ORLANDO, Fla.— Some employees do, some others don’t love the amount of time spent being at the office.  For some people it is a fun place where they get the chance to interact with others, non family related. But what happens when the fun and relaxed atmosphere, or maybe the environment is so busy and so distracting that at the time of securing their work areas as well as taking safety precautions somehow falls down in the priority list? 

There are five common office hazards that our employees and staff must be aware of and trained with some prevention skills.

FOR EXAMPLE--

Someone just went to the coffee room and grabbed a much needed coffee to keep up the pace of the day. Unattended spills, wet floors are a big cause of accidents at the workplace.

Exposed cords, unstable work surfaces, uneven floors, loose rugs and cluttered areas always are an accident waiting to happen.  

Inclement weather conditions, such as rain, create outdoor slip hazards on exterior steps, ramps, walkways, entry and exit areas, and parking lots, and indoor hazards when wet floors are not cleaned up promptly. 

Clean up all spills immediately, and post signs identifying hazards in areas that are being cleaned or that have recently been cleaned, and in areas prone to water accumulation and wet surfaces.

Office walkways should be kept clear, as boxes and other clutter can create a trip hazard.

Electrical and telephone cords should also be properly secured and not stretched across aisles or walkways, and carpets should not be frayed or buckled.

According to the National Fire Protection Association. Routine office inspections could reduce this danger.

• Power cords should be inspected regularly for wear and be replaced if they are frayed or have exposed wire.
• Cords should never be used if the third prong has been damaged or removed.
• Cords should never overload outlets. The most common causes of fires started by extension cords are improper use and overloading. Extension cords should be approved by a certifying laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, and be used only temporarily to connect one device at a time.

All employees must understand that a fire caused by poor housekeeping, carelessness, or failure to follow instructions can destroy their job, their income, and even their life. But the chance of a fire can be reduced if everyone makes an effort to practice daily fire prevention measures.

The following are some fire safety tips to apply in the workplace.

• Don’t allow trash and litter to accumulate unnecessarily.
• Keep the office and dock areas neat and clean.
• Know where fire alarm pull stations and extinguishers are located.
• Make sure you know the different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them. Check extinguishers periodically to see if they are charged and well marked.
• Store hazardous materials in designated areas.
• Keep exits free of obstructions.
• Make sure there are good connections and effective grounds in the wiring.
• Smoke only where permitted.
• Keep equipment clean and use it properly.
• Handle flammable liquids with caution.
• Know the proper exits and procedures in case of an emergency.
• If you store hazardous materials properly, the chances of fire, spills, and accidents are greatly reduced. A leaking drum of lacquer thinner can be a fire hazard unless the right precautions are taken. Make sure you know the loading and storage chart so you don’t load non-compatibles on the same trailer or in the same area of the terminal.
• Every terminal should have an emergency plan. In case of fire or other emergencies, procedures should outline who is to call the fire department and how the building is to be evacuated.
• When a fire or emergency evacuation does occur, don’t panic. Keep calm and follow instructions.
• Following rules is not just the responsibility of the safety supervisor or the terminal manager, it’s everyone’s responsibility.

These measures are not difficult to implement and may help you and everyone in your office stay safe and away from dangers and risks.

Contact us at Garzor Insurance for a free consultation on how to keep your business well protected against significant loss.

For personal insurance solutions check out our sister company Orlando Insurance Center