This document outlines various hazards found in office environments related to working with computers, the general working environment, office equipment, moving and handling items, communication and interactions, storage and filing, and compactus units. Key hazards include poor posture, glare, repetitive movements, electrical hazards, sharp edges, hot surfaces, lifting heavy items, aggression, overloading shelves, and storing heavy items at high levels. The document provides recommendations to address these hazards such as adjustable workstations, training, following procedures, and using manual handling aids.

1. Hazard in the office
Working With Computers
 Poor posture
 Excessive duration in a seated position
 Incorrect setup of workstation
 Glare
 Repetitive movements
 Adjustable chairs, desks and ergonomic accessories such as document holders are available for staff
to use
 Individual staff are responsible for taking breaks and doing stretches
 Staff are advised to report any symptoms ASAP

2. Working Environment
 Electrical
 Poor Housekeeping
 Equipment Hazards/ Sharp edges/ Hot surfaces
 Trailing Cables
 Staff unaware of emergency procedures
 Poor ventilation
 Temperature variations
 Poor lighting
 Never use double adapters
 Report any damaged power cords or power points
 Minimise the use of power boards and extension cables and ensure they are not across walkways. Do
not attach numerous extension cords or power boards together. Ask for more powerpoints to be
installed.
 Ensure that floors, walkways, stairs and storage areas are free from obstructions
 Check that emergency exits are not blocked
 There should be a minimum clearance of 0.9m along walkways to allow for a safe passage in an
emergency (As per the building code )
 Ensure that all floor surfaces are properly maintained and, if required, covered with non-slip material
 Provide adequate lighting in all areas
 Use step stools or step ladders to reach items above shoulder level, Not chairs or tables
 Stabilise filing cabinets and bookcases to prevent their falling over
 Do not stack files or equipment on top of high cupboards or cabinets
 Regularly maintain all equipment to the manufacturers specification
 Do not overload bookshelves and store heavy items at a low levels
 Provide fans and heaters to employees if the area is not air-conditioned
 Wear Suitable clothing for the weather conditions. Light clothing on hot days and warmer clothing
for cold days
 Ensure employees are aware of the emergency procedures for their area
 Ensure employees receive appropriate training for the tasks they perform

3. Office equipment
 Poor ventilation in photcopying areas
 Poor Housekeepng
 Incorrect height of workbenches
 Equipment hazards :- Sharp egdes, moving parts, Heat, Pinch points
 Inks and toners
 Obtain safety data sheets for inks and toners
 Ensure the areas is kept clean and tidy and that cables are kept clear of walkways
 Workbenches should be at waist level
 Employees must be trained in the operation of equipment
 Do not operate equipment such as shredders and laminators with loose clothing or jewellery. People
with long hair must tie it back.
Moving and Handling Items

4.  Lifting heavy items
 Repetitive lifting
 Using incorrect techniques
 UNSW Hazardous Manual task procedure provided for all staff
 Manual Handling Training for all staff
 Rest breaks, exercise, and task rotation
 Manual handling aids provided e.g. Trolleys
 Early intervention when identified
Communication and Interactions with Staff and Clients

5.  Physical /emotional intimidation
 Aggression towards staff members
 Consultation with staff
 Equity unit advice
Storage and filing
 Overloading shelves

6.  Storing heavy items at high levels
 Repetitive actions
 Reaching overhead
 Moving shelves on compactus
 Large or heavy items should be stored at waist level
 Frequently handled items should be placed within easy reach. .
 Smaller, lightweight and infrequently handled items may be stored in the lower or higher areas of a
storage system.
 It should be easy to place items into the storage unit and take them out.
 Do not climb shelves
 Always use a step stool or ladder to reach items from higher shelves
 Do not overload shelves
 Take regular breaks if performing repetitive actions
Compactus
 Do not overload shelves
 Check that aisles are clear when moving compactus shelves
 Only move one bay a time
 Keep tracks clear of debris
 Never place objects on top of the unit
 Always place heavy objects on the lower shelves
 Ensure objects do not overhang shelves as this will prevent bays from closing