Office environment hazards

Employees may suffer from aches and pains as a result of poor posture, workstation arrangement or prolonged use. This can become persistent or occasionally disabling. Eye discomfort or headache may also be caused by poor lighting or screen image, or prolonged use.

• Guidance on working with computers (.pdf).
• Using DSE safelyUsing DSE safelyUsing DSE safely

Employees could suffer from work-related stress as a result of work pressure, lack of job control, inadequate support or concerns relating to their role, relationships or change. Prolonged stress can lead to temporary physical and mental health effects. If not addressed, staff may develop significant mental or physical health problems.

• Advice on stress at work

Repetitive or prolonged periods of lifting, stretching and reaching may lead to back pain or other manual handling related injuries. Lifting of heavy or unbalanced loads incorrectly may also cause these injuries which can become persistent or occasionally disabling.

• Guidance on safe manual handling (.pdf).
• Lifting and carrying at work.

Injuries to employees or visitors may be caused by slip and trip hazards such as spillages, trailing cables, uneven flooring, loose carpet - occasionally leading to serious injury. Employees may also fall when retrieving items stored at height, potentially resulting in serious injury.

• Report slip and trip hazards promptly.
• Guidance on the safe use of stepladders
• Step Too Far: Preventing falls from heights in offices and similar locations (.pdf)

Failure to evacuate safely could lead to employees and visitors suffering from smoke inhalation or burns if trapped in office and can potentially be fatal. People with limited mobility may have difficulty evacuating.

• Fire safety at the University

If you have a permanent or temporary disability you will need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

The use of unsafe electrical equipment can lead to electrical shocks or fire. Burns and cuts can also occur from incorrect use of office work equipment (eg laminators). Some electrical equipment is prohibited from offices because of the high risk of fire.

• Use and safety of electrical equipment at work, including information on prohibited and dangerous electrical equipment.
• Electrical equipment: simple visual checks (.pdf).
• Electrical safety advice for students.
• Portable appliance testing
• Work equipment safety: includes guidance on inspection of stepladders, kickstools and trolleys

Personally owned equipment

Personally owned equipment used for work will need to be authorised by your head of department or line manager, as it is legally considered to be work equipment. The equipment will also need to be included in portable appliance testing. This excludes mobile/smart phones or tablet computers with charging equipment that has a transformer or USB port as part of the plug.

Employees may feel too hot/cold leading to general discomfort and low productivity.

• Guidance on indoor temperature