In this module, you will look at three more common office risks.

Poor manual handling can cause serious injuries, and so can careless use of hazardous substances, such as cleaning chemicals. You will learn how to handle objects and chemicals safely.

You will also learn about display screen equipment, or DSE, such as computers and laptops. A desk may not look hazardous, but if it is badly set up, it can cause real discomfort and pain over time.

The Health and Safety Authority, or HSA, defines manual handling as transporting or supporting a load by hand or by bodily force. This includes lifting, putting down, carrying, pushing, pulling and moving a load.

In an office, you might lift a box, carry files downstairs, push a trolley or move a desk. Done badly, any of these can cause musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, such as back injuries, muscle strains and tendon problems.

You are more likely to be injured if:

• You lift and put down objects many times.
• You carry or push an object a long distance.
• You lift something above shoulder height, or lower it from head height.
• The object is especially heavy, bulky or awkwardly shaped.
• You have to twist, bend or stretch while handling it.
• Your posture is awkward while you move it.
• You already have an injury, such as back pain.

Under Part 2, Chapter 4 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, your employer must avoid risky manual handling where possible, and reduce the risk where it cannot be avoided. You can help by:

• Breaking a heavy or bulky load into smaller, more manageable loads.
• Storing the heaviest items on shelves at waist height, so they do not have to be lifted from the floor or lowered from a height.
• Avoiding stairs, closed doors and uneven floors when moving things.
• Asking for help, or using a trolley, when a load is too heavy for you.

• Plan the lift. Think about the weight, whether you need help, where the load is going, and whether there is enough space.
• Get a good posture. Stand with your feet slightly apart, and bend at the hips and knees, keeping your back in its natural curve.
• Get a secure grip. Hold the load close to your waist, with the heaviest side closest to your body.
• Move smoothly. Do not twist your back, keep your head up, and look where you are going.

Hazardous substances are found in every workplace, including offices. Examples include cleaning chemicals, solvents in printer and copier supplies, and toner dust.

Breathing them in, or getting them on your skin or in your eyes, can cause irritation. Common effects include itchy rashes, dermatitis and asthma.

Your employer must assess and control these risks under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001, as amended.

You can reduce the risks from hazardous substances by:

• Using the smallest amount of cleaning product needed.
• Keeping the area well ventilated, for example by opening a window while cleaning.
• Storing chemicals in their original containers, with the lids secured.
• Placing printers and copiers in well-ventilated spaces.
• Washing your hands promptly if you get chemicals, ink or toner on your skin.
• Reporting spills straight away.
• Wearing the PPE your employer provides, such as gloves or eye protection.

Display screen equipment, or DSE, means any device with a display screen, such as desktop computers, laptops and tablets. Most office workers use DSE for much of the day.

A poor set-up can cause musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive strain injuries, eye strain and fatigue. Sitting for long periods is also linked to other health problems.

Under Part 2, Chapter 5 of the General Application Regulations, your employer must assess your workstation, plan breaks or changes of activity, and offer you an eye test.

• Screen: position it directly in front of you, roughly an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at about eye level.
• Keyboard: place it so that the G, H and B keys are centred with your body. Leave space in front of it to rest your forearms, so you do not stretch to reach the keys.

If you use a laptop for long periods, use a separate keyboard, mouse and laptop stand, so that the screen can be raised to the right height.

• Mouse: keep it close, within easy reach, so that your arm and fingers stay relaxed and you do not stretch. Make sure there is room to rest your wrist.
• Chair: adjust it so that your feet are flat on the floor, with your knees at about a 90 degree angle, level with your hips. Use a footrest if your feet do not reach the floor.
• Back support: make sure the chair supports the lower part of your back.

• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen, and position it to avoid glare.
• Break up repetitive tasks, such as constant scrolling or copying, with other work.
• Change your position and stretch at least every hour, so that you are not still for too long.
• Take regular breaks away from your desk. Even a short walk helps your circulation.
• Tell your manager about any problems with lighting, heating or ventilation.