Office staff may type or file documents, correspondence, reports, statements and other material. Their workstation usually has a computer, laptop, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and telephone, among other equipment.
The main duties of an office worker include:
duty Perform duties such as answering telephone calls and making appointments.
duty Interact with clients who may be upset or angry (e.g., potential for harassment or bullying).
duty Photocopy and collate documents.
duty Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing and database systems.
duty Open, sort and route incoming mail and courier packages.
duty Process reports, applications, receipts, expenditures and other documents.
Office environments present a number of hazards, including:
chemical Perfumes and other scents (potential allergens).
general In some cases, exposure to cleaning products.
chemical Indoor air quality or exposure to toxic substances.
general Sitting for long periods of time.
ergonomic Working in from awkward positions, or performing repetitive manual tasks.
ergonomic Lifting awkward or heavy objects.
general Eye strain.
ergonomic Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from excessive computer use or improper ergonomic situations.
general Improperly adjusted chairs.
physical Working in uncomfortable temperatures.
physical Annoying or distracting noise and vibration from electronic equipment.
safety Slips, trips and falls.
safety Injuries from falling files or other objects
safety Cuts from sharp blades or edges of office tools such as scissors, mail openers, etc.
psychosocial Risk of violence.
psychosocial Working alone.
psychosocial Stress.
psychosocial Bullying.
requirement Learn about how to avoid musculoskeletal pain or injury from repetitive or physically awkward tasks. Take breaks as needed.
requirement Learn safe lifting techniques.
requirement Keep all work areas clear of clutter.
ergonomic Set up your workstation ergonomically. Have a competent person assess your workstation for ergonomic issues. Know personal or individual risk factors.
administrative Know how to relax strained body parts by doing correct stretching exercises.
administrative Know emergency evacuation plan and procedures.
requirement Follow company safety rules.
requirement Learn fire safety.
requirement Learn about chemical safety, WHMIS and SDSs.
administrative Know how to report a hazard and near miss.
requirement Practice safe lifting.
administrative Follow good housekeeping procedures.
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Mould
Notes for this occupation. Open one to read the practices and the protection it calls for.