A) Office safety
1. Hazards in offices might not be as obvious as those in high risk work environments, such as building sites and mines, but there are a range of factors with health and safety implications for office workers.
2. These include ergonomic issues (e.g. workstation set-up), sedentary and manual tasks, electrical and fire hazards, slip, trip and fall hazards, lighting, temperature, air-quality and risks associated with computer use (e.g. eye strain, poor posture, repetitive strain injury).
B) Ergonomics
1. As office-based work is one of the fastest growing forms of employment, it is important to recognise ergonomic issues that may affect the health, safety and well-being of people working in offices.
2. Ergonomics is the study of workplace equipment design or how to arrange and design devices, machines, or workspace so that people and things interact safely and efficiently.
3. Employers are increasingly aware of the importance of ergonomics in offices, particularly in relation to the use of computers and other screen-based equipment.
4. The potential for occupational overuse injuries is the main area of concern. Ergonomic considerations are vital to preventing such injuries.
5. A workstation will be ergonomically acceptable if the alignment of the computer screen, keyboard, person and chair are comfortable and convenient for the worker, requiring no twisting of the head or body.
6. The height of the screen, keyboard and chair are also important for good ergonomics and user comfort.
7. A footrest and document holder may be required, depending on the situation.
8. Lighting is also relevant, as glare or reflections on the screen may cause a worker to adopt awkward postures that can cause strain if maintained over a long period.
9. More detail on correct workstation ergonomics can be found in:
• Guidance on the principles of safe design for work;
• Ergonomic Principles and Checklists for the Selection of Office Furniture; and
• Equipment and National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work.
C) Sedentary work
1. Office works tends to involve prolonged periods of sitting, which can pose significant risks to workers’ health, for example:
• Premature death – people who sit for 11 hours or more a day are 40 per cent more likely to die within three years than those who sit for less than four hours.
• Heart disease – the risk of heart disease is increased by 50% even if the mainly sedentary person engages in regular exercise.
• Increased risk of type II diabetes.
• Physical injuries, eg strains and sprains – there is an increased risk of physical injuries if a worker maintains a static posture.
• Bowel cancer – the risk of colon cancer is doubled for people who sit for 11 hours or more a day.
• Frequent short breaks from sitting are recommended.
D) Housekeeping
1. Untidy offices with materials placed in boxes or piles on the floor create a trip hazard.
2. They could indicate that there is insufficient storage space, insufficient time for storing materials, or just poor management of the work area.
3. Poor housekeeping can also obstruct exits from the workplace, as well as leading to injury if a person is constantly moving around a cluttered work area.
E) Slips, trips and falls
1. Electric cables across passageways, mats, unexpected steps in poorly-lit areas, slippery surfaces (eg marble floors in foyers) and storage that requires workers to use step ladders or reach above shoulder height can all raise the risk of people slipping, tripping and falling.
2. Serious injuries can be sustained as a result, so the office should be checked for such hazards, and any risks of slips, trips and falls should be controlled.
F) Thermal comfort and air quality
1. A range of issues may need to be addressed, including temperature control, air-conditioning, air quality including ozone levels, and the risk of conditions such as Legionnaire’s disease and ‘sick building syndrome’.
G) Electrical safety
1. Electrical appliances, power boards and power cords should be checked and maintained in good conditions and without overloading, as needed.
MKR
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