7 Free Office Safety Articles
Office safety is the practice of recognizing and controlling the everyday hazards found in office and administrative work environments, from ergonomic strain and eye fatigue to slips, trips, electrical hazards, and fire risks. Office work is often assumed to be low-risk, but musculoskeletal disorders from poor ergonomics and same-level falls are common sources of injury and any injury can keep a worker off the job for weeks.
The office safety articles on this page cover the hazards office workers actually face. Find information on how good ergonomics and proper office chair setup help prevent chronic pain, how to reduce computer vision syndrome during long hours at a screen, and how to lift and carry loads safely. Additional articles also cover the hazards that are easy to overlook in an office including electrical hazards from cords and outlets, good housekeeping to prevent slips and trips, and fire prevention in office and shop spaces.
Safety managers and supervisors can use these articles to prepare a safety meeting, set up a new workstation, or remind a team about risks that get taken for granted. These office safety articles are written for office managers, HR and administrative staff, and anyone responsible for keeping an office or mixed office-and-shop workplace safe and comfortable.
Why it matters
Everyday office hazards are easy to overlook but can still cause injuries.
Popular Topics
Ergonomics, Computer Vision Syndrome, Electrical Hazards, Slips and Trips, Fire Prevention, Safe Lifting
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OSHA have a specific standard for office safety?
No, OSHA does not have a single standard written specifically for office environments. Offices fall under the broader general industry standards (OSHA 1910), which cover walking-working surfaces, exit routes, electrical safety, and fire protection. The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), also requires employers to keep the workplace free of recognized hazards.
What are the most common office safety hazards?
The most common office safety hazards are slips, trips, and falls from clutter, loose cords, or wet floors; ergonomic strain from a poorly set up workstation; eye strain from long screen hours; electrical hazards from overloaded outlets and damaged cords; and fire risks from space heaters, power strips, and blocked exits. Same-level falls are among the leading causes of office injuries.
Is there an OSHA ergonomics standard?
No, there is no specific OSHA ergonomics standard for general industry. Ergonomic hazards that lead to musculoskeletal disorders, such as those from repetitive motion, awkward postures, or prolonged sitting, are enforced under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1). OSHA also publishes voluntary ergonomics guidelines to help employers design workstations that reduce strain.
How should an office workstation be set up to prevent strain?
Set up an office workstation so the body stays in a neutral, supported position. Keep feet flat on the floor, thighs roughly parallel to the ground, the lower back supported by the chair, and elbows close to the body at about a 90-degree angle. Position the top of the monitor at or just below eye level and about an arm's length away to keep the neck and eyes relaxed.
What is computer vision syndrome and how can workers prevent it?
Computer vision syndrome, also called digital eye strain, is the eye discomfort and fatigue caused by staring at a screen for long stretches, with symptoms like dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Workers can prevent it with the widely used 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Reducing screen glare, adjusting brightness and text size, and blinking more often also help.
How can you prevent slips, trips, and falls in an office?
Prevent office slips, trips, and falls by keeping aisles and walkways clear of boxes, cords, and clutter and cleaning up spills as soon as they happen. Route or cover cables so they are not underfoot, keep file and desk drawers closed, maintain good lighting in stairwells and hallways, and use a step stool or ladder instead of a chair to reach high shelves. Consistent housekeeping is the most effective way to prevent same-level falls.
