Paper Shredder Safety
Companies rely on paper shredders to keep certain records private. Business owners use paper shredders to destroy sensitive documents that contain payroll records, company trade secrets and client information. Employees who work in an office setting may use a paper shredder every day without pausing to consider the safety risks.
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Significance
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A 2006 article in The Boston Globe reported that the paper shredding business was growing at a rate of 20 percent each year as companies worked to safeguard privacy. With more people buying and operating paper shredders each year, safety risks have become a serious issue. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received 50 reports of finger amputations, lacerations and other injuries from paper shredders from January 2000 to September 2005.
Features
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When used properly, paper shredders can be an invaluable office tool. The risk of injury becomes a concern when people operate shredders without reading directions in the user manual. Before inserting paper into the shredder, make sure there aren't any staples or paper clips on the paper and feed paper one sheet at a time into the machine. Keep jewelry, long hair and neckties away from the shredder opening to avoid injuries.
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Considerations
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Office managers should show employees the correct way to use a paper shredder to prevent accidents. Employees who are injured on the job could sue employers. A comprehensive safety training program that covers use of potentially hazardous office equipment, like paper shredders, teaches employees the safe and proper way to operate machines.
Warning
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Many people work at a home office or use a paper shredder to destroy personal documents that reveal finance information. Children risk injuries when machines such as paper shredders are brought into the home for private use. Adults should store paper shredders out of a child's reach when not in use. Even with adult supervision, a child feeding paper into the shredder may not realize that her tiny fingers will get caught if she fails to let go of the paper in time.
Solutions
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Manufacturers have developed advanced safety features in newer paper shredder models to help prevent accidents. Some models include an alert feature warning users when too much paper is inserted into the shredder. People tend to forget safety when shredders jam, placing fingers dangerously close to the blades to remove paper. Other models feature a lockout mode that prevents unauthorized use and a sensor that disables the shredder when hands get too close.
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References
- Photo Credit shredder image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
