Work Environment

  • Workplace category
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Workplace category

Work environment

 

Create a safe, inclusive and comfortable place to work.

The work environment is the physical and psychological spaces created by your organisation.

  • What equipment is used by your employees?
  • What spaces are available for different tasks, lunch breaks or meetings?
  • Do you have the right lighting, heating/cooling, and cleanliness?
  • Are materials and equipment well maintained?

What you can do

Certain spaces can encourage healthy behaviours, such as facilities for showers after a ride to work. Policies, and systems for reporting and managing risks, such as trips or falls, bullying and fatigue are essential. Ongoing employee training to prevent injury is a core responsibility of an employer.

1. Physical and psychological hazards

Clarify employee tasks, work methods and priorities. Make sure they’re aware of their role within the organisation.

  • Have a risk management system across the entire business
  • Clearly define how to identify, eliminate or reduce/manage all safety risks
  • Make it easy for all staff to see and respond to hazards

2. Workspace

Design spaces for specific activities or preferred ways of working. The way you set up workspaces can encourage healthier behaviours.

  • Provide spaces where people can have confidential conversations
  • Offer dedicated break space/s for relaxation and social connection
  • Minimise isolation by providing opportunities for face-to-face interactions

3. Plant, equipment and materials

Regularly assess and maintain your plant, equipment and materials. Ongoing training can prevent injury.

  • Check the equipment is right for the job – it may need to be replaced or updated
  • Have equipment maintenance schedules and audits
  • Keep bathrooms and kitchens clean and offer useful items

4. Vehicles, buildings and structures

Assess and maintain vehicles, buildings and structures. Policies and systems should be accessible and practical.

  • Consider the accessibility of your work locations for employees or clients with a disability
  • Make sure all locations have a compliant emergency plan
  • Make emergency equipment part of a regular inspection and maintenance program

Resources

Work Environment recommended resources

 

Physical and psychological hazards

 

Workspace

 

Plant, equipment and materials

 

Vehicles, buildings and structures