Guidelines for Staying Healthy and Safe in an Office Environment

If you are at work and feel that your life and your body are in danger, you won’t be able to get much done. That is why it is important for everyone to know the guidelines for safe working conditions. There are two main considerations for staying protected in an office: yourself and your building.

Your Building

In the event of an emergency, you should be prepared. Two concerns revolve around disaster planning such as fires or active shooter situations.

As far as fire safety is concerned, the installation of fire hydrants San Diego CA is very important. The U.S. Fire Administration in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you follow the “stop, drop and roll” method if your clothes catch on fire. Make sure that your company institutes fire drills if they don’t already. Always inspect any appliances or machines you use for any significant wear and tear. Ask your supervisor if space heaters are allowed and remember to keep fire sprinklers and escape routes clear.

In the unlikely event that a person engages in firing live rounds in or around the building, you should be ready to react. It is very important to know where the exits are so that you can get out of harm’s way as soon as possible. Remember that your body is more important than any of your belongings. Leave your stuff and help other people flee if you are capable. However, escaping is not always possible. You may have to resort to hiding. Find a place that is out of the shooter’s sightline while being careful not to trap yourself in a corner. Call 911 if you are safely able to do so.

Yourself

Although injuries and physical ailments are often associated with manual labor, they can and do occur in office environments. They typically start right at your workstation. You need to take care of your eyes and vision if your job involves staring at the computer for long periods of time. Take breaks and adjust the lighting to low levels that won’t strain your eyes.

When you are at your desk, it is critical to position your body in ways that will cause the least amount of strain. The mouse is a good place to start. The keyboard and mouse flow well together, so keep them next to each other. Don’t leave your feet dangling. Adjust chairs and desks to the most comfortable positions.

Working in an office doesn’t have to be dangerous. If you look out for yourself, you can work securely.

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