Creating a safe working environment for employees is always a top priority for every business owner. With that in mind, here are four ever day safety tips that you can use in any office environment.
1. Don’t Mix Metal and Microwaves
There's a lot that can go wrong when microwaving the wrong things, and many of them can lead to an almost immediate fire that you'll soon come to regret. Anything with metal should never be placed in the microwave even if you're only planning on doing so for a couple of seconds. This can cause sparks, which will absolutely lead to a fire. Before microwaving be sure that your containers do not contain a metal or foil liner.
2. Conduct a Ladder Test
Ladders have been such a ubiquitous part of our lives for so long that most people probably don't think twice before using them. You absolutely should, however, because the stakes are far too high (no pun intended) to use one without the proper technique.
First and foremost, if you're using an old wooden ladder, do a check of the unit's structural integrity before you step on. Wooden ladders certainly serve a purpose, but they don’t stand the test of time too well. If any of the steps seem even remotely loose or worn, don't get on that ladder - and consider investing in a newer, metal alternative.
Likewise, whenever you get on a ladder around the office, make sure that you have a spotter in case you lose your footing. Preferably this would be someone who can catch you but even just warning you that things are going wrong could prove invaluable in a situation where every second counts.
3. Avoid Outlet Overload
As technology becomes a more integral part of our professional lives on a daily basis, one thing you absolutely want to avoid is outlet overload. Whether it's a bunch of computers that are all plugged into the same appliances or a few too many appliances plugged into that same extension cord in the kitchen, this can at best blow a fuse and at worst start a fire that could be critically dangerous to everyone involved.
4. Follow Fire Extinguishers Rules
Finally, you should always make sure that your office has quick access to a fire extinguisher and that the unit itself is up-to-date. Most fire extinguishers will work for 5-15 years but it helps to note on the unit itself when it was purchased and when its expiration date is based on the original manufacturer's recommendations.
Make an effort to go through your office and verify that all fire extinguishers meet OSHA's requirements prior to an emergency situation. Rules dictate that all extinguishers must be mounted properly and located in an easy-to-identify area where they are readily available to employees during a fire, without subjecting those employees to injuries. Failure to complete this essential step could result in a lack of essential safety equipment during a time where it is desperately needed, contributing to injury or loss of life.
Make Safety a Priority Every Day
Above all else, it's important to remember that creating a safe working environment is not something that you 'do once and forget about.' It requires an ongoing, proactive effort that takes into consideration the ever-changing variables to which you're exposed. Provided that you begin with safety tips like these and have all the necessary safety equipment at the ready, you'll go a long way towards accomplishing all of these goals and more.
