No office is complete without safety. After all, employees expect to enter work each day knowing they are in a secure and reliable environment. If you knew your workspace was unprepared for a simple accident, would you feel comfortable going to work?
As a business owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure the workspace is as safe as possible. To do this, these seven essential items should be present in the office.
1. A First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential for offices, so make sure yours is well stocked up each day. Fill your first aid cabinet with:
- Plasters
- Bandages
- Tweezers
- Sterile gloves
- Pins
- Antiseptic
- Eye dressings
- Adhesive tape
Make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it. For extra safety, you could also get first aid training for the whole team so that everyone is prepared for emergencies.
2. An Emergency Exit
The building must be ready for an emergency, so ensure there is a clear path towards an emergency exit. All staff should know exactly where it is positioned and the quickest route to get there so that if an evacuation is needed, everyone can reach safety as soon as possible.
3. A Smoke Alarm
Just like your home, the office needs a smoke alarm. If a fire breaks out, the smoke alarm might be the only tell of what is going on, which could make the difference between getting to safety and not. You should also run tests on it periodically to ensure it’s working properly.
4. An Automated External Defibrillator
If a cardiac arrest happens to one of your employees, then you will need an automated external defibrillator at hand. AEDs use an electric shock to restore the heart’s natural rhythm, which dramatically increases the survival rate.
Don’t assume you’re safe without one because no employees suffer from heart problems, as cardiac arrests happen to people with no previous heart diagnosis – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. A Fire Extinguisher
While large fires warrant an evacuation of the building, if a small fire starts in the kitchen, you will want a fire extinguisher at hand. The chances are you’ll never need to use it, but if you do, you and your team will be grateful it’s there.
6. Hazard Signs
If there is a spill in the office, it’s important to place a clear sign near so nobody slips and injures themselves. In fact, anything that poses a potential danger should be signposted. This not only reduces the risk of injuries but also protects your business if somebody wishes to file a claim after a workplace accident.
7. An Alarm System
Your employees aren’t just relying on you for the safety of their bodies; they’re also expecting their items and office space to be kept secure. An alarm system will protect yourselves, the office space, and the valuable items inside from intruders, making it an essential addition to any workspace.
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