hahahah, I had a few close calls myself. We have determined now, that instead of rolling backward of sideways etc. We will just twirl around in the chair and then get up and go do what we're after and it works better. Just turn around in the chair in the direction you want to go and get up, it's safer.
In my sewing area, I have a table behind me and then the machine is it's cabinet in front of me, there is not much space, just a little is all I need really as I am sewing all the time, and Teddy is under the table. I just have enough space to turn and get what I need on the table behind me and I don't roll anywhere, I turn and get up.