Although accidents involving office personnel generally occur less frequently than mishaps to industrial workers, the resulting injuries can be just as painful and severe. Each year in the United State between 300 and 400 deaths occur in an office setting.

Office safety is everyone's responsibility. The following tips are from the Division of Safety & Hygiene of the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Falls are the most common office accident, accounting for the greatest number of disabling injuries. The disabling injury rate of falls among office workers is 2 to 2 1/2 times higher than the rate for non-office employees.

Walking, climbing ladders or stairs and even sitting in a chair - all of these activities can result in a fall. To prevent these accidents, keep floors clean, dry and free of refuse. Also, make sure they're in good repair.

Telephone and electrical cords should not be placed where you or your co-workers could trip over them.

Where collision hazards at blind corners exist, properly angled mirrors could be installed to eliminate this hazard. Special walkway or aisle problems may be handled by painting a center line on the floor to define the direction of pedestrian travel.

Replacement or repair of defective chairs will reduce the number of falls from chairs. Chairs should never be used as ladders.

Ladders should be equipped with non-slip material on the feet and treads; they should also be suited for the purpose intended and properly maintained. Braking attachments on rolling and trolley-type ladders must be checked to make sure they function properly.

Stairs are safer when equipped with anti-slip treads, approved handrails and adequate lighting.

If a filing cabinet is unbalanced, with heavier material in the top drawers, it could easily fall over when drawers are pulled out.

When closing drawers in desks or filing cabinets make sure your hands, with the fingers brought into the palm, are held against the drawer face to avoid caching your fingers. Always use the handle when opening or closing the spring-loaded shelf on a computer desk; these shelves may open and close rapidly and present a definite hazard.

Strains from overexertion often disable employees. These injuries usually occur when employees move heavy or awkward loads. By avoiding sudden movements and getting help for heavy tasks, you can avoid a serious strain or back injury.

Numerous fires causing loss of life and property have been the result of neglecting some simple fire prevention rules. You should be familiar with fire escapes, fire alarm systems and firefighting equipment.

Through a program of scheduled inspections, unsafe office conditions can be recognized and corrected before they lead to serious injuries. Take a few moments each day to walk through your work area. You will be surprised how many unsafe conditions might exist. Remember - it is up to all of us to create a safe office environment!