Remote Worker Safety: Preventing Injuries at Home

Preventing Falls

• Run cords and cables so they don’t cross walkways
• Keep floors and stairways clear of clutter
• When using stairs, keep one hand on the railing
• Tape or tack down area rugs to keep them lying flat
• Close drawers immediately after use
• Clean up spills right away
• If you need to reach high objects, use a step ladder if you have one—don’t climb or stand on anything unsteady

Preventing Ergonomic Injuries

• Lift safely—get close to the object, bend at the knees and don’t twist while lifting
• Get help moving heavy objects
• Store heavy items at waist level
• Arrange your work area to fit you:
  • Find a comfortable chair that supports your back
  • Raise your feet on something, if necessary, to keep your back against the chair and your thighs parallel to the ground
  • Keep your keyboard at or below elbow-level to prevent your forearms from resting on a hard edge and your wrists from bending
• Take breaks when sitting for a while or doing a repetitive task—walk around or gently stretch

Preventing Strike Injuries

• Put your phone down when walking so you can see where you’re going
• Make sure you have clear walking paths around your home
• Don’t store heavy or unstable items above waist level
• Keep equipment away from the edges of desk or tables
• Secure shelving or other storage furniture taller than five feet so it can’t tip over
• Fill file cabinets from the bottom up, and don’t open more than one drawer at a time
• Close desk, cabinet and file drawers when not in use

Preventing Electric Shock

• Inspect power and extension cords before using—they should not be frayed, taped or missing the third ground plug
• Don’t overload power outlets
• Use only one power strip per outlet, and make sure it has plenty of air circulation
• Don’t run cords where they can be damaged from chairs or people walking on them
• Don’t cover cords with rugs or mats
• Unplug cords by gripping the plug, not the cord itself
• Never use electrical equipment if your hands or feet are wet or the equipment is wet
• If equipment or appliances feel hot, give off an odd smell or start smoking, turn them off, unplug them and do not use again

A little caution can go a long way toward keeping your employees safe, whether they’re working in the office or telecommuting from home.

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Email: info@training.consultdss.com