You might not know it, but you are surrounded by hazards at work. However, they are usually kept in check by workplace health and safety procedures – and plain old common sense. If you are especially concerned about your safety in your work environment, here are some of the common office hazards and how you can prevent them from happening.

5 Common Office Hazards and How to Avoid Them

1. Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can be caused by something as simple as a wet floor. Other causes of slips and trips can include uneven floors and work surfaces and cluttered walkways and workspaces. These can be countered by ensuring wet floor signs and other appropriate signage are available when needed and de-cluttering shared corridors and places of high traffic.

2. Fire Safety

Fire safety is extremely important in every workplace, as you don’t want to see all your work go up in flames! Fortunately, it can be avoided by taking the smallest of precautions. Check all your power cords and replace any that are fraying, avoid overloading power boards and outlets, and monitor the use of space heaters closely. Additionally, ensure all employees know where fire extinguishers are and make sure emergency exits are clear at all times.

3. Eyestrain

Computers are now used in the majority of workplaces for almost everything, so it is not surprising that eyestrain is becoming increasingly common in office jobs. Eyestrain may cause eyes to become irritated and dry, which will ultimately lead to a loss of concentration. Taking regular breaks from the screen and ensuring the lighting is appropriate for the task at hand are a couple of ways to prevent eyestrain.

4. Stress

Stress is a more general office hazard, but it can have quite a significant impact on both your work and home life. Everyone has different ways to reduce their stress levels, but common strategies include taking consistent breaks, avoiding working overtime and being organized in your work.

5. Ergonomics

Incorrect use of office furniture or inappropriate supply of office furniture can lead to a variety of long-term physical injuries if not corrected. These can affect everything from your wrists to your neck and back. Set up your workstation to suit your proportions and to support proper posture. Request additional accessories such as footrests or back support if you think you require them.

Hazards are quite common in the office, but with some monitoring and vigilance, you will find they can be controlled and avoided. Get all of your employees or colleagues involved, and together you can create a safer workplace for everyone.

What do you consider to be some of the more common office hazards? How have you negated these hazards? Do you think you have been effective in doing so? Leave your advice, suggestions, and comments in the section down below.