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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:Office Environment & Worker Safety & Health
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Maintaining a healthy office environment requires
attention to chemical hazards, equipment and work station design,
physical environment (temperature, humidity, light, noise, ventilation,
and space), task design, psychological factors (personal
interactions, work pace, job control) and sometimes, chemical or other
environmental exposures. A well-designed office allows each employee to work comfortably without needing to over-reach, sit or stand too long, or use awkward postures (correct ergonomic design). Sometimes, equipment or furniture changes are the best solution to allow employees to work comfortably. On other occasions, the equipment may be satisfactory but the task could be redesigned. For example, studies have shown that those working at computers have less discomfort with short, hourly breaks. Situations in offices that can lead to injury or illness range from physical hazards (such as cords across walkways, leaving low drawers open, objects falling from overhead) to task-related (speed or repetition, duration, job control, etc.), environmental (chemical or biological sources) or design-related hazards (such as nonadjustable furniture or equipment). Job stress that results when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities or resources of the worker may also result in illness. NIOSH PublicationsNIOSH
Publications on Video Display Terminals, Third Edition Plain
Language About Shiftwork PDF only 571 KB
(47 pages)
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Page last updated:
January 6, 2009
Page last reviewed: January 6, 2009 Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Applied Research and Technology |