Office
Overview
A significant number of minor accidents and incidents occur in office areas, even though this environment is usually considered to be relatively safe. Incorrect computer workstation set-up can also lead to strain injuries. Many of the potential hazards in office areas can easily be eliminated or controlled by adopting sensible work practices, such as the University's procedures detailed below.
Systems, tools and procedures
Use the EHS Risk and Safety Checklist
Conducting an inspection of all offices and other general work areas at least annually is a mandatory feature of recent faculty/unit EHS Plans. The EHS Risk and Safety Checklist is a useful resource for accomplishing this task, as it aids hazard identification, and also suggests a course of action to address most of the hazards you may find.
The EHS Plan for your Faculty or Unit lists the staff member/s allocated the responsibility for helping to co-ordinate and conduct this annual inspection.
Computer workstation setup sessions
Sessions on computer workstation setup are run by the EHS Branch on request for small staff groups (i.e. from 6-10 people). These sessions include a demonstration on how to set up your computer workstation, and the use of monitor stands and footstools for comfort and safety. The sessions give a practical demonstration of the principles illustrated in computer workstation setup. Staff who are experiencing pain or discomfort as they work at their workstation should contact EHS for an individual workstation assessment.
Contact the EHS Branch about organising a workstation ergonomic session for your office work group.
Related hazard guidelines
Listed below are links to pages within this website that describe in detail how to manage specific hazards in an office environment.
- Air quality and temperature
- Workstation setup
- Laptop and notebook computers
- Cash handling
- Electrical safety
- Manual handling
External resources
- Virtual Office - Comcare
- Use Comcare's Virtual Office to check safety in your area. Comcare administers the Commonwealth workers' compensation scheme.
- Workplace Layout and Design Factsheet
- Australian Safety and Compensation Council (formerly the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission)
- Overuse Injuries
- Australian Safety and Compensation Council (formerly the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission)
- National Code of Practice for Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome
- (PDF document, 637 Kb)
- NOHSC: 2013 (1994)
- Australian Safety and Compensation Council (formerly the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission)
- Guidance Note For The Prevention Of Occupational Overuse Syndrome In Keyboard Employment
- (PDF document, 1.95 Mb)
- NOHSC: 3005 (1996)
- Australian Safety and Compensation Council (formerly the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission)