Hazards in the Office With Falling Objects
Falling objects in the office can cause injuries and damage, even potentially starting fires. Accidents, broken stands/mounts and earthquakes can make objects fall. Items on desks, walls and ceilings all create hazards when falling. It is best to reduce these hazards as much as reasonably possible and train employees how to react in an earthquake, if the office is located in a quake-prone area. It Is not possible to prevent every incident, so it is also good to keep fire extinguishers and a well-stocked first aid kit in the office.
Other People Are Reading
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Desk Hazards
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Telephones, computer monitors, speakers and other objects can fall off desks or tables. To decrease such hazards, do not put cords where people might trip or step on them. Keep speakers and telephones off computer monitors. If a modem, power strip, telephone or clock slides across the desk too easily, install rubber feet on its base. An alternative is to attach Velcro to the desk surface and the bottom of the device.
Wall Objects
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Clocks, mirrors, speakers, pictures and other objects mounted on the office walls have the potential to fall. Framed pictures often present the greatest hazard; securely mount pictures, placing them away from people and valuable equipment. It is also very important to install window air conditioners and window fans properly; a falling unit of this type may cause serious injury or damage. Use care in the placement of wall-mounted telephones.
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Ceiling Hazards
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Objects on the office ceiling usually do not pose the worst hazards, but certainly have the potential to fall. Manufacturers have recalled some ceiling fans in the past because they could fall, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Maintenance workers should use care when replacing light bulbs, fans and other ceiling fixtures. Stable ladders of adequate height will limit the hazards involved in such work. The ceiling itself is not entirely immune to falling; the office building owner must adequately maintain the roof and keep it clear of heavy snow.
Other Objects
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Various other objects in the office also pose falling hazards. Watch out for box fans and radios on high surfaces, like tall filing cabinets. Objects in the office supply cabinet/closet can fall; employees should not stack such items too high or put them out of reach. A tall, heavy bookshelf falling forward also proves very dangerous. Short, stable bookcases have less potential to cause life-threatening injuries. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends attaching bookshelves to wall studs and installing barriers to prevent books from easily falling over the edge.
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References
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