Anything can happen, make sure you have prepared emergency equipment.

Office environments present a unique set of potential hazards from other work areas. Working indoors paves the way for some of the worst injuries; In fact, office workers are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to suffer disabling injuries from falls than non-office workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain items in first aid kits in certain industries. But for most office environments, a first aid kit is not enough in an emergency.

 

To be prepared and prevent injury, make sure you have these emergency equipment in your office.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 

OSHA has issued rules and standards about what employers need to provide and what employees should do to ensure a safe work environment. Types of PPE include:

1. Hard Hats

2. Eye Protection

3. Respirators

4. Hearing protection

5. Gloves, Boots and Protective Clothing

 

First aid kit

 

OSHA requires that first aid supplies be available for medical assistance at all times and that certain items be inspected and replenished each time they are used. Depending on the industry you work in, you may have to have custom items in your first aid kit. Items to consider are:

1. Band-Aids in various sizes

2. Compression bandages

3. Gauze

4. Antiseptic/Antibacterial cream

5. Burn ointment

6. CPR breathing barrier

7. Disposable thermometers

8. Tweezers

9. Scissors

10. Splints

11. Instant cold packs and heating pads

12. Pain reliever (both aspirin and non-aspirin ibuprofen)

13. Tape

14. Butterfly bandages

15. Gloves – both latex and silicone-based as some people have latex allergies

Fire extinguisher

 

Use a fire extinguisher to remove small, controlled fires. Make sure you have one on each office floor and that they are visible and easily accessible. It is important to keep fire extinguishers near areas that can cause fires, such as sitting rooms. There are many kinds of fire extinguishers; Make sure your office has sufficient numbers to put out fires related to your industry.

 

Having this device will help you prevent injuries and manage emergencies if they occur. Making sure everyone in the office knows how to use all the equipment is important to ensuring preparedness. Many organizations train their employees in first aid, while others train others in first aid.