Office Safety Checklist

Tap to Read ➤ Sujata Iyer

Does your office have a safety checklist? If not, go through the one here, and get one ready for your office, pronto!

All of us, have at least once in our lives, used the age-old adage of 'better safe than sorry'. Whether it is just while discussing safety topics, or while writing something on the same, we all seem to know how important safety is. But do we really take care of ourselves the way we're supposed to? Take your office for instance.

Honestly think about it, is workplace safety really taken seriously? If you think not, then you need to go through the checklist mentioned here, to ensure that office safety is taken seriously.

Checklists for Office Safety

One of the most important things in a workplace, is the safety of the employees. Workplace safety should regularly be discussed during safety meetings. And it is the duty of the management, and the employees themselves, to pay attention to the various safety topics that may come up from time to time.

Also, if any rectification is required, the management has to make sure that it is done immediately. Not doing so can have dangerous consequences on the lives of the employees. Not to mention the huge amount of paperwork, and possible lawsuits that could ensue. So, here are a few checklists that you can refer to while drafting one for your workplace.

Housekeeping

Often ignored as just a mere chores job, housekeeping is also one of the important facets of office safety. There are a lot of simple things that could go wrong with the housekeeping regime, which could have detrimental results

Housekeeping Checklist

Are the floors swept and mopped at the beginning and end of every working day? Are the workstations, filing cabinets, doors, windows, etc. dusted or cleaned at least every alternate day?

Is there running water available in the washrooms? Is there toilet paper and tissue paper available in the washrooms?

Is the water and milk used in the coffee machines, boiled and germ-free? Are the sanitation facilities like soaps, and hand washes provided adequately and regularly to the staff?

Is there adequate drinking water available for everyone in the office?

Are the aisles, stairways, elevators, etc. cleaned regularly?

Are the chairs, tables and sofas in the working areas and the recreational areas of the office cleaned regularly? Are the carpets brushed and cleaned, only when employees are not around? Does the person cleaning the carpet wear a protective mask?

Fire Hazards

Needless to say, fire safety is one of the most discussed and followed items on any office safety checklist. Given here are some points that you can use in yours.

Fire Safety

Are there enough fire extinguishers, in working condition, in the office? Are there enough fire exits? Are the fire exits located at places easily accessible to the employees? Are the employees trained by way of fire drills, and meetings to train them in the use of the fire extinguishers?

Are the fire exits marked clearly? Are the doors in proper condition, latches, hinges, etc.? Are the fire exits unobstructed?

Is the fire alarm in working condition? Is the fire alarm audible in all sections of the office at all times?

Are there appropriate instructions all around the office, as to where the fire exits are, how to reach them, and how to use the fire extinguishers?

Are the employees trained for emergency evacuations in case of fire? Do the employees know where they must assemble in case of a fire?

Health

We often tend to underestimate the gravity of simple medical emergencies and provisions for the same. Hence, there's a list of items that you ought to include in your emergency checklist so that you are well equipped when an emergency strikes.

Health and Emergencies

Is there a first aid box in the office? Is the first aid box well stocked with regular over the counter drugs?

Does the first aid box have a supply of bandages, antiseptics, and other local applications? Is the first aid box kept in a place that is easily accessible by all employees?

Is the person in charge of the first aid box trained in the administration of the drugs and local applications? Are emergency numbers available at easily accessible locations in all areas of the work place?

Is the ventilation system appropriate in the office? Is the air conditioning or the heating of the office acceptable to all employees?

Is there a ramp for handicapped employees? Are the noise levels, within and surrounding the office, within the permitted level? Are the employees trained in administering first aid? Do the punch in cards of the employees have an emergency contact number, and their blood group mentioned on it?

Electrical Appliances and Furniture

Another aspect that is oft ignored. Carelessness and ignorance about proper electrical safety can lead to potentially dangerous situations which can be perfectly avoided if the points given here are taken into account.

Electrical Appliances and Furniture Safety

Are all the switchboards in working condition?

Are unused pin points sealed off? Is the main electricity board well protected? Are combustible objects stored well?

Are all sources of electricity sealed well? Are there any live wires or cables lying unattended around the office? Do the cabinets and cupboards have jagged edges?

Are all the electric and electronic appliances earthed and insulated properly? Are all the doors of cabinets closed when not in use? Are the screws or ball bearings of drawers fit tightly? Are carpets fastened to the ground well, to avoid tripping hazards?

Are the latches and locks of all doors tight?

Are the floors cleaned dry after mopping, to prevent slipping? If not, are there 'Floor is Wet' signs put up after mopping? Are all the employees comfortable in their chairs? Are sharp and potentially dangerous items like scissors, staplers, pins, etc. stored away properly after use?

Miscellaneous

There are also some items that don't necessarily fit into any particular category, but can also lead to some hazardous situations. Check these off on your checklist.

Do the windows have blinds or curtains, to eliminate the effect of the sun's glare? If an employee has a telephone job, is he provided with headsets?

Do the employees have a favorable posture when they sit at their workstations, regarding the height of the chairs and tables? Are the employees taking adequate breaks away from their computer screens?

Are the employees aware of whom they should be contacting in case of an emergency? Are there safety slogans put up at different spots within the office, to stress the importance of workplace safety?

Well, those were some detailed checklists which deal with various general safety topics in the workplace. If you happen to believe that something has been overlooked, feel free to leave a message.