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
Short instructional videos are available online demonstrating comfortable workstation setup and gentle office stretching exercises.
"EHS Essentials" sessions on computer workstation setup are run by the Safety & Wellbeing Branch each month. In addition, group sessions (i.e. 10 people) can be offered at time of relocation, fitout or refurbishment upon request. These sessions include a demonstration on how to set up your computer workstation to meet individual requirements. These sessions give a practical demonstration of the principles illustrated in the above video and in the computer workstation setup page. Staff who are experiencing work-related pain or discomfort should contact Safety & Wellbeing for assessment.
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
- Computer workstation setup
- 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)