Around the Office
Office and Work Space

Around the Office

Office and Work Space

Housekeeping, Maintenance and Cleaning

Heaters and Kettles

Reorganisation of Offices

Windows

Lighting

Noise

Temperature, Humdity, Ventilation

Common Questions

Key Points

A risk assessment should be carried out for the office environment. The following pointers indicate certain practical guidelines for ensuring a pleasant working environment.

All employers have a basic duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their staff. Action should be taken to prevent people suffering from work related ill health whatever the cause. Poorly designed or maintained rooms and buildings may be related to some ill health. Typical symptoms include:

Dry or itchy skin.
Sore eyes.
Nose and throat.
Headaches.
Lethargy.
Poor concentration.
Stuffy or runny nose.

The symptoms generally cause discomfort, irritation and may de-motivate staff.

Workstations and office areas should have sufficient height and floor area so that individuals do not have to work in cramped and overcrowded conditions.

Safety guidance specifies a minimum space requirement of 11 cubic metres per person, which should take into account furniture and other equipment needs. This equates to 8 feet by 5 feet in which to place you, your desk and maybe a small filing cabinet. This minimum increases for non office based tasks that require more space to ensure safety.

It's also important that you don't use access routes as additional filing space or video storage.