Offices are typically lower-risk environments, but employers will still need to manage the risks to protect workers and visitors.
Main office risks you will need to manage
- While recognising that office environments are normally low risk, employers will need to undertake an office risk assessment, identifying and focussing on the most significant risks:
- Workplace risks (slips, trips and falls)
- Equipment (electrical safety)
- Workstations and ergonomics (display screen equipment, computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones)
- Moving and handling
- Hazardous substances (cleaning products, room odorisers, toners and legionella)
Ventilation [904kb] (natural, forced, air conditioning units) - this is particularly important in the context of COVID-19 precautions
- Work-related stress
- Workplace temperature
- This list is not exhaustive.
Office risk assessment (free online tool)
- The Health and Safety Executive's Office risk assessment online tool provides a good starting point to assess the risks associated with your office environment.
