Hidden Health Dangers That Might Be in Your Office

Many people believe that office jobs are completely safe and that they pose no danger of hurting anyone, but that’s not necessarily true. A construction job may have more risks, but an office job poses many ways in which employees can get hurt. That’s why everyone who works in an office should learn about the hidden health dangers that might be in their office.

Falls

Some of the most common injuries you’ll see in any workplace are from trips and falls. No matter the job, if the ground isn’t clean and flat, the risk of falling increases greatly. Stairs or simple transitions from carpet to hard floor can be hazardous for employees. The best ways you can avoid this is to clean frequently and clearly mark any spots that may pose a danger of slips or falls.

Lighting

Ineffective lighting is another cause for alarm in an office, as it can increase the chances of falling. Plus, any work done in the dark can be less efficient and more dangerous. Without proper lighting, workers are more likely to hurt themselves doing routine tasks.

Air Quality

Indoor office space often lacks natural air circulation, which is a cause for concern regarding employee health. Without proper circulation, airborne diseases and poor-quality air stay in the area for longer. Invest in good air conditioning and circulation to keep your employees safe.

Hazardous Materials

We often don’t think about it, but old waste or hazardous materials in the walls of old can be huge dangers for employees. Up until recently, asbestos and lead were common in a lot of buildings, and they can lead to long-term health problems. Get testing kits for these materials before setting up your office so that you can be sure your employees are safe.

Ergonomics

Office work is often extremely repetitive, and this can be damaging to your employees’ physical health. From constant typing to sitting all day, office employees don’t get to move around all that much. This can be very dangerous, as they can sustain repetitive stress injuries or develop long-term back problems. Invest in ergonomic equipment that alleviate theses issues, making work safer for all your employees.

Sanitation

Other issues that plague office spaces are sanitation and cleanliness. Clutter and improper waste management create the perfect storm for mold and other diseases to develop. Even if you don’t have clutter, wiping down common surfaces with bacteria-killing wipes will prevent the spread of diseases.

Supply Safety

Two last things that put employees at risk are storage and supplies around the office. Having papers or books balanced on the edge of a shelf is just asking for injuries. Always make sure your items are securely put in place so that workers don’t get hurt.

These are the major hidden health dangers that might be in your office, and taking care of them requires just some simple changes. Now that you know what risks employees face at work, you can take some simple steps for their protection.