March 18 to 24 is the 50th anniversary of Poison Prevention Week, which makes it a good time to realize that today’s modern offices have more poison dangers than you may be aware of. In fact, it’s just that lack of knowledge about office chemicals that could put your workers at risk.
Remind your workers that office chemical hazards may seem minor until they consider that if a gallon jug of ammonia cleaning solution were spilled in their office it would probably make everyone run from the office coughing. And if their office is part of a manufacturing facility, there may be chemicals in the manufacturing environment that could spill and impact their office.
So train your workers not to take these materials for granted:
- Copy machine toner
- Printer ink
- Glue
- Whiteout
- Cleaning supplies
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In addition, give your workers these general guidelines to prevent poisonings in any workplace environment:
- Read chemical labels and follow the manufacturers’ instructions to use and store these items safely.
- Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
- Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, to protect yourself.
- Post the national Poison Help line—1-800-222-1222—near the workplace First Aid Kit so that if you or a co-worker has been exposed to poisonous substances, you can call that number immediately. Of course, you can call 9-1-1 for any emergency, but if the problem is poison, the best number to call is the Poison Help line. Healthcare experts will answer the phone and be able to answer your immediate questions and connect you to local poison help right away.
- Encourage employees to read through the FAQs at the Poison Help website so that they are prepared to handle poisonings wherever they may occur: http://www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/faqs/index.html.
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Why It Matters
- More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year in the United States.
- Poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.
- Poisonings are almost 100% preventable.