Workplace safety and health
Practical guidance to recognise office hazards, assess risks and put suitable controls in place across NUS offices.
Why office safety?
Everyday office work can expose people to physical, ergonomic and environmental hazards. Identifying them early helps prevent injury and ill health.
Hazards may come from the office environment, equipment and the way work is organised. Examples include:
Recognise hazards
Use the office safety inspection checklist to identify hazards in the workplace.
Evaluate risks
Use the activity-based risk assessment to consider office activities and risks.
Choose controls
Suggest appropriate measures to reduce or mitigate office risks.
Putting the programme into practice
Departments implement the office safety programme. Coordinators support inspections and follow-up, with appointment arrangements determined by Heads of Department according to departmental size and risk profile.
Directors, Deans and Heads of Department are encouraged to appoint office safety coordinators to support the programme in their units.
Departments identify suitable training for coordinators through SSTS and SafetyHub, based on office activities, identified risks and assigned responsibilities.
Coordinators conduct and record inspections at least quarterly using the Office Safety Checklist. It covers electrical trip hazards, lighting, housekeeping, storage, access to high places and first aid.
Use the separate fire safety checklist and office ergonomics guidance for those topics.
Record findings, assign corrective actions and set completion dates. Departments ensure that actions are completed and effective; coordinators support follow-up and keep records of closure.
In laboratory-based departments, office safety coordination may be incorporated into existing safety coordinator or lead responsibilities.
Training and learning
The department is responsible for identifying relevant training for its coordinators.
Select learning based on office activities, identified risks and the coordinator’s responsibilities. Use SSTS and SafetyHub to find suitable courses and videos. The faculty or departmental safety and health officer can advise.
The department is responsible for implementing the NUS office safety checklist. The faculty or departmental safety and health officer can provide guidance and support.
Tools and further reading
Use the checklist to inspect your workplace, and consult the related materials when you need more detail.
Programme support
For other office safety programme enquiries, contact the Office of Risk Management and Compliance.