Standard Office-Based Roles Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Noise and distraction in open plan — Designate quiet zones and collaboration areas; use soft finishes and screens to absorb sound. Encourage headsets for calls, book rooms for long meetings, and set etiquette on speaker use. Offer focus rooms and allow flexible work patterns during planned noisy activities.
• Infectious disease transmission — Promote stay-at-home when unwell, provide handwashing and sanitiser, and enhance cleaning of touchpoints. Improve ventilation in meeting rooms, offer hybrid attendance options, and avoid crowded catering queues. Provide tissues, lidded bins, and clear guidance during seasonal outbreaks.
• Stairs and ramps — Maintain handrails both sides, nosings with high contrast, and good lighting. Keep stairs free of storage, set keep-left guidance, and discourage rushing or phone use. Inspect treads regularly and fix loose coverings. Provide lift access and assistance where mobility requires.
• Storage systems and falling objects — Use stable shelving anchored to walls; avoid overloading and store heavy items low. Keep top shelves for light, infrequent items with steps provided. Close drawers, use bookends, and avoid stacking above head height. Inspect quarterly for damage and rectify promptly.
• Psychosocial factors and workload — Balance workloads, set clear priorities, and provide regular 1-to-1s. Promote reasonable hours, breaks and leave, and signpost confidential support. Train managers to spot stress indicators, prevent bullying, and agree adjustments after change, illness or return to work.