Tryst With Destiny
Tryst With Destiny
Tryst With Destiny
Office environment is usually considered a safe place to work unlike a factory, where chances of injury are more. But the unfortunate fact is that office environments are also not free from health related issues. Although life threatening accidents are rare anyone operating a professional business must still take time to address the safety of employees. While factory workers are more prone to physical ailments, office workers suffer most from psychological problems. In todays globalised world, competition is at its zenith as a result of which performance standards have gone up, which puts pressure on employees. The layout of an office should incorporate the principles of work flow, taking into consideration safety and health, efficiency, and convenience.It is high time that safety manuals of companies address such issues affecting the office workers. Safety Manual are to be developed and created by an experienced team of health professionals, industrial hygienist and attorneys to provide an affordable method of compliance with State and Federal OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) Standards and Regulations. Such measures will serve to create awareness and prevent further incidents alike. The commonly seen office work problems can be divided in to two broad categories namely, physical and psychological. Physical problems are those which affect individuals by causing them permanent or temporary bodily injuries. Psychological problems are the result of mental trauma due to the working conditions in the office environment. Stress: It is a traditional work place injury which occurs normally when a person has to shoulder multiple
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responsibilities. Identifying the source of stress is a important factor in stress management. Stress management strategies should be compulsorily included in the safety manual. Periodic breaks from work, encouraging physical activities by offering membership in health clubs, conducting yoga sessions for employees etc are strategies that can be adopted by the management. Moreover, a stress free environment ensure better working conditions and more productivity. Filing cabinets: Filing cabinets can be a major cause of accidents and should be used with care. When using filing cabinets, follow these safety tips: Close all file drawers immediately after use. Close the file drawer with the drawer handle and not using feet. Open only one file drawer at a time to avoid toppling the cabinet. Never leave an open drawer unattended and never open a drawer if someone is underneath it. Never climb on open file drawers. Remove small stools (used to access upper file cabinet drawers) from passageways and safely store them. Wear finger guards to avoid paper cuts Electric Shock: Different electrical appliances used in the office environment can be sources of fire or electric shock. Appliances should be equipped with electrical plugs that have a ground prong, or the appliance should be marked double insulated by the manufacturer. Electrical extension cords must never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. When extension cords are a temporary necessity, they should be taped down, clipped to the back of desks or covered with a rubber passageway if they cross the floor. All
fuses and circuit breakers must be identified. This is easily accomplished by placing a label on each fuse or circuit breaker switch and a corresponding label on each receptacle and light switch. This practice will reduce the time needed to identify a specific fuse or circuit breaker when there is a need to turn it off. Illumination: Inadequate illumination caused by glare or shadows that interfere with vision can contribute to accidents. Illumination levels should be consistent to reduce visual fatigue created when one moves from bright surroundings into dark ones. The office layout should not require employees to face windows, unshielded lamps or other sources of glare. Injuries from strain and overexertion: Although office work doesnt demand strenuous physical activity, on some rare occasions it becomes unavoidable. Strain and overexertion frequently occur when office workers attempt to move or improperly lift heavy objects. Office workers sustain muscular and back injuries by carrying or moving books, office furniture, equipment and supplies without assistance. They may exacerbate such injuries by the stretching, twisting and bending required by the office routine Unclean floors: The office floor must be clean and free of obstructions. Do not leave anything in the office area or in hallways that could cause someone to trip. This could include briefcases, boxes, trash cans and electrical or phone cords. If a floor has been mopped and is still wet, make sure signs are visible that warn about slipping. Floor surfaces should have a slip-resistant finish. Tripping hazards can be minimized by immediately replacing defective tiles and carpet or worn floor mats. Slip-resistant floor wax can give polished floors a higher
coefficient of friction. Floor mats and runners offer a more slipresistant protection for stairways or lobby entrances. Danger in repetitive motion: Employees who regularly do office work in computers are more susceptible to disorders caused by repetitive motions. Continuously performing the same tasks, like typing, can cause a variety of different disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, which can cause extreme discomfort. Safety manuals should warn employees about the risks of developing these conditions and educate them on techniques for preventing their onset. For example, modify sitting posture, vary the position of arms and use ergonomic office products Injuries due to fall: Slip and fall are common in all work places. Employers must present to the employees information regarding such dangerous situations. The manual should require employees to notify a supervisor if they witness any sort of dangerous condition that could cause a fall Work place violence: The Company must have strict policies regarding violence in work place. A safety manual must communicate the companys no tolerance stance concerning violence. If the company policy mandates termination, suspension, or some other discipline in the event of a physical altercation, it must be clearly stated in the manual. . Also implementing a dispute resolution program whereby employees can attempt to resolve their differences in a controlled setting with an impartial mediator can be considered. Indoor Air Pollution: Indoor air quality is affected by pollution from inside and outside of buildings and by poor ventilation. Human metabolic activity, smoking, structural components of the building, building contents, biological contamination, office
and mechanical equipment, and outside air pollutants that enter the buildingall are sources of indoor air pollution. Operating Vehicles: Employees using office vehicles during the office hours should be given strict instructions regarding the importance of complying to the rules and regulations while driving. Activities such as violating traffic laws, using mobile phones while driving and drunk driving must be strictly prohibited. Furniture: All the furnitures in an office including the desk and chair must be in good working condition. Rough edges or corners or nails or screws that stick out can prove to be dangerous. People who use rolling chairs must hold on it while sitting so that it does not roll away. Computers: Using computers for a long time can cause a variety of problems to human body like dry eyes, neck pain, back pain etc. The computer screen must be placed at a height where one can sit up straight and look straight at the screen. Also, there are potential dangers of electric shorts for prevention of which, a power surge strip must be essentially used. The electrical outlets should not be overloaded. So, it is always better not to use extension chords Broken floor tiles, torn carpet, burned-out lightbulbs, electrical shorts or malfunctioning equipments are all potential sources of danger in an office environment. In general Reduce clutter in work and storage areas - work will be done in a more organised way, feel less pressured and avoid trips and falls. Switch tasks if possible to manage repetitive tasks. This will keep body and mind fresh.
Change the method of doing repetitive by using a different body part or different muscles, such as switching hands. Employers should develop an emergency action plan to address emergencies that the employees can expect in the workplace. Examples of such foreseeable emergencies are fire, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and floods. Manual handling Eliminate manual handling tasks from work processes as much as possible. Use suitable and well-maintained equipment as much as possible. Avoid repetitive movements and postures. Use safe manual handling methods when manual handling cant be avoided. Workplace stress Workplace stress is recognised as a contributing factor of injury. All are vulnerable to workplace stress, influenced by personal issues, work/life balance, general health and relationships at work. Here are some general strategies to reduce workplace stress that can be implemented:
Be aware of each other's workload. Clarify priorities and deadlines. Clarify team roles and support flexibility. Discuss changes. Improve physical environment or comfort. Recognise and acknowledge each other's efforts. Develop your communication, negotiation and conflict management skills. The ambience of interoffice surroundings has caused problems for office workers. Factors such as improper temperature, inadequate humidity, and even colours of walls and furnishings are now known to be sources of discomfort. These are situations that should be
considered in creating a safety, healthful and efficient office environment. Accidents that occur in offices are frequently due to poorly designed office environments and improper office procedures. The rate of office accidents declines when office workers are informed of potential hazards and safe work practices. Training regarding general safety precautions for work in an office reduces both the number and severity of accidents.