When you hear the words "safety training," you might think about construction sites or other places where hazards could be lurking around every corner--but most people don't think of an everyday office. The truth is that workplace safety is important for every workplace, even those without hard hats! Read on to find out what safety training should look like for office employees.
The Importance of Workplace Safety
You know it's important to make safety training part of any job--but do you know just how important it is? Let's take a look at this from three perspectives:
For Employees
Employees with office jobs may not be exposed to the same kinds of threats as other workers, but they still need a safe, comfortable workplace. This can improve morale and job satisfaction while making day-to-day tasks easier to complete, leading to a better work experience overall. Plus, employees like knowing their company cares about them--and there's no better way to show that than to focus on workplace safety.
For the Company
Safety hazards do exist in office settings, which means companies need to be aware of risks their workers face. That's not just for liability reasons (although this is an important consideration); high levels of workplace safety also reduce the need for employees to take time off due to injuries or illness. In addition, a company with good safety training techniques is likely to have a better reputation among employees, making it easier to keep loyal workers and hire new team members.
For Customers
Even if customers never actually see your office, they still want to know you're taking good care of your employees. In fact, customers might lose interest in working with you if they find out you neglect this part of your company culture--which is just one more reason why safety training is a must.
Key Topics for Office Safety Training
Now that you know how important it is to focus on workplace safety in any workplace, let's take a look at a few of the most important topics. Here's what workplace safety training programs for office workers should cover:
Slips and Falls
Slipping, tripping, falling, or stumbling might not seem like a big deal, but any one of these incidents can lead to big problems--from bumps and bruises to concussions and broken bones. That's why it's important to include this topic, as well as associated OSHA requirements and expectations, in your workplace safety approach.
Fire Safety
When working in an office, employees need to know key things about fire safety. That includes details like fire exit locations, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and how to prevent fires in the first place. This is important in industries with higher hazard levels, but every workplace should cover fire safety--because, after all, even an office microwave can start a fire.
Mental Health
Mental health is a vital but often-overlooked element in workplace safety. That may be because it feels like such a private journey--one that each employee undertakes independently, especially in an office setting. While this might be the case, it's nonetheless key to create an environment that welcomes and supports mental health conversations. This doesn't just improve workplace safety, boost morale, and give employees a safe space to share their concerns--it also has the potential to improve mental health by offering support, community connection, and more.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a more intricate conversation than most people give it credit for. It's not just about chairs with back support; it actually includes far more elements of physical health, like avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome, getting up from the desk periodically, positioning the body correctly, and, yes, choosing the right office furniture.
Environmental and Equipment Safety
Do your employees need to lift boxes or other heavy objects? Do they operate company vehicles or machinery? If so, it's important to include environmental and equipment safety in your workplace safety training regimen. This helps workers understand your expectations and navigate their tasks with more confidence (and more efficiency, too).
Conclusion
Although workplace safety is most often associated with high-risk environments like a construction site, office employees need safety training too. The benefits are clear for employees, companies, and even customers. Just remember to choose safety training courses that include key topics, like fire safety, ergonomics, and mental health.
Looking for a workplace safety training course for office employees? Contact us today to learn more about our programs.