Changes have occurred in the American workplace as a result of the new office technology and automation of office equipment. As with all new technology, these changes bring with it a set of health and safety concerns. In addition to obvious hazards such as slippery floors or an open file drawer, a modern office may also contain hazards such as, poor lighting, noise, poorly designed furniture, and equipment and machines that emit gases and vapors when properly maintained. Even the nature of office work itself has produced a whole host of stress-related symptoms and musculoskeletal strains. For example, long hours at a poorly designed computer workstation can cause pain in the back and neck, shoulders, lower extremities, arms, wrists, hands, eyestrain and a general feeling of tension and irritability. The leading types of disabling accidents that occur within the office are the result of falls, strains and over exertions, falling objects, striking against objects, and being caught in or between objects.

The Environmental Health and Safety Office provides training in all aspects of office safety and ergonomics. We can also conduct departmental and individual office and computer workstation evaluations to help ensure all office workers enjoy a safe and healthy working environment.