Your Industry
Your Industry - Office & Administration
It is sometimes said that workers who are employed in offices or in administration work in 'safe' workplaces. However, these workers face a number of hazards - some of which have potentially very serious effects on their health and/or safety.
There has been plenty of research which shows that unionised and organised workplaces have a better OHS record than un-unionised sites as these sites are far more likely to have well-trained and resourced elected OHS Reps, joint OHS Committees and support from the union. This applies not only to traditional 'blue collar' workplaces, but in offices too.
FAQs
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Offices - computers and eyesight
Does working on computers affect your eyes?
[read more] -
Office space
What are the minimum space requirements for offices? [read more] -
Other FAQs
Workplace amenities, fire escapes and more..
[read more] -
Office Hazards: Computers and VDUs - what are the guidelines?
Working with computers can cause workers a number of problems. Read more.
[read more] -
Offices: Temperature and humidity – what are the “rules”?
The VTHC OHS Unit often receives questions like "What does the legislation say about temperature in offices?" [read more] -
Breaks for computer/VDU users?
There is no requirement under Victorian OHS legislation to provide specific breaks to computer/VDU users. However ... [read more] -
Offices - what OHS legislation applies?
OHS legislation in Victoria is generic, and covers all workplaces - including offices. [read more] -
Rest/meal breaks - what am I entitled to?
There's nothing specific in OHS legislation. Read more.
[read more] -
Electrical Equipment - What are the laws/guidelines?
Employers must ensure the workplace (including the plant) is safe and without risks to health - what does this mean for electrical equipment (eg testing and tagging)? [read more]
Hazard
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Office hazards: Photocopiers, printers etc
Advice for OHS Reps and an Action Plan to contol the risks of office hazards. [read more] -
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are the most common injuries suffered by workers across all workplaces, and in all industries. [read more] -
Legionnaires disease
What is 'legionnaires' or 'legionella'? What reps and workers you should know about it. [read more]
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Eye tests
Eye tests - am I entitled to an eye test if I work at a computer (or visual display unit)?
[read more] -
Teleworking - or working from home
Teleworking: a growing trend in Australia ... [read more] -
Ergonomics - what is it?
The word ergonomics is derived from Ancient Greek and means ‘rules or study of work’. Another term, which is used, human factors, identifies the method and main area of interest for ergonomists. [read more]