 Last week we had a
general look at the various safety aspects in an office. Now let's look at each aspect in
a little more detail. Stretching and twisting, seemingly a very common occurrence in
everyday life can be really dangerous at times. The arrangement of office furniture can
increase or eliminate the need for stretching and twisting. The way your working area is
placed matters a lot in reducing these hazards. A small change in the setup can bring
about a real big change. Ensure your chair is adjusted properly and you don’t slouch
on it. See that it is sturdy and can support your back. If it is on castors, ensure that
you don’t tilt or rock it. Losing your balance can result in a nasty fall.
See that you don’t clutter up your desk
or tabletop. It not only gives it a clumsy look but also makes it real tough to locate
things in a hurry. Besides, an unkempt table is certainly an invitation for disaster. An
overloaded desk or cabinet can turn over and cause injury. At times you must have used all
types of contraptions to retrieve things stored at a height. Maybe you never had an
occasion to repent it but it could have been a close call. Swivel chairs, empty cartons
and desks are not the right equipment for this job. Use step ladders and be safe and
secure. So remember that when you start doing a thing, there is always a right way to do
the job. Remember not to clutter up the walking areas around your working space. A simple
thing like a brief case kept carelessly, can be a serious hazard. A person rushing to an
important call may not notice it and instead may have to be rushed to a hospital. Rushing
should be avoided at all costs and especially around corners and bends. Besides the danger
of bumping into something or somebody, it also increases your chances of slipping and
tripping.
Generally, stairways and other less frequented
areas are often the most neglected and hence the most dangerous. They are poorly lit,
handrails are not properly maintained and the stair landings are used as dumping ground.
The stairs may be broken at some point; a tile or two may be missing. So remember to look
for such hazards. If you have to carry something down the stairs, ensure that you are able
to see over and around it very clearly. It is better to make two trips rather than make a
single one, which may turn out to be your last trip for a long time to come.
Wherever possible, try to work out a strategy
whereby you can eliminate the need for lifting or carrying. You can achieve this by
stacking the items that you require often at a lower level and making large packets into
smaller packages. Today, a large number of cases of slipped disc and backache are due to
wrong posture and wrong ways of lifting things. It is important to know that there are
three steps to prevent injuries caused due to wrong lifting and carrying practices. Know
how to lift properly, know what you can lift safely; wherever possible, always use lifting
aids and equipment.
 Remember:
Take a good and correct stance
Keep your back straight and your head up
Lift with your legs, not with your back.
(To be continued)
|
