Creating a Healthy and Safe Office Environment

No matter the size of your business or organization, creating and maintaining a healthy and safe office environment for your employees is a top priority. In fact, Occupational Health and Safety regulations require workplaces and employers to adhere to certain responsibilities that contribute to a safe working environment.

Office safety should never be taken lightly, and a healthy workplace can lead to a thriving business that promotes employee productivity. Follow these tips to create a healthy and safe office environment that prioritizes long-term success, collaboration, and teamwork.

1. Allow Your Employees to Express Themselves

One of the most valuable gifts you can receive from your employees is their feedback. Provide plenty of opportunities for your team to express their ideas so you can help them, and your company excel. Host regular sessions to discuss areas that might need improvement and develop next steps that everyone can participate in.

2. Create a Covid-Safe Office

Helping your staff members return to work safely and confidently during the Covid pandemic is no easy task. The Cleveland Clinic recommends following certain guidelines for reopening your business in the wake of the Covid pandemic, such as:

• Keeping your facility regularly cleaned and disinfected to maintain a safe working environment
• Creating a support system to help employees adjust to physical and emotional challenges associated with the pandemic
• Maintaining an environment that reduces employees’ risk of transmission and exposure

Although you may be anxious to reopen your place of business, the pandemic created an array of challenges that may be difficult to navigate. Consider consulting with an experienced organization that can take the guesswork out of helping you create a safer space with the right Covid workplace products and services.

3. Arrange Your Office Furniture to Promote Safety

Arranging your office furniture in a strategic manner promotes safety and increased productivity. Place your furniture in a way that encourages visual harmony while allowing the free flow of traffic. Keep entryways clear so employees can easily exit the building in case of an emergency. Keeping as little furniture as possible in entryways also gives the illusion of a bigger space.

Redecorating your office can be a major undertaking that’s disruptive to your workspace. MyOffice can take the hassle out of rearranging your furniture by offering expert furniture disposition and post-move services.

4. Maintain the Building

Regularly inspect your building to check for subtle improvements that could increase workplace safety. Pay extra attention to improvements around stairways and exterior pathways that could give your employees and clients an extra sense of well-being. For example, during cold winter months, apply de-icing products to keep walkways safe. Add mats or rubber pads to entryways and stairs to prevent slips and falls. Finally, handle all building repairs in a timely manner to eliminate the risk of further damage.

5. Provide Visual Safety Aids

The best way to remind employees about workplace safety is to post visual aids throughout the office. Use posters or labels to warn employees of potential hazards, and place posters from the U.S. Department of Labor in both work and recreational areas. Use signage to broadcast important updates and safety information. You can also use signage to keep employees up to date with the latest safety requirements.

6. Designate Emergency Exits

There’s a good reason why schools schedule multiple fire drills each year. Fire drills help familiarize kids with the exits in the building, so they’ll know exactly where to go in case of an emergency.

This same principle should apply to any business. Designate the proper emergency exits with the right signage so your employees are aware of how to handle any emergency procedure. Post emergency exit signs at all exits, map out every exit doorway and post signage throughout the building, and maintain up-to-date smoke detectors.

Get Complete Professional Facility Services

Creating a safe and healthy working environment in Southern California can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, MyOffice provides comprehensive facility services to keep your workplace on point. Whether you need security, office moving, network, storage asset management, or a different kind of service, our trained staff is always here to help. Let us ensure your office is a safe place by handling your day-to-day challenges. Contact us now for more information!