Storage rooms can contain many types of storage solutions. Filing cabinets may be one of those options. Older filing cabinets can be unstable when on uneven ground and drawers can self-open due to the weight contained in the drawers.
Tips
- Only open one drawer at a time.
- Lock cabinets after use.
- Don’t overload the cabinet.
Potential harm
- Crushing injuries
- Getting hit by an object
Identified hazards and controls
Hit by open cabinet door
Cause
- Cabinet doors being left open.
What workers can do
- Close cabinet doors after retrieving or adding your item.
- Check that the drawer is properly closed and doesn’t work its way open.
- Lock the cabinet after use to prevent drawers self-opening.
What employers can do
- Purchase cabinets that only allow one drawer to be open at a time.
- Consider if filing cabinets are the right type of storage for your needs.
Crush injury
Cause
- Filing cabinet tipping over.
What workers can do
- Don’t overload cabinets.
- Don’t open all the drawers at once, only open one at a time.
- Don’t use cabinet drawers as stairs to reach higher items.
What employers can do
- Purchase cabinets that only allow one drawer to be open at a time.
- Consider if cabinets need to be fixed to the wall to prevent tipping.
More information
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Refer part 3.2 General Workplace Management and part 4.2 Hazardous Manual Tasks.
Codes
Page last reviewed: 04 May 2021