Office Safety: Potential Hazards in Work Related Injuries and Illnesses

Many people work in office environments without recognizing the workplace health and safety hazards that may be present. These range from ergonomic conditions, mental health and drug/alcohol abuse to workplace violence, fires, and natural disaster response. Office workers also face exposure to falls, electrocutions and chemical hazards. OHS training may be limited for office and administrative personnel, and employers may believe they are exempt from OSHA regulations but, for the most part, OSHA rules for general industry as well as the General Duty Clause are applicable. This course will outline the most common hazards impacting office workers and will outline both compliance obligations and best practices to raise the bar on safety in a proactive manner.

Agenda

Overview of Office Safety

• Overview of Topic
• OSHA Exemptions for Office Workplaces
• Reporting Requirements for Small Employers

Main Office Hazards

• Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards
• Material Storage and Handling
• Fire Hazards and Safe Access/Egress
• Electrical Hazards
• Indoor Air Quality Issues

Unique Hazards to Office Environments

• Ergonomic Hazards
• Workplace Violence
• Chemical Hazards and Hazcom
• Response to Natural Disasters

Mental Health and the Office Workplace

• Employer’s Responsibilities
• EAP Services and Grief Counseling
• Suicide Prevention and Addressing Drugs/Alcohol Abuse

Solutions for a Safe Office Space

• Best Practices for OSHA Compliance
• Going Beyond Compliance to Best Practices

*This program does NOT qualify, nor meet the National Standard for NASBA accreditation.