Basically a hazard is something that could potentially be a source of danger, like a cable left unsecured on the floor. A risk is a situation involving an exposure to danger, in this case if the cable was in someone's path and they walked over it.
For the majority of people in the Creative Media sector, computers are the main tool used in the workplace. This can pose a risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) due to using mice and keyboards, and of eye damage due to looking at a screen for much of the day. Posture can also suffer in this situation, and this can lead to damage to employees' backs and necks.
Because of this, regular breaks for all employees are encouraged to rest eyes, and chairs that encourage good posture and wrist support aids are often made available to minimise the risk of RSI.
Electricity (as I've been unfortunate enough to find out on a number of occasions) can hurt. The risk of electric shocks and plugs sparking is omnipresent in this job, so all sockets and appliances are regularly PAT tested by professionals. Any electrical item found to not be working properly is labelled and employees are told of the hazard.
It's sometimes necessary for larger objects to be moved around the office, and this can pose a risk to the wellbeing of employees if they have not been briefed in the correct way to lift and carry such things. If this briefing isn't carried out, people may be liable to injure or strain themselves, most seriously their backs.
Due to the number of hard drives and power sockets in use by each computer in the work environment, cables sometimes have to run from the wall to various work stations.
To minimise the tripping hazard posed to people in the office, all loose cables must be taped down securely, preferably with bright, strong tape so that people are made aware of them.
Where electricity is involved, there is always a risk of fire, especially if people are drinking at their desks, as spillage could cause a plug to spark. Papers and files stored around the office could potentially catch light easily, so any fluids should be kept as far away from power sources as possible, and fire extinguishers suitable for electricity and wood, paper and textile fires should be made readily available.
The office environment itself is key in ensuring the health and safety of employees in the Creative Media sector - if a working space is cramped, dim or messy, people are likely to be less productive than if it is spacious, well-lit and tidy. An undesirable workspace is also of detriment to morale, and if there is tension or stress within the office it is likely to be heightened by uncomfortable employees. Keep it clean and smiley!
(:
No comments:
Post a Comment