Department of Defense Voluntary Protection Programs Center of Excellence Development, Validation, Implementation and Enhancement for a Voluntary Protection Programs Center of Excellence (VPP CX) Capability for the Department of Defense Department of Defense Voluntary Protection Programs Center of Excellence Common Office Hazards

Working toward VPP requires the participation of everyone One way to be proactive in VPP is to identify S&H hazards before they present a problem View the following slides to see some of the most common office hazards Make sure to promptly report any of these issues if you see them in your work area Our goal is to create the safest and healthiest work environment as possible

Have You Seen This? Loose carpet squares can result in trips and falls.

Have You Seen This? Oil can be dangerous if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be available and read prior to use. A shredder should also have a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to inform the users of the hazards of using the shredder and how to protect themselves.

Have You Seen This? An unknown material on vents may signify that something is wrong or just mean that the vents need cleaned.

Have You Seen This? Clutter can fall over, contribute to a fire, and just looks unprofessional.

Have You Seen This? Leaving cabinet drawers open after use can pose a tripping hazard and/or injure someone that walks into it.

Have You Seen This? Storage, such as boxes, should be kept at least 18” below sprinkler heads. Blocking the sprinkler heads will make them ineffective during a fire.

Have You Seen This? Paper cutters left open can cause cuts. Make sure they are closed and clamped when finished with them.

Have You Seen This? Storage in aisles and hallways can block exits and fire equipment (fire extinguishers, fire pull alarm boxes). How would you get out quickly during a fire or grab that needed fire extinguisher?

Have You Seen This? Cords draped across the floor present a tripping hazard.

Have You Seen This? Power strips are only approved to supply power to the number of outlets on the strip. When multiple strips are joined together, the power strip must also supply power to the other items plugged in. This can lead to an electric overload and cause a fire or trip the breaker. Daisy chains occur when power strips are plugged into extension cords or when power strips are plugged into other power strips.

Have You Seen This? What can you find wrong here?

Have You Seen This? 1. Cords running across an office can be a tripping hazard. 2. Boxes should not be stored on top of cabinets. 3. Ensure space heaters are approved for use before bringing them into the office. If they are permitted, never leave them on and unattended. 4. Boxes should not be placed where they block the path toward an exit. 5. Never leave file cabinets open. 6. Paper cutters should be closed when not in use. 7. Don’t leave food out on the desk. It can cause rodents to lurk around the area. 8. The computer workstation should be adjustable so it can be adjusted according to the user. 9. Do not overload outlets. 10. Do not keep hot plates in a cubicle. They can start a fire. 11. Try to keep a lid on all hot liquids.