School/Professional Support Area: Location: (Site/ Building/ Room) Assessment Date: Review Date: Assessors Name: Job Title: Task: Risk assessment for the activities associated with work in an office environment. What are the hazards? (See list of sample hazards) Who might be harmed? (e.g. Staff, students, visitors) What are the risks Are the following control measures in place to eliminate or reduce the risks? Yes/ No Corrective actions required Risk Evaluation Risk Rating (1 – 5) (1 – 5) Overall risk (C x L) Low, Medium or High Slips, trips and falls Could suffer injury e.g. sprains and fractures if they trip and fall as a result of: Obstructions, trailing cables, spillages, worn or raised floor coverings etc on walkways. Poor office layout and storage arrangements resulting in insufficient circulation space. Work areas should be kept clear of obstructions. Any spillages should be cleaned up immediately. All areas should be well lit, especially stairs. Any hazards such as torn carpets, trailing cables, defects to floor coverings, faulty lighting etc. should be reported immediately to the line manager or local person responsible for safety. Manual Handling* Could suffer from back pain and work related upper body disorder (WRULD) due to: Using incorrect handling techniques when handling office items (deliveries, boxes, filing etc). A risk assessment must be completed for lifting heavy and bulky loads that present a risk of injury e.g. stretching, stooping, twisting). A trolley should be used to transport boxes of paper or other heavy items. Using low shelves for storing
Poor workstation layout and insufficient working space resulting in poor posture. Individuals with health conditions, previous back injuries etc affecting ability to safely handle items New and expectant mothers may be more susceptible to injury. heavy items and only using high shelves for light items only. Training in lifting techniques should be provided for anyone who undertakes lifting of heavy loads. Computer workstation use* WRULD could develop as a result of Inappropriate layout or lack of awareness resulting in poor posture being adopted when using Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Working for prolonged periods without change of posture or sufficient break. Where desktops, laptops and notebooks are used as a significant part of day-to-day work, a Display Screen Equipment assessment must be carried out. Work should be planned to include regular breaks from the computer. Training on general office or specialist applications may be required for software proficiency Electrical safety Could suffer electrical shock or burns if using Damaged portable electrical appliances, their cables, plugs e.g. lamps, fans, photocopier, All portable electrical equipment must be tested for electrical safety at correct intervals and labelled with the date of the test. Electrical cables and plugs should be regularly visually inspected by the user for
extension leads, PC etc. damage. Any defective equipment should be reported immediately to the responsible person e.g. line manager or estates, then suitably labelled and taken out of use until the repair has been carried out. Electrical equipment must always be operated in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Fire Could suffer from smoke inhalation or burns if trapped in office. Combustible materials coming into contact with or in close proximity to heat sources. Portable heaters in unsafe condition and/or inappropriately located. Over accumulation of rubbish. Over loading of electrical sockets. Inappropriate action in the event of discovering a fire or hearing the fire alarm. The storage of empty cardboard boxes should be kept to an absolute minimum. Equipment should be switched off when not in use for long periods. All portable electrical equipment must be tested for electrical safety at appropriate intervals. The fire alarm system is installed, maintained and tested. Fire risk assessments for each building should be carried out periodically. Everyone must be acquainted with the Emergency evacuation procedure for their area. Area Fire Marshals and