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.
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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).
Table 1: Toxicity of certain plants to people, dogs and cats 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.
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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: 20 days ago