Safety in the workplace is something that many of us 9-5 office workers don’t think about.  If you work in a manufacturing facility or plant, it’s likely very top-of-mind.

I used to work for DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems.  If you know anything about DuPont, you probably know that “safety comes first” for them and rightfully so.  Many of DuPont’s business lines revolve around safety, especially the ones I worked for – Kevlar (think bullet proof vests) and Nomex (think fire-retardant racing suits).  The machines, chemicals, and processes used to manufacture their products also require diligence to safety.  If people aren’t paying attention, they can easily get hurt.

Needless to say, I had a lot of “safety in the workplace” information drilled into my brain during my time there.  So, for all you 9-5’ers like me, here are some safety tips for the office.

Tips for Safety In The Workplace

Pay Attention To Ergonomics

This is one that I am still guilty of and my back occasionally reminds me.  Desktop ergonomics are important to help relieve a number of medical issues such as eye strain, carpal tunnel, and back pain.

Make sure that when you sit, your legs bend at a 90-degree angle and that your lower back is supported.  Many desk chairs allow you to slouch and lean back.  Trust me, friends – don’t do this.  Your back will thank you.

You also want to ensure that your monitors are at an ample distance and that you don’t have to crane your neck to view them.  Check out the article in the link above for some more great tips.

Don’t Leave Filing Drawers Open

Leaving filing drawers open and leaving the copier lid up are two big pet peeves of mine.  Open filing cabinet drawers are just begging for someone crash into them and bang their shin or hip.  Depending on the height of the filing cabinet, if someone were to run into it, it could also tip over.

Blind Corners – Beware

I am the queen of this one.  I walk full speed around corners and then do the “eeeeeek-up-on-my-tiptoes stance” when I almost run into the other person coming around the same corner.  It’s important to be aware of who is coming, especially if you’re holding a cup of hot coffee.

I’m sure there are dozens of other tips out there.  These are the three main ones that stuck with me from DuPont.  What other workplace safety tips does your company recommend?