Terri Ramsey Beavers Whether you are a small business owner or the manager at a branch that is part of a larger company, one of your top priorities should be the safety and well-being of the people you have working for you. In that light, you should always try to consider the ways you can make your work environment safer for everyone involved.
While you might have some limitations on whether or not you own or are leasing office space, there are a few modifications that can help bring a higher standard of safety to the workplace. Here are some suggestions for how you can outfit your offices for maximum safety.
Start with Fire Safety
One of the major risks to any property is that of fire. The chances of a fire starting at your offices can be increased by things like the presence and use of cooking appliances in the kitchen and an overabundance of waste and clutter accumulation. Start by making sure that there is a schedule set for cleaning and de-cluttering in your offices. If you need to hire a cleaning company to come and tidy up the place for you, ensure that they can do so on a regular basis.
Next, it is a good idea to check in with your employees to see if everyone is using the kitchen appliances properly. Such things will also need to be cleaned routinely as something as simple as larger crumbs in a microwave oven can spark a fire.
In the event of a fire, you will want your offices to already be equipped with the necessary items that can reduce damage and stop the fire from spreading. Have fire resistant glass installed throughout the office, particularly in kitchen areas and other places that are prone to fire. You should also make sure that any fire extinguishers present aren’t expired and that all smoke and heat detectors are up to date and in full working order.
Lastly, it is important to have a word with your employees about smoking. Among the top reasons for office fires is the improper disposal of used cigarettes. There is also a higher risk of a fire being started when someone smokes too closely to combustible materials. Have designated outdoor spaces for people to go and smoke that are equipped with proper cigarette disposal bins.
Identify Problem Areas
Depending upon what industry you work in, you might be facing a number of potential safety risk factors that need to be addressed. For instance, if your employees are required to lift heavy items on a regular basis, they should have back braces and step stools available to them to reduce the chances of injury. Take the time to do an adequate and detailed risk assessment of your offices to identify any problem areas.
Every office can benefit from the presence of a fully stocked first aid kit. You should also have the appropriate safety signage posted throughout your offices to remind employees of proper safety protocol.
