Plants are included in offices to help provide a pleasant environment. Plants add colour, clean the air, reduce noise, and help improve the mood and productivity of employees.
Tips
- Check if you can bring your own plants into the office.
- Care for plants in your workplace.
- Have plants commercially supplied and maintained.
Potential harm
- Allergies
- Bugs and insects
Identified hazards and controls
Allergenic or poisonous
Cause
- Plants that have allergenic or poisonous qualities.
- People who are susceptible to skin-based or respiratory irritation from close contact with certain plants.
What workers can do
- Check with your employer before bringing your own plants into the office.
- Advise your employer if you suffer from plant allergies and the types of plants you are allergic to.
What employers can do
- Discuss plant selection with a plant provider or nursery or have them commercially supplied.
- Situate plants in places that do not obstruct any worker’s view.
- Choose plants that do not flower and are not poisonous (see Table 1).
| Plant type | Toxic to humans | Toxic to dogs | Toxic to cats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philodendron | Mildly | Yes | Yes |
| Pothos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arrowhead | Mildly | Mildly | Mildly |
| Lily | Moderately | Moderately | Yes |
| Peace Lily | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dieffenbachia | Moderately | Moderately | Moderately |
| Oleander | Extremely | Extremely | Extremely |
| Caladium | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mother-In-Law's Tongue | Moderately | Moderately | Moderately |
| Ivy | Mildly | Yes | Yes |
Insects
Cause
- Larvae in the soil of plants brought into the office.
- Small insects living on the underside of plants.
What workers can do
- Check with your employer before bringing your own plants into the office.
- Report any insect infestations.
- Put all your food scraps in the bin and empty daily.
What employers can do
- Conduct regular inspections of indoor plants.
- Have plants properly maintained which includes watering, pruning, cleaning of dust, and replacing sick plants.
- Have infected plants and soil removed.
- If required, use an insecticide after hours.
More information
Guidance
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Refer to part 3.2, division 2 General working environment.
Codes
Page last reviewed: 04 May 2021