OHS Factsheets

 

factsheets

 

A range of fact sheets on health and safety issues relevant in office based environments. Issues covered include:

  • screen based work
  • stress

  • hours and fatigue

  • bullying

  • work overload

  • sexual harassment

  • manual handling

  • heat 

 

Screen Based Work

 

screenbased_factsheet

Screen based work involves working with equipment that has a self-illuminating screen for displaying information. The same level of protection should be provided for screen-based work involving portable computers as for workstation based computers.

 

Stress at Work

 

stress_factsheet

Causes of increased work-related stress include:

  • work overload

  • job insecurity

  • poor work organisation

  • lack of control over our work

  • poor communication

  • long hours

  • negative feedback

 

Hours and Fatigue

 

hours_factsheet

Shift work and extended working hours can best be described as work performed outside normal day hours.

Extended hours may increase exposure to other OHS hazards, such as chemicals, noise and manual handling.

 

Workplace Bullying

 

bullying_factsheet

Workplace bullying is repeated,unreasonable behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to their health and safety. The most common forms of bullying in Australian workplaces are bossing people around, intimidating, threatening or keeping them under pressure.

 

Manual Handling

 

manual_handling_factsheet

There are Health and Safety laws that protect workers against injury and illness at work. These laws include specific regulations on Manual Handling.

 

Work Overload

 

work_overload_factsheet

Work overload can be caused by having too much work to do, being given tasks to complete without notice that add to your daily workload or being given tasks that require skills that you do not have. Work overload can lead to fatigue and stress.

 

Working in Heat

 

heat_factsheet

Working in hot conditions can result in adverse health effects, including serious illness. Risk factors include:

  • air temperature, air movement and humidity

  • level of work activity

  • type of clothing

  • level of fluid loss and replacement

  • sources of radiant heat.

 

Sexual Harassment

 

sexual_harassment_factsheet

Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written. It involves behaviour that could reasonably be expected to make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Sexual harassment is against the law.


Official guides for OHS reps and workers

Download our comprehensive guides to occupational health and safety, including WorkSafe's Officewise for OHS in the office environment; the ACTU's guidelines for screen-based work; and the ASU's Guide to Call Centre OHS. This is where you will also find the ASU's Kit for Occupational Health and Safety Representatives, the ACTU's OHS Charter of Workplace Rights, and the full Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act. If you would like any additional information that is not included in the guides go to WorkSafe or the OHS Reps website.