Office Safety and Working from Home

There have been many changes over the past few years in both Health and Safety and Industrial Relations relating to working conditions, part-time, shared and full-time positions, working hours and what constitutes the workplace office.

Specifically we are looking at maintaining safety in the workplace and in particular “Office Safety and Working from Home”.

What was the traditional 9 to 5 work day has [generally] been replaced due to longer trading hours, 7 days a week trading, extended commuting time, internet access and wireless connection to our customers, work colleagues and offices.

Good or bad we have the ability to be contacted anytime, anywhere and to also contact others 24/7.

So the modern workplace is mobile, varied in location or may be the car or van, shop counter, study at home and even the cafe table.

How do you as a “Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking” ensure safety in the workplace? As Workers Compensation arrangements apply to all injuries arising out of or in the course of employment, whether the injury occurred while the person was working from home or at the company’s registered office.

Notwithstanding the obligations placed upon organisations, employees whilst working from home will be required to abide by laws and regulations by complying with Company policies and procedures, relevant Awards or Agreements and Acts and instructions as promulgated by governments and/or regulatory bodies

A large percentage of workplace accidents and injuries occur in offices, shops and retail outlets and while travelling. Like the workshop or laboratory, these workplaces require a few preventive measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Common causes of office accidents include the following:

•    Slipping, tripping, and falling hazards
•    Burning, cutting, and pinching hazards
•    Improper lifting and handling techniques
•    Unobservant and inattentive employees
•    Improper office layout and arrangement
•    Dangerous electrical wiring
•    Exposure to toxic substances
•    Harassment, bullying and violence
•    Horseplay

Ask yourself these questions;

•    Is your office a safe place for workers and customers?
•    Is there a potential to cause injury?
•    When did you last conduct a safety inspection?
•    Do your workers follow safe work procedures?
•    Do we have a policy for Working from Home?
•    Are the risks greater and who is controlling the risks?
•    Does the work or person undertaking the work need supervision?
•    Will there be an adverse effect on the provision of customer service?

REMEMBER: The office, shop, retail outlet or the home office is not a sterile working environment; common workplace hazards can be extra dangerous when you ignore them.…