UNOFFICIAL OHS DATABASE
Clause 45 of the the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 states:
"An employer must ensure that:
(a) sufficient working space is provided to allow persons to work safely, and
(b) floors and surfaces are constructed and maintained to minimise the possibility
of slips, trips and falls, and
(c) persons are unhindered and able to move safely around a place of work."
Employers must conduct risk assessments to ensure that sufficient space is provided for workers.
Some OHS authorities recommend an allocation of 6.25 square metres per individual workstation, including furniture and fittings but not including passageways and amenities. This figure is intended as a guide and is not law.
Australian Standard AS1668.2 - The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control, recommends 10 square metres per person for airconditioned office areas, which includes passageways and amenities. Again, this is not law, although if an employer is prosecuted for providing an unsafe amount of office space for workers, the Standard could be used as an "expert opinion" by the prosecution.
Ultimately, the providion of adequate office space is subject to risk assessment, and will depend on individual workplaces, taking into account the different equipment, activities and personal circumstances (eg. allergies, respiratory problems, mobility, etc).
Good housekeeping is important in helping employers ensure that the space they provide is as safe as possible for workers.
References
· Safe
premises/buildings (NOHSC)
· Health & safety in the office - ACT
version, NT
version
· Officewise
(Comcare)