Essential Workplace Safety Equipment Your Office Needs to Have
Workplace safety is an essential part of creating a healthy, respectful and inclusive workplace, but it’s not something every office or workplace prioritizes.
While it might seem that the pandemic has made everyone, and workplaces especially, more conscious of safety issues, many businesses, offices and work sites are lacking basic safety equipment. Even if they do have the equipment, often there is a lack of adequate training to use it.
Depending on the workplace, many people have a hard time believing there will ever be an emergency at work that will require the skills learned in safety training and evacuation drills. Additionally, many people avoid thinking about bad things happening at all, making it difficult to plan for them properly.
But preparedness is key in the event that something does go wrong. Having the proper tools to handle any accidents or emergencies is essential, as is making sure everyone is included in preparing for these events.
Below, we go over the workplace safety equipment every office and workplace should have.
Evacuation Chair
Many workplaces have stairs, whether it’s a high-rise office building or a small shop with an office upstairs. In the event an evacuation is necessary, elevators are often shut down to avoid possible malfunctions, leaving the stairs as the only solution to evacuate.
Some people with disabilities or reduced mobility cannot safely use stairs. This is why having a stair climbing chair is essential in any workplace where there is even a single flight of stairs. These chairs provide a way for people who can’t safely take the stairs a way to safely evacuate.
Even if you think you don’t have anyone in your workplace who has a disability or mobility issues, think again. Some people choose not to disclose these. Plus, even if there isn’t anyone in your workplace who has difficulties with stairs now, it doesn’t mean there won’t be in the future.
Evacuation chairs are effective for people with disabilities and mobility issues, but also seniors, pregnant people, people with temporary injuries and more. Additionally, if your workplace ever has visitors – salespeople, clients, visitors from other branches, etc., you should ensure your office is prepared.
First Aid Supplies
It’s obvious but essential. A well-stocked first aid kit has many uses and benefits. Depending on your workplace, your list of supplies may differ, but there are some items that every business should have:
- Band-Aids in different sizes and shapes
- Compression bandages
- Antiseptic/Antibacterial cream
- Gauze
- Burn ointment
- CPR breathing barrier,
- Disposable thermometers
- Scissors and tweezers
- Splints
- Tape
- Pain relievers
- Butterfly bandages
- Instant cold packs and heating pads
- Disposable gloves
Make sure your workplace has these items and anything else specific to your work environment, and regularly check and restock it.
Fire Extinguisher
Most businesses and offices will have a fire extinguisher, but it’s important to make sure there is one on every single floor, that they are accessible and visible and that employees know where they are located.
It’s also important to understand that not all fire extinguishers are the same. You should make sure the fire extinguishers your workplace has are the right type for your environment.
Keep your workplace safe and inclusive with the essential workplace safety equipment to keep everyone safe.
