There are a number of health, safety and security requirements that an office environment must adhere to by law. These requirements are made to ensure that employees are treated fairly, equally and safe at all times. Office environments that fail to implement the necessary health and safety regulations can face legal action, should employees decide to challenge them. An employee has the rights to work in a healthy, secure and safe environment by law and these rights cannot be changed or removed by an employer. Within the office environment, six of the most important rights that an employer has are as follows;
- Wherever possible, any risks that appear to endanger the employees security, health and safety should be controlled.
- If an employee has any concerns about the health, safety and security of their office environment, they should be able to stop work and leave the work area without facing any sort of discipline.
- Any personal protection or safety equipment should be provided to members of staff free of charge.
- An employee has the right to tell their employer about any health, safety or security concerns at any time. Their concerns should be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
- If an employer does not listen to an employee's concerns, or refuses to act on them, an employee has the right to contact the Health and Safety Executive without discipline.
- Finally, for the health and safety for staff within an office environment, rest breaks and days must adhere to the government laws. This includes lunch breaks during a working day, time off between shifts and days off within a week.