Every business owner understands that the lifeblood of their company is made up of two key elements – customers and employees. As such, you want to make sure you are protecting the safety of both of these parties.
There are many hazards that exist in the workplace. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to make sure employees are aware of any risks they might face while on the job.
Here are 6 hazards to watch out for in the workplace:
1. Slipping and Falling Hazards
Whether it be slipping on a bit of spilled water or tripping over a misplaced stack of documents, falls are a serious risk within many offices.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep your office tidy and provide warnings to employees whenever possible. For example, if the floors have just been washed, make sure you put out a “Wet Floor” caution sign.
This way, everyone has adequate warning of the risks.
Also, make sure you remove boxes of old documents from the office when they are no longer relevant. This can be done by transporting them to a secure storage facility or shredding them.
2. Neck and Back Strain
In an office, one of the major causes of neck and back pain is improper office furniture.
For example, if employees are constantly hunched over at their desks looking at their computer screen, it’s only a matter of time before they start noticing problems.
Not only is it uncomfortable, but a sore neck or back significantly reduces productivity, creating problems for the business.
Also, in cases where employees might be required to lift boxes or other heavy objects, it’s always a good idea to give them a quick refresher on the proper lifting techniques.
3. Fire Hazards
Things like loose paper, exposed wires, candles, and unsafe plugins can all pose as potential fire hazards within your office.
It’s important to do regular checks within your office to make sure all hazards are addressed.
One of the most important places to thoroughly check is the breakroom. Because these areas often have multiple appliances (microwaves, stoves, coffee machines, etc…), they can have increased risks of starting a fire.
4. Inadequate Lighting
If your building as weak lighting, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Insufficient lighting can put needless strain on the eyes and prevent employees from noticing other hazards that could be potentially harmful.
5. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is an especially important risk to consider because, unlike other forms of toxic gas, it’s both colorless and odorless.
It’s always a good idea to make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your office and that you check it regularly to make sure it’s working.
6. Data Leakages
Perhaps the most detrimental hazard to your business is a data breach. When this happens, all of your sensitive information is compromised.
To prevent this, consider storing all important documents at a secure storage facility as well as shredding old documents that have expired.
Protect Your Data With Western Archives
Western Archives has the team and equipment required to handle your sensitive information and prevent data leakage. Whether you need on-site shredding or a secure facility to store your documents, they can help. Contact us today to learn more!