5 Office Safety Tips

Compassionate ways to promote safety, security, and productivity at work.

One of our office safety tips is to meet OSHA workplace standards.

A safe workplace fosters employee health, happiness, and productivity. But creating such an environment may not be as straightforward as it seems. This list of office safety tips – with some that may surprise you – will flex your company’s compassion muscles and make it an even better place to work:

  1. Heed OSHA
  2. Mind the body
  3. Purify the air
  4. Stock up on safety supplies
  5. Address emotional safety

Keep reading to learn more about each of these workplace safety tips for your office.

1. Heed OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, employers are required to provide safe and healthful workplaces that are free from serious recognized hazards that can cause injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. While not every company must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards, all businesses can use its federally-regulated employer responsibilities to drive workplace safety policies. Whether your employer is legally obligated to comply with OSHA rules or not, looking to their guidelines can help protect you and your comrades from harm.

Use this resource to learn whether your business is covered by OSHA, find out how to comply, and access other critical workplace safety resources.

2. Mind the body

While reducing workplace hazards is one way to improve office safety, another is minding your body while at work. If you and your co-workers spend most of your days seated at a desk in front of a computer, you could be compromising your health. Research suggests that long periods of sitting can increase the risks of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Incorporating simple strategies that won’t jeopardize your productivity, such as standing while on the phone or having or walking meeting can help you retain your “office rockstar” status while taking care of yourself at the same time.

You can also improve your spinal and overall health at the office with sit-to-stand desks or desk risers that allow you to create a flexible and ergonomic workstation that your body will appreciate. Available in black or white, these options are high in style, function, and quality – but also reasonable in price. Watch this video on how they work or contact your sales representative for more information.

Lorell® Adjustable Desk Riser Plus in black (also available in white)

3. Purify the air

Some office settings can trigger occupational allergies, or reactions to chemicals in carpets, paints, cleaning supplies, or other environmental irritants. If you experience rashes, headaches, congestion, or other sensitivities while at work, your office air quality may be the culprit. Clear the air for you and your colleagues by opening windows for ventilation if possible, investing in a HEPA air purifier for your workstation, or greening up your space with natural air-filtering plants, like sansevieria.

4. Stock up on safety supplies

There are many office supplies designed to enhance workplace safety. While we all hope office emergencies will never happen, we can never be sure. You can help your colleagues prepare for potential emergencies at work with strategically placed first-aid kits, defibrillators, protective eyewear, hearing protection, and other supplies. Log in to your account to browse our extensive inventory of supplies to help make your office safe.

5. Address emotional safety

Ensuring emotional safety is another component of creating a safer workplace. But what is emotional safety? It refers to an employee’s sense of safety at work – whether they feel comfortable, secure, trusting, and free to express themselves without fear of repercussions. Experts suggest building an emotionally-safe working environment that starts with creating trust groups, training managers, and allowing anonymous sharing opportunities. Instilling confidence and empowerment in your team will not only make your office safer, but it can also lead to greater employee satisfaction.

Following these office safety tips can help you enjoy your working environment and lean into another job well done. Visit our blog for more articles on how to help your business thrive.

Shop our selection of office products online or call our local customer service representatives at (608) 310-4300 today.