehensive health and safety training for staff in a variety of working environments. This helps to protect the workforce and ensure the business is complying with health and safety regulations.
Taking Responsibility and Risks to Look Out For
Everyone should do their bit though when it comes to health and safety. If you spot something a work that you concerns you then you need to bring it to the attention of the management. Sometimes it is the workers ‘on the floor’ who are in the best position to identify and understand risk. This makes it essential for everyone to take responsibility for health and safety in the workplace and ensure that any potential risks are identified and dealt with accordingly.
Office Risks
The office is generally considered to be a low-risk working environment. However there can be some potential hazards that you may need to watch out for. These must be reported to a manager or supervisory as soon as possible to help avoid potential accidents or injuries. Here are just some of the risks you may find in an office environment:
Slips and Trips
Trip hazards can be common in all work places. You may not think this is a very serious issue but in fact slips, trips and falls account for a vast percentage of all workplace injuries. They can result in serious injuries such as broken bones and this can mean hours of lost hours and suffering for workers.
Slips and trip hazards you need to watch out for in the office place include cables. Cables from computers, printers, extension cables and other electrical equipment are a common trip hazard in the office. Make sure all cables are secured in place and tidied away from walkways, desks and work spaces.
Appliances
There are many electrical devices and appliances used in offices from computers and photocopiers to hot water kettles. These should be visually inspected for damage and wear regularly and also tested by a trained electrical engineer at intervals (such as annually).
Manual Handling
You may be required to move items around your workspace such as desks, files or boxes of paper. Many people take this kind of manual handling activity for granted but if it is done incorrectly it can cause serious injury. The right equipment should be provided such as trolleys for moving multiple items and the right training provided to staff to minimise the risks of injury.