4 Things to Check to Ensure Your Office Building Is Safe for Employees

Offices may not present the same immediate occupational hazards as a construction site or manufacturing facility, but there are still plenty of safety concerns that building owners need to consider. Ensuring a healthy environment and responsible practices within the workplace helps preserve the well-being of employees, limits liability risks and reduces the chances of an unexpected crisis.

HVAC Inspection and Maintenance

Heating and air conditioning equipment should be one of the first things you check when assessing the safety of your office space. These units can present electrical and fire hazards if they aren’t operated and maintained appropriately. Central systems that utilize ducts to transport air throughout the building can also become a hub for the distribution of mold or mildew spores, so it’s important to inspect all equipment, storage areas and ducts every year. These risks increase substantially following flooding or other serious water damage.

Ergonomic Furniture and Equipment

Prolonged periods of poor posture can have devastating consequences for personal health. Since many office workers spend a large portion of their time sitting or otherwise sedentary, employers should take steps to shape the workspace to accommodate their workers’ needs. Investing in ergonomic chairs, keyboards, standing desks and other equipment are all important steps towards a healthier workplace.

Fir Alert and Control Systems

Fires have always been one of the most serious and urgent threats to the modern office workspace. Building owners should install smoke detectors and check battery levels regularly to ensure they are ready even during a power outage. Due to the sheer number of risk factors and potential consequences, companies should consider working with industry experts like Advanced Fire & Safety Inc to fully address fire safety concerns in their workplace.

Stairs and Hazardous Surfaces

Walking surfaces are one of the biggest sources of injuries in office buildings, especially in structures that have steep stairs or external surfaces exposed to the elements. Building owners can improve stair safety by adding hand rails and grip pads to each step to reduce the chances of a slip-and-fall accident. Pavement and other surfaces outside the building can also become extremely dangerous when covered with water, snow or ice. Employers should stock up on basic supplies to treat frozen surfaces that employees have to navigate to enter the building or perform essential job functions.

It’s impossible to assess and address every possible risk that your workers face while doing their job, but there are still plenty of opportunities to create a safer work environment. Ultimately, employee training and comprehensive company policies play a pivotal role in ensuring the physical and psychological health of everyone working on the property.