Safe Work: every job, every day, every office
Business Monitor has completed a large number of iSafety office assessments over the past two years, and the summary of our key discoveries is the basis for our focus on office workspaces during Safe Work month, as it is the often-neglected space when it comes to WHS discussions.
Let’s take a high-level walk through and see how many areas you have checked lately? How many rate a mention in your Risk Register? Are you qualified to assess these risks or do you need assistance?
Ergonomics
Poor workstation setup can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Ensuring that chairs, desks, and computer screens are at the correct height and position can help prevent issues like back pain, neck strain, and repetitive strain injuries.
Manual Handling
Even in an office, manual handling tasks such as lifting boxes of paper, moving office furniture, or handling deliveries can pose risks. Proper training and equipment can help mitigate these risks.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Cluttered walkways, loose cables, and wet floors can cause slips, trips, and falls. Good housekeeping practices and proper maintenance can reduce these hazards.
Stairwells, Lifts, Carparks
Are the stairs well lit, steps even, rails available and the exit doors easily opened?
Are lifts clean, well-lit and have security cameras for personal safety?
Does the emergency phone work? Has it been tested?
Is the underground carpark safe to work across, no risks, enough light etc.
Electrical Safety
Faulty electrical equipment or overloaded power points/boards can pose fire risks. Regular testing and tagging of electrical equipment, as well as ensuring that power points are not overloaded, are important safety measures.
Fire Safety and Emergencies
Offices should have clear evacuation plans, accessible fire exits, and regularly maintained fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, smoke alarms and fire blankets. Fire Wardens should be considered and trained.
Emergency Numbers and Plans:
Are these clearly displayed and reviewed regularly?
Stress and Mental Health
High workloads, tight deadlines, and poor work-life balance can contribute to stress and mental health issues. Providing support resources and promoting a healthy work environment can help manage these risks.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Maintaining a clean office environment, especially in shared spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, is important for preventing the spread of illnesses.
Ensure disinfectant bottles and masks are available.
Storage of Food, Cleaning Products etc
Awareness of what triggers various breathing and anaphylactic reactions is essential in an office environment.
Under the sink and cupboards are often hidden hazards and risks that need correction.
First Aid Kits and First Aid Officers
First Aid kits need to be correctly stocked; easily accessible and First Aid Officer requirements should be managed correctly.
First Aid Training:
Train and identify First Aid Officers and ensure that contact details for medical support are displayed. Also consider Mental Health First Aiders.
Office and Safety Inductions:
Ensure that new starters receive a comprehensive safety induction, including a walk around the office and desk setup.
Maintain Regular Communication and Training
Regularly discuss safety in team and individual meetings, and ensure that communication is recorded and actions, if needed are followed up.
Emergency Plans:
Develop and regularly test emergency plans for various scenarios, including fire, bomb threats, and medical emergencies and have these accessible to everyone.
Consider an iSafety Risk Assessment in your office as a wise investment during Safety at Work month – it can be done via Teams or on –site and let Business Monitor assist you to affirm you are committed to Safe work: every day, every job, our office.