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OSHA Office Safety Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed an e-tool to help determine safe office environments. This e-tool was referenced in part by National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-141.

  1. Ergonomics

    • Good ergonomics involve body positions that form natural alignment. When your body is naturally aligned, it reduces stress and strain on the body.

    Lighting

    • Bright light shining on, or bright light behind a computer screen can cause eye strain. Light diffusers and window blinds help equalize light levels.

    Ventilation

    • Poor ventilation can result in stuffy, stagnate air. Desks should not be placed directly under or in front of a ventilation duct.

    Temperature/Humidity

    • Temperatures should be kept between 68 and 74 degrees F in the winter and between 73 and 78 in the summer. Relative humidity should be between 30 and 60 percent.

    Exposure to Chemicals

    • Cleaning chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particles from computers and their peripherals, such as laser printers and copy machines, may cause discomfort or health problems.

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