Health & Safety in the Office

While you may perceive the hazards in your office to not be as high risk as other working environments, accidents and incidents can still happen!

In this newsletter, we look at what are the top five issues and what can you do to create a safer workplace for both staff and visitors?

Common office injuries,

• Slips, trips and falls
• Improper use of display screen equipment (DSE)
• Manual handling
• Falls from height
• Electrical accidents

Despite the appearance of a seemingly innocuous nature of an office, overlooking office hazards can result in significant harm if not appropriately managed. You, as an employer, have the responsibility of identifying and reducing potential sources of harm, however, your staff also have a responsibility in understanding the risks and must comply with your control measures.

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls on the same level are the most common cause of major workplace injuries. According to the HSE they account for 40% of all non-fatal injuries. It estimates that 95% of these are serious incidents that result in broken bones, resulting in lost time of three days or more.

Preventive measures should focus on maintaining clear and clutter-free spaces, routine cleaning, highlighting changes in floor levels, timely repair of any damage and providing adequate handrails.

Managing Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Risks

Employees that work with DSE for extended periods require a well-organised workspace to avoid health issues like musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain and stress.

As an employer, you have a duty to conduct assessments of the workspace, provide suitable equipment, offer training on correct usage and encourage periodic breaks to mitigate the risks and prevent ill health that is associated with working with DSE for extended periods.

Manual Handling Risks

Tasks and activities that include lifting, carrying and moving loads manually can lead to sprains, strains and musculoskeletal injuries. To prevent them, employees should only handle loads they can safely manage, use any manual handling aids that have been provided and receive proper training on handling techniques.

There may be a perception that these hazards do not apply in an office environment, however, you must consider what could happen if heavy archive boxes are moved, heavy stationery deliveries are accepted, or the moving office furniture.

Preventing Falls from Height

Falls from height, even in an office environment, can result in severe injuries. Employers should ensure that employees have access to appropriate equipment, e.g. stepladders, provide training on working safely at raised levels and maintain stairwells with functional handrails to avoid falls.

Mitigating Electrical Accidents

Electrical accidents pose a serious threat in office environments, with just 50 volts capable of producing an electric shock. Preventive measures include maintaining electrical equipment, replacing faulty devices promptly, conducting regular equipment checks and educating employees on safe practices to prevent electrical accidents.

If you need any help or advice assessing your office environment, please Contact Spectra where one of our experienced Consultants will be happy to help.