BlueSafe
Office Safety Risk Assessment

Office Safety Risk Assessment

  • • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
  • • Fully Editable MS Word & PDF Formats Included
  • • Pre-filled Content – Ready to Deploy Immediately
  • • Customisable – Easily Add Your Logo & Site Details
  • • Includes 2 Years of Free Compliance Updates

Office Safety Risk Assessment

Product Overview

Identify and control organisational risks associated with Office Safety through a structured, management-level Risk Assessment that supports planning, policy, training and systems across your workplace. This document is designed to demonstrate Due Diligence, support compliance with the WHS Act, and reduce your organisation’s overall WHS Risk Management and liability exposure.

Risk Categories & Hazards Covered

This document assesses risks and outlines management controls for:

  • WHS Governance, Roles & Consultation: Assessment of leadership responsibilities, consultation arrangements, safety committees and escalation pathways for office-based operations.
  • Office Layout, Housekeeping & Work Environment: Management of workstation positioning, traffic flow, storage practices, walkways, cleanliness and general office presentation to minimise risk.
  • Ergonomics & Workstation Design: Evaluation of office furniture selection, workstation set-up, task design and equipment adjustability to reduce musculoskeletal and fatigue-related risks.
  • Psychosocial Hazards, Workload & Work-Related Stress: Assessment of job demands, role clarity, change management, remote work arrangements and support mechanisms to manage psychosocial risk.
  • Office Equipment Safety (Electrical, Mechanical & General Use): Controls for printers, shredders, guillotines, binding machines and other office plant, including guarding, placement, maintenance and user instructions.
  • Electrical Infrastructure, Data Cabling & Power Management: Management of power boards, extension leads, cable routing, testing and tagging, and interaction with ICT infrastructure to prevent electrical incidents and trip hazards.
  • Office Furniture Procurement, Installation & Maintenance: Protocols for selecting compliant furniture, managing deliveries and installations, stability of shelving and storage units, and ongoing inspection and repair programs.
  • Manual Handling, Storage Systems & Document Management: Assessment of lifting, carrying, filing, archive storage, movement of office supplies and use of trolleys or mechanical aids to minimise manual task risks.
  • Slips, Trips & Falls (Floors, Stairs & Entryways): Controls for floor coverings, stairs, ramps, wet weather arrangements, matting, cleaning schedules and hazard reporting within office access areas.
  • Fire Safety, Emergency Preparedness & First Aid: Management of evacuation procedures, wardens, alarm systems, extinguishers, emergency lighting, first aid equipment and emergency response training.
  • ICT Use & Screen-Based Work: Assessment of prolonged computer use, screen glare, breaks, software interfaces and ICT policies to manage fatigue, eye strain and data security considerations.
  • Contractor, Vendor & Visitor Management: Protocols for induction, supervision and control of contractors, service providers and visitors within the office environment, including access, permits and interaction with staff.
  • Environmental Conditions (Lighting, Thermal Comfort, Noise & Air Quality): Evaluation of building services, ventilation, temperature control, lighting levels, acoustics and indoor air quality for a safe and comfortable office.
  • Training, Induction & Competency for Office Roles: Systems for onboarding, refresher training, role-specific competency requirements and verification of understanding for office-based personnel.
  • Incident Reporting, Investigation & Corrective Actions: Frameworks for capturing hazards, near misses and incidents, conducting investigations, implementing corrective actions and monitoring WHS performance in the office.

Who is this for?

This Risk Assessment is designed for Business Owners, Practice Managers, Safety Managers and Office Leaders responsible for planning, managing and reviewing office-based operations and corporate workplaces.

Hazards & Risks Covered

Hazard Risk Description
1. WHS Governance, Responsibilities & Consultation
  • • Unclear WHS roles and responsibilities leading to unmanaged office safety risks
  • • Absence of a documented WHS policy aligned with WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations
  • • Inadequate officer due diligence in monitoring safety performance and compliance
  • • Poor consultation mechanisms with workers and HSRs resulting in unidentified hazards
  • • No systematic review of WHS objectives, KPIs and legal compliance
  • • Lack of worker empowerment to cease unsafe work or report concerns without reprisal
2. Office Layout, Housekeeping & General Work Environment
  • • Poor office layout creating trip hazards from cluttered walkways, cables and boxes
  • • Insufficient space between workstations leading to bump hazards and restricted movement
  • • Blocked access to emergency exits, fire equipment and first aid facilities
  • • Inadequate housekeeping practices leading to accumulation of waste and stored items in inappropriate areas
  • • Uncontrolled use of storage areas, kitchenettes and corridors as temporary storage
  • • Inadequate signage for emergency exits, restricted areas and shared spaces
3. Ergonomics & Workstation Design (Office Furniture & Equipment)
  • • Poorly designed or non‑adjustable office furniture leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
  • • Incorrect workstation setup (chair, desk, screen, keyboard, mouse) resulting in sustained awkward postures
  • • High use of laptops without docking stations or external peripherals leading to neck and shoulder strain
  • • Insufficient variation in tasks and postures contributing to static loading and fatigue
  • • Lack of system for ergonomic assessment of workers with pre‑existing injuries or specific needs
  • • Inadequate procurement standards for office furniture and equipment not meeting ergonomic requirements
4. Work‑Related Stress, Psychosocial Hazards & Workload Management
  • • Excessive workload, unrealistic deadlines and poor resource allocation causing work‑related stress
  • • Lack of role clarity and conflicting priorities leading to anxiety and reduced psychological safety
  • • Inadequate systems to manage bullying, harassment, discrimination or occupational violence (including online)
  • • Limited support for workers experiencing mental health issues or exposure to traumatic content
  • • Poor change management processes creating uncertainty and job insecurity
  • • Inflexible work arrangements leading to work–life conflict and fatigue
5. Office Equipment Safety (Electrical, Mechanical & General Use)
  • • Uncontrolled use of electrical office equipment (e.g. printers, shredders, heaters, chargers) creating fire or electric shock risks
  • • Use of non‑compliant personal electrical appliances brought from home without inspection
  • • Poorly maintained photocopiers and printers emitting excessive heat, noise or ozone in confined areas
  • • Inadequate guarding or controls on paper shredders and other mechanical devices
  • • Overreliance on double adaptors and powerboards, leading to overloading and overheating
  • • Lack of clear instructions or training for safe use of multifunction devices and shared equipment
6. Electrical Infrastructure, Data Cabling & Power Management
  • • Inadequate design or maintenance of fixed electrical installations increasing risk of fire or electric shock
  • • Overloaded circuits due to uncontrolled expansion of office equipment
  • • Unprotected or poorly routed data and power cabling creating trip hazards or damage potential
  • • Lack of documented inspection and maintenance schedules for switchboards and distribution boards
  • • Absence of surge protection and UPS systems for critical office and IT equipment
  • • Unclear responsibilities between landlord, building manager and tenant for electrical safety and maintenance
7. Office Furniture Procurement, Installation & Maintenance
  • • Procurement of low‑quality or non‑compliant office furniture that fails or collapses
  • • Uncontrolled installation processes resulting in unsecured shelves, screens or storage units
  • • Inadequate load rating or misuse of shelving and storage units leading to structural failure
  • • Lack of inspection and maintenance regime for chairs, desks and storage furniture
  • • Furniture placement interfering with fire systems, air‑conditioning or access routes
  • • Uncoordinated disposal of old furniture creating manual handling and trip hazards
8. Manual Handling, Storage Systems & Document Management
  • • Frequent lifting, carrying or reaching for files, stationery and equipment without manual handling controls
  • • Poorly designed storage systems with heavy items placed at high or low levels
  • • Uncontrolled use of archive boxes, water bottles and IT equipment as ad hoc lifting tasks
  • • Inadequate provision of trolleys or mechanical aids for internal office moves
  • • Lack of guidance on safe handling when relocating workstations, furniture or equipment
  • • Unmanaged accumulation of paper records leading to overloaded shelves and housekeeping issues
9. Slips, Trips & Falls (Floors, Stairs, Entryways)
  • • Wet or contaminated floors at entrances, kitchens and amenities creating slip risks
  • • Uneven flooring, loose carpet tiles or thresholds causing trip hazards
  • • Stairways without adequate handrails, lighting or visual contrast markings
  • • Inadequate control of cords, boxes and personal items in walkways and under desks
  • • Poorly managed cleaning activities with no warning signage or area isolation
  • • Insufficient footwear guidance for workers who frequently move between office and external areas
10. Fire, Emergencies & First Aid Preparedness
  • • Lack of a documented emergency plan specific to the office layout and occupancy
  • • Insufficient number or training of Wardens and First Aiders for office population
  • • Inadequate maintenance and testing of fire detection, alarm and suppression systems
  • • Workers unfamiliar with evacuation routes, assembly areas or procedures for mobility‑impaired persons
  • • First aid facilities and kits not aligned with risk profile or not maintained
  • • Poor coordination with building management, neighbouring tenants and emergency services
11. Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Use & Screen‑Based Work
  • • Extended periods of screen‑based work leading to visual strain and fatigue
  • • Inadequate guidance on safe use of mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones
  • • Poorly designed software interfaces or work processes leading to cognitive overload and error
  • • Lack of protocols for managing notifications, emails and after‑hours contact contributing to stress
  • • Inadequate cyber security training leading to phishing or data breaches with potential psychosocial and operational impacts
12. Contractor, Vendor & Visitor Management (Office Environment)
  • • Contractors (e.g. cleaners, maintenance, IT) performing tasks without adequate induction or supervision in the office environment
  • • Poor coordination of maintenance or construction works leading to noise, dust, trip hazards or restricted access for office workers
  • • Inadequate controls for visiting clients or members of the public in reception and meeting areas
  • • Lack of clarity about responsibilities for WHS when using co‑working spaces or shared facilities
  • • Inadequate due diligence on contractor safety performance and insurances
13. Environmental Conditions (Lighting, Thermal Comfort, Noise & Air Quality)
  • • Insufficient or excessive lighting causing eye strain, headaches or trip hazards
  • • Poor thermal comfort (temperature, drafts, humidity) contributing to discomfort and reduced productivity
  • • Inappropriate noise levels from open‑plan layouts, office equipment or construction works leading to distraction and stress
  • • Inadequate ventilation or poorly maintained HVAC systems affecting indoor air quality
  • • Unmanaged exposure to fragrances, chemicals or allergens in the office environment
14. Training, Induction & Competency for Office‑Based Roles
  • • Workers unaware of WHS expectations, office procedures and emergency arrangements
  • • Supervisors and managers lacking competency in risk management and WHS consultation
  • • Inconsistent induction for temporary staff, contractors and volunteers working in office areas
  • • No structured refresher training resulting in erosion of safety knowledge over time
  • • Lack of evaluation of training effectiveness and learning transfer into daily practice
15. Incident Reporting, Investigation & Corrective Actions
  • • Under‑reporting of hazards, near misses and minor incidents due to complex processes or fear of blame
  • • Inadequate investigation of office‑based incidents leading to repeated events
  • • Failure to identify and address systemic causes such as policy gaps or workload issues
  • • Poor tracking and closure of corrective actions from inspections, audits and investigations
  • • Lack of analysis of incident data to identify trends specific to the office environment
16. Remote, Hybrid & Home‑Based Office Work
  • • Inadequate risk management for workers performing office tasks from home or remote locations
  • • Poor ergonomic setup of home workstations leading to musculoskeletal and visual strain
  • • Blurring of work–life boundaries increasing psychosocial risks and fatigue
  • • Reduced visibility of workload, isolation and reduced access to informal support
  • • Inadequate information security and data protection when working offsite

Need to add specific hazards for your workplace?

Don't worry if a specific hazard isn't listed above. Once you purchase, simply log in to your Client Portal and add your own custom hazards at no extra cost. We take care of the hard work—creating the risk ratings and control measures for free—to ensure your document is compliant within minutes.

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
  • Model Code of Practice – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Guidance on risk management principles and processes.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Requirements for office layout, amenities and environmental conditions.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Controls for slips, trips and falls in office environments.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace: Guidance on managing risks from office equipment and machinery.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work: Framework for identifying and controlling psychosocial risks, including stress and workload.
  • AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018: Risk management — Guidelines.
  • AS ISO 45001:2018: Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use.
  • AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
  • AS 3745-2010 (Incorporating Amendments): Planning for emergencies in facilities.
  • AS/NZS 1680 Series: Interior lighting for workplace environments.
Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)
  • Comprehensive hazard identification for all activities
  • Risk rating matrix with likelihood and consequence analysis
  • Existing control measures evaluation
  • Residual risk assessment after controls
  • Hierarchy of controls recommendations
  • Action priority rankings
  • Review and monitoring requirements
  • Consultation and communication records
  • Legal compliance references
  • Sign-off and approval sections

$79.5

Safe Work Australia Aligned