File Cabinet Safety
An office may not seem like a dangerous place to work. Chances are you won't have to don a hard hat, goggles, or other protective equipment to keep yourself from getting hurt on the job. However, an office environment can present potential hazards, if you don't think carefully about what you're doing. For example, the careless use of file cabinets can result in crushed fingers, among other injuries.

The next time you need to retrieve or file a document, remember these important tips:

• Always use the handle when you're closing a file cabinet. Otherwise, you could easily catch your fingers in the drawer.
• File material in the bottom drawers first so that file cabinets don't become top-heavy.
• Always place heavy items in the bottom drawer.
• Open a file drawer only as far as necessary.
• Shut all drawers when they're not in use, and shut any drawer immediately after you have retrieved the material you need.
• Open file drawers slowly.
• Don't lean against a file drawer as you're looking through it.
• Never open more than one drawer at a time; otherwise the entire filing cabinet could tip over.
• Never store heavy objects on top of a filing cabinet. If they fall off or are somehow knocked over the edge, anyone who happens to be underneath could be seriously injured.

Falls are the leading cause of accidents in the workplace.
Whether you work in an office or an industrial environment you need to think smart when it comes to safety. Falls can usually be avoided with a combination of safety awareness, safe work habits, and good housekeeping practices.

Here are some safety tips for preventing falls:

• Look where you are going. Pay attention to your surroundings!
• Running or walking fast can contribute to a fall.
• If you have prescription eyeglasses, wear them!
• Keep walkways and aisles clear.
• Never leave items on stairways.
• Use stairways, ladders, and step stools correctly. Never jump down from a height such as a loading dock.
• When using a ladder, know the correct way to set it up. Do not use it in traffic areas or doorways. Have a co-worker act as a "lookout" if you must use a ladder in a busy area.
• Avoid standing on a chair, or climbing a stack of shelves in place of a proper ladder.
• Avoid carrying a load that will block your view. When using a hand truck be sure you can see over the load.
• Horseplay doesn't belong in the workplace. A friendly shove or a practical joke can go wrong and result in injuries.

Practice good housekeeping for your safety and for others:

• Wipe up small spills immediately. For larger spills mark the area with a caution sign and report it to the person responsible for maintenance.
• Replace burned-out light bulbs. Good lighting can help prevent falls.
• Report slipping hazards to your supervisor or maintenance department. This may include ice, water, oil or grease on the floor. Other hazards may include uneven floor surfaces, unsecured rugs or mats, and loose floor tiles.
• Keep other hazards such as electrical cords away from traffic pathways. Re-route or secure with tape to the floor.
• Put tools and equipment away after you have finished using them. Items left in unexpected places can be hazardous.