Office Risk Assessment: Practical Experience. What to Look For?

Why Office Safety Requires Attention

Traditionally, the focus of HSE specialists is directed at production sites, where risks are obvious and can lead to immediate severe consequences. However, the office environment harbors just as many hazards, which often have a delayed effect. In her presentation, Svetlana Vladimirova, representing Krastsvetmet, shares practical experience in assessing risks for office employees and explains why this topic is becoming increasingly relevant.

The speaker notes that the impetus for conducting an in-depth assessment was changes in legislation (Resolution No. 2464), which allow office workers to be exempt from briefings under certain conditions. This required a detailed analysis of the real hazards faced by employees whose activities are exclusively related to office equipment.

Stages of Risk Assessment in the Office Environment

The presentation details the algorithm by which the company conducted the assessment. The process was divided into several key stages, each with its own specific features.

1. Description of Processes and Operations

The first step is a detailed description of all actions performed by employees. The speaker points out that computer work is not homogeneous and is divided into categories (reading information, data entry, creative work/dialogue), each carrying its own specific risks, such as the development of carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical osteochondrosis.

In addition, the unique operations of various departments were taken into account: the use of utility knives, working with archives (heavy folders, stepladders, dust), furniture assembly by maintenance services, as well as risks when visiting production sites.

2. Restoring the Baseline Condition

Before assessing risks, it is necessary to bring workplaces to a single standard. The speaker shows by example how eliminating clutter, securing wires, and repairing faulty equipment at the initial stage significantly reduces the likelihood of ergonomic and other incidents.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Calculation

At this stage, both the risks of immediate injuries (falls, trips) and the risks of occupational diseases with a delayed effect were identified. For calculations, the company uses its own 1C-based software, which allows taking into account the severity, probability, and frequency of events, as well as automatically assigning those responsible for implementing corrective measures.

Managing Behavior and Awareness

One of the main insights shared by Svetlana: most technical safety measures in the office have already been implemented by the employer. The main problem lies in the behavior of the employees themselves — incorrect posture, refusal to use stands, and ignoring regulated breaks and gymnastics.

To solve this problem, the company relies on administrative measures (workplace standards, ergonomic raids) and working with beliefs through training. Instead of boring briefings, an interactive course has been introduced, where employees learn about the consequences of incorrect actions in a game format (through choice situations).

What You Will Learn from This Webinar:

• How to properly classify types of computer work and what risks they carry?
• Why is it necessary to conduct a "restoration of the baseline condition" of the office before assessing risks?
• How to automate the process of calculating risks and monitoring the implementation of measures?
• What non-trivial training methods help increase the awareness of office employees?
• How to deal with staff objections when implementing cleanliness and order standards at workplaces?