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Office Manual Handling

It is probably fair to say that compared with a Chemical Plant, Metal Finishing Company or Tree Surgery, Offices are normally relatively safe places to work!

What we must remember is that they can become more dangerous under unusual circumstances. From time to time though we have tasks that are far from routine, which introduces hazards that the average office is not well-equipped to properly assess and deal with.

The example we are examining is that of the Office move around, where furniture like everything else is likely to be adjusted or lifted and moved completely.

So when do we have to address this issue? Normally we only consider the risks of normal activities, such as Computer Use or Fire. So at most, the office management has considered the heaviest item that is normally moved – often a box of paper.

When it comes to furniture moving for redecorating, replacement furniture or a simple office move around, we have not assessed the hazards and the possible injuries that may occur. As a result, a move is not normally assessed at all and so injuries result. Some are simple splinters in fingers, whilst others are more serious, blows to the head, concussion or fractures.

So how do we prevent the injuries? Always consider ‘unusual activities’ as those that need some extra thought. Now of course a Health & Safety Consultant will suggest that you document a Risk Assessment. Whatever you call it, consider the potential hazards and how best to minimise the chances of injuries.

Maybe, buy some High Grip Gloves for those who will be picking up items of furniture, since smooth surfaces on a desk or a filing cabinet can be difficult to grip with bare hands.

Ensure that only those involved in moving items are in the space at the time. This may mean planning for other members of staff to be located elsewhere during the day of the move and so some negotiating with other offices.

So in conclusion, make a plan and communicate it. Accept that there may be suggestions from other staff and that they may be better than your original plan! Be open to these suggestions and you will get both co-operation of the staff and there commitment to making it work.

Article Source: http://www.dummiesguideto.com

Health & Safety Nationwide provides Health and Safety Consultancy for most UK businesses. Reviews and Audits or current Policy, Risk Assessments along with completion of DSE Assessments, Fire Risk Assessment, General Risk Assessment and Manual Handling concerns. www.health-and-safety-nationwide.co.uk

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