office safety

‘Presenteeism’ and ‘leavism’: Bad for workers, bad for business

April 2, 2019

Anyone who has gone to school or has a job has probably heard the term “absenteeism.” But what about “presenteeism” and “leavism?” Although not as widely talked about, both presenteeism and leavism can have serious health and safety repercussions for both workers and employers.

Is your office respectful? Ten tips for getting there

March 5, 2019

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Does your office pass the “civility test?” Workplaces that are civil and respectful have employees who are caring, considerate and courteous in their interactions with co-workers, clients and the public, notes the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety.

Workplace violence and security: Are your employees safe?

January 30, 2019

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Is your office prepared to deal with workplace violence? If you’re unsure or think it’s unlikely to occur, consider this: “Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year,” states OSHA, which adds that “workplace violence can strike anywhere, and no one is immune.”

Does your workplace have a severe weather policy?

December 4, 2018

Tracy Haas Depa

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Snow-covered or icy roads, and slick driving surfaces resulting from heavy rain – these are just some of the weather-related conditions that workers may encounter. All this severe weather potential raises the question: Should workplaces have severe weather policies?

Safe guidelines for use: Space heaters

October 30, 2018

Tracy Haas Depa

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Winter is coming, or so whispers that chill of cold air making its way through your office. To keep warm, you may be considering using a portable space heater at your desk.

Before you plug it in, know that portable electric space heaters can present a “major workplace safety hazard,” according to Electrical Safety Foundation International.

Office temperatures can be a source of worker conflict: study

June 27, 2018

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Chicago — Workers can get quite heated when it comes to office temperatures. In a recent Harris Poll survey of 1,012 full-time U.S. adult employees, conducted between April 4 and May 1, 46 percent of respondents said their office is either too hot or too cold.

Stretch it out at your desk

May 29, 2018

Tracy Haas Depa

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If you work in an office, chances are good that you sit for a large part of the day. This puts you at risk for ergonomics-related problems.

Watch your back: The right way to lift objects

May 2, 2018

Tracy Haas Depa

One Comment

From boxes of paper near the printer to large packages in the mailroom, office settings contain a number of objects – some quite heavy – that require manual lifting. Are you following safe lifting practices?