Safety in the workplace - a dull topic, you think? While many of us think office work is safe, it comes with its own risks. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), for example, noted nearly 961,000 reported workplace accidents in 2022, including commuting accidents. Fortunately, the numbers have been declining in recent years. To ensure that this also holds true for the coming years, read below about the obligations companies have to ensure safety in everyday office life and what employees should look out for.

Corporate responsibility

Companies must ensure that the working environment is safe. This includes regular maintenance of electrical equipment and the provision of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. The best availability of material does not help without the knowledge of how to handle it correctly. Companies should therefore provide training on workplace safety. These trainings cover not only ergonomics and handling technological risks, but also measures to prevent bullying and harassment. The following point is at least as important: companies must implement strict data protection guidelines and train employees in cybersecurity. This not only increases employee awareness and helps prevent data breaches, but also protects the company's reputation.

Responsibility of employees

Many people spend the majority of their working day sitting at a desk. It is therefore important to ensure that the workplace is ergonomically designed. According to a 2019 study by the Techniker Krankenkasse health insurance fund, back pain led to an average of 17.1 days of absence per person affected. Employees should make sure that their work chair, desk and computer screen are adjusted to their individual needs in order to minimize back and neck pain. Support in making the right adjustments can also be obtained from specialist advisors.

According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2021, phishing attacks were the most common cause of data breaches in 2020. Employees need to be aware and careful with emails and file attachments. Comprehensive cyber awareness is essential and involves so much more than using strong passwords.

Where a lot of technology and a lot of people come together, the risk of fire also increases. Every year, there are thousands of office fires due to carelessness or technical errors. Make sure employees are aware of the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits and know what to do in an emergency.

Incorporate awareness training in onboarding

For many companies, occupational safety training is already an integral part of the onboarding process for new employees. In addition, these trainings and e-learnings are part of the course complex of the training department and are also refreshed at regular intervals by employees who have been employed for many years, helping to increase awareness of safety in everyday office life. Incidentally, companies are in a top position with digital training courses such as our "Occupational Safety in the Office" e-learning: Employees can receive up-to-date knowledge at any time and in any location.