FAQs on office hazards
We are moving to a new office building. Is there any minimum requirement per person in terms of office space?
There is no legislated minimum requirement per person in terms of office space.
The basic principle that should be followed is that the 'work area' provided per employee should allow sufficient space for, in most cases, a desk/workstation, chair, drawers, filing cabinet and other necessary equipment for that person to efficiently and safely undertake their work. The important thing is to design for the functional needs of the employee. Issues such as noise, distraction of staff, visual and auditory privacy should also be considered.
A risk assessment of the proposed office layout should be undertaken to ensure safe access and egress to the work area at all times and to identify and control other potential hazards. Work station assessments may assist in any risk assessment.
Refer to Officewise (OHS01) and The Management of Occupational Health and Safety Hazards in Commonwealth Agencies: Are you relocating or closing an office? (OHS46)for further information.
The air conditioning in my office is too hot/too cold, what can I do?
Refer to Comcare publication Air Conditioning and Thermal Comfort in Australian Public Service Offices (OHS32), which provides detailed guidance and advice on resolving issues around thermal comfort, including information on generally acceptable temperature ranges. Part 3 of this publication contains the answers to a large number of specific questions on this issue.