On-Site Safety: 3 Areas To Conduct Office Safety Checks This January
January is a busy time in the business world. It’s when you’re getting back on your feet after the festive period, considering your budget for the year ahead, and putting plans in motion for the goals you’ve set for the next 12 months. All in all, it’s a bit of a rush to get back into the swing of things!
As such, you should also be considering the safety of your office for all employees at the same time. January can be risky, and certain safety checks need to be conducted right now for your long term health and wellness. So, here’s 3 to include on the list.
Your External Entranceway
January is when we’re deep in the midst of winter. As such, you’re going to want to double check access to your office, in terms of slip, trip, and fall hazards. Never just leave elements like ice, snow, and debris around entranceways, no matter how light you think the weather has been.
If there’s anything on the ground that could cause a slip, it needs to be removed ASAP. If you’re expecting ice or snowfall, try to make sure the grit is down the night before. This prevents build up from occurring in the first place, and the cold or sub-zero temperatures can’t cause any major freezing.
You’ll also want to use an environmentally friendly grit variety, in case of runoff. Especially if you have greenery like bushes, shrubs, and flower beds outside your front entrance.
The Ventilation System
Most work sites have lengthy ventilation that can be seen all the way round the premises, and your office may be no different. After all, you need plenty of air flow in close work quarters, and buildings like warehouses can kick up a lot of debris into the air.
As such, make sure you double check how well your vents and ducts are working this January. This is your chance to check on a few key safety considerations, including whether or not you need a new fire or smoke damper fitted.
Be sure to call out a professional to conduct the fire damper testing, as you’ll need an expert eye to assess for damage or any other signs that the damper isn’t fit for purpose.
Your Risk Assessment
This needs updating on a regular basis anyway, but January is the perfect time to get your first review of the year out of the way. Risk assessments are specific to each and every work site, whether an office or a construction lot, and need to remain this specific no matter what.
As such, if something has changed in the working environment recently, it needs to be considered within the risk assessment. If more staff are in the office, if you’re using new equipment, and even if you’ve just replaced the break room kettle, you might need to go over the risk assessment again.
With a few quick double checks, you can make your office safe this January.
Image source: Mikhail Nilov via Pexels.
