• What does an office worker do?
• What are some health and safety issues for office workers?
• What are some preventive measures for office workers?
• What are some good general safe work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What does an office worker do?

Office staff may type or file documents, correspondence, reports, statements and other material. Their workstation usually has a computer/VDT and telephone, among other equipment.

The main duties of an office worker include:

• Answer telephone or personal enquiries.
• Photocopy and collate documents.
• Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing and database systems
• Open, sort and route incoming mail and courier packages.
• Process reports, applications, receipts, expenditures and other documents, using a computer.

What are some health and safety issues for office workers?

Although office environments don't usually present the same physical hazards as some of the more safety-critical industries, there are other hazards to be aware of:

• Perfumes and other scents (potential allergens)
• In some cases, exposure to cleaning products
• Indoor air quality
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Working in from awkward positions, or performing repetitive manual tasks
• Lifting awkward or heavy objects
• Eye strain
• Working in uncomfortable temperatures
• Annoying or distracting noise and vibration from electronic equipment
• Slips, trips and falls
• Risk of violence
• Working alone
• Stress

What are some preventive measures for office workers?

• Learn about how to avoid musculoskeletal pain or injury from repetitive or physicallyawkward tasks. Take breaks as needed.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Keep all work areas clear of clutter.

What are some good general safe work practices?

• Follow company safety rules.
• Learn about chemical safety, WHMIS and MSDSs
• Know how to report a hazard
• Practice safe lifting
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

Want more information?

Document last updated on September 23, 2004

Copyright ©1997-2013 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety