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3 Dangers To Avoid In The Office

BY: Koszdin | Wednesday, November 23, 2016.

If you work in an office setting, you may think that you are safe from workplace injuries. The truth is that accidents can happen at any time, anywhere, for a multitude of reasons. You could be walking through the lobby and slip and fall because maintenance did not put out a wet floor sign.

The first step to avoiding becoming a victim of a workplace accident is to know the possible dangers around you. If you have already suffered an injury in the workplace in California, you should seek advice on filing a workers’ compensation claim from a local attorney.

While there are other dangers to be aware of, below are three of the most common injury-causing circumstances in the office.

Falls

Falling is the leading cause of workplace injuries across the board. It not only causes minor injuries, but can result in disabling injuries as well.

A fall can be caused by tripping on loose carpeting, exposed electrical cords, objects left in hallways, or even over an open file drawer. Other causes include poor lighting, using a chair instead of a step ladder to get to an out-of-reach shelf, and overreaching for an object while seated in an unstable chair.

Lifting

Improper lifting of even light loads can lead to a very serious injury. When lifting, your back, neck, and shoulders are put at greater risk. A back injury can keep you out of the office for days, and if serious enough, require surgery.

To avoid injury, be aware of the amount of weight you are comfortable lifting by yourself. If you think the load is too heavy, ask for a colleague to help you.

Flying objects

Not only can you be injured at the office by bumping into stationary objects, such as desks and file cabinets, you can also be hurt by the unexpected object hurtling through the air. This includes items falling from shelves, objects being dropped on your feet, and cabinets that fall over due to improper anchoring.

Also, be cautious of doors opening unexpectedly. Being hit by a door can result in a fall and even cause a head injury.

Avoiding the danger

To avoid the dangers in your office, always be aware of what is happening around you. Do not walk down the hallway while reading a file — this can lead to a trip and fall accident.

Also, make sure you are using the proper equipment for the task. While getting the ladder out of storage may be a hassle, it is safer than using your chair to reach that book on the top shelf.

If you see any hazards around the office, such as exposed cords or loose carpet, report it to management so that a maintenance request can be filed.

If you have been injured as a result of a workplace accident, it is important to understand your rights in California. This is where the help of a local attorney experienced in workers’ compensation claims is ideal.

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