Office – General Fact Sheet

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/laptop/keyboard 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?

Office environments present a number of hazards, including:

• Perfumes and other scents (potential allergens).
• In some cases, exposure to cleaning products.
• Indoor air quality or exposure to toxic substances.
• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Working in from awkward positions, or performing repetitive manual tasks.
• Lifting awkward or heavy objects.
• Eye strain.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from excessive computer use or improper ergonomic situations.
• Improperly adjusted chairs.
• Working in uncomfortable temperatures.
• Annoying or distracting noise and vibration from electronic equipment.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Injuries from falling files or other objects
• Cuts from office tools such as scissors, mail openers, etc.
• Risk of violence.
• Working alone.
• Stress.
• Bullying.

What are some preventive measures for office workers?

• Learn about how to avoid musculoskeletal pain or injury from repetitive or physically awkward tasks. Take breaks as needed.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Keep all work areas clear of clutter.
• Set-up your workstation ergonomically. Have a competent person assess your workstation for ergonomic issues.
• Know how to relax strained body parts by doing correct stretching exercises.
• Know emergency evacuation plan and procedures.
• Know personal or individual risk factors.

What are some good general safe work practices?

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

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