General Office Safety

• Approved ergonomic equipment should be in good condition (such as chair, keyboard and keyboard tray, mouse and mouse pad, monitor arm, etc.).
• Frequently used desk items (binders, files, phone, stapler, etc.) should be easily accessible and within arm reach.
• Phones should sit on dominant hand side.
• Task lights should be on opposite side of dominant hand.

For additional information, visit the Ergonomics website.

• Electrical cords and plugs should be in good condition (not patched, spliced or taped).
• Outlets and power strips are to be used properly (not overloaded or daisy chained).
• Electrical cords must be neatly wrapped so as not to create a trip hazard.
• Overhead light fixture covers should be properly secured.
• Unauthorized electrically powered personal items should not be present, including the following:

• Remove any unauthorized materials stored inside cubicle (flammables, chemicals, etc.).
• Cubicle pathway must be clear and unobstructed (minimum 3 feet clearance)?
• Fire Extinguisher locations should be known & clearly identified.
• No open flame such as candles

• Area underneath work surface must be clear/unobstructed in the event of earthquake (enough space to drop & cover).
• Cubicle is to be organized and free of excess clutter (books, folders, papers, or other items).
• No fall hazards or unstable items should be present.
• Eliminate any possible slip and trip hazards.

• Knives and scissors should be properly stored when not in use.
• Chair casters are to be in good condition and roll properly.
• Illumination should be adequate for work area.
• File drawers are to be closed when not in use.

Generally, employees are allowed and encouraged to stay at home if they are not feeling well. 

In cases of flu-like or COVID illness (cough, and/or sore throat with fever of at least 100°), employees should remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever or signs of fever, without the use of medications. Get the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Wash hands often and/or use unscented hand sanitizer
• Keep your desk and public counters clean
  • Physically clean all surfaces regularly with unscented disinfecting cleaners, especially those we use most often (i.e. countertops, keyboards, mouse, phone, desktop, chair arms)
  • Note: Building cleaning staff do not clean desktops, counters, or office equipment
• Consider getting the appropriate vaccine/flu shot
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing (cough into your elbow)
• Use single-use tissues for wiping your nose and throw them away
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or using tissues
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Use social distancing in situations where the risk of infection is high
• Do not share cups, glasses, dishes or cutlery
• Do not store perishable food in your desk
• Keep your kitchen area clean

• File cabinets, book cases and shelves should be secured to stop from tipping over.
• Shelves are not overloaded with excess items.
• Ensure no items stored on top of shelves.
  • Items should not be within 24" of the ceilings or 
  • within 18" of a sprinkler head