• Electrical cords and computer cables should be properly contained.Power Cords image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com
  
  An office seems like a safe place to work and for the most part, it is. However, if you're in an office, you still need to take safety precautions to avoid accidents and have the necessary equipment to handle accidents should they happen.
  
  

Cord Protectors

• Office workers are twice as likely to injure themselves in a fall than people who do not work in offices. A number of those falls can be contributed to the cords and cables that abound in offices. Even the most basic office setup has at least five cords to contend with, including a phone, computer, printer, coffeemaker and a lamp. Because of the hazard cords present, it is imperative to keep them controlled and out of the way of traffic. If they do need to cross an aisle, use a cord protector. This rigid, tube features a split down the side so it's easy to add more cords to the bundle should the need arise.
  
  The number of electrical wires in most offices presents another safety hazard: Fire. Always use surge protectors, and never overload your electrical outlets.
  
  

Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

• Two devices that are necessary in every workplace are smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Smoke alarms can alert you before a situation gets dire, and fire extinguishers give you an opportunity to put out small fires before they get out of hand.
  
  

Furniture Anchors

• Bookcases and file cabinets are wonderfully efficient uses of space in an office. And for safety reasons, they are critical for holding copier machine toner and printer ink (these need to be stored away from any potential fire starter.) But because workers often fill these furniture workhorses to capacity, the bookcases and file cabinets can present a safety hazard. Leaving heavy file drawers open can cause the furniture to topple, injuring you or a coworker. The same thing can happen with bookcases. Furniture anchors allow you to bolt your heavy furniture to the wall, eliminating the danger of someone being hit by or pinned underneath a massive piece of furniture.
  
  

Stairway Handrails

• Handrails and tread on staircases can lower the chance of someone tripping or falling on the stairs.Stairway to image by Carol Wingert from Fotolia.com
  
  Another device that can aid in preventing office mishaps is a handrail for the staircases. In fact, most office complexes mandate that staircases include handrails to offer assistance to climbers. Adding tread to the steps can also prevent slips and falls. And ramps provide accessibility to the handicapped.
  
  

First Aid Supplies

• All workplaces should keep a stocked first aid kit handy in case an accident does occur. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that a workplace first aid kit include:
  
  At least one absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)
  
  At least 16 adhesive bandages, 1 in. by 3 in. (2.5 cm by 7.5 cm)
  
  One roll of adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total
  
  At least 10 packets of antiseptic, 0.5 g (0.14 fl oz.) applications
  
  At least six applications of burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz.)
  
  Two or more pairs of medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)
  
  At least four sterile pads, 3 in. by 3 in. (7.5 cm by 7.5 cm)
  
  One triangular bandage, 40 in. by 40 in. by 56 in. (101 cm by 101 cm by 142 cm)
  
  Additional items may include:
  
  Four 2-by-2 inch bandage compresses
  
  Two 3-by-3 inch bandage compresses
  
  One 4-by-4 inch bandage compresses
  
  One eye patch
  
  One ounce of eye wash
  
  One chemical cold pack, 4 in. by 5 in.
  
  Two roller bandages, 2 inches wide
  
  One roller bandage, 3 inches wide
  
  CPR barrier device, or defibrillator