Specific Risks in Optical Practice

Optical work has a predictable risk profile. Controls should fit real tasks, survive busy days, and be easy to check. The list below highlights common hazards with practical measures. ^[9]

Common hazards and practical controls

• Display screen equipment (DSE): assess workstations; adjust chairs, screens and lighting; use breaks and task variation; provide footrests or document holders where needed; record assessments and actions. ^[1]
• Electrical safety: PAT test on schedule; inspect cables and plugs; keep sockets accessible; remove hot-smelling or sparking kit from service; label faults and record isolation with time and name. ^[2]
• Fire safety: maintain clear routes; keep doors unobstructed; service alarms and extinguishers; train staff; drill and record outcomes; review personal emergency evacuation plans for patients who need them. ^[3][4]
• Manual handling: plan lifts of domiciliary kits or heavy boxes; use trolleys; team-lift where needed; keep loads low and close; store heavy items between knee and shoulder height. ^[5]
• PPE and hygiene: task-specific gloves for drops or chemical handling; safety glasses in labs; masks when indicated by public health guidance; train on donning, doffing and disposal; stock emollients to reduce dermatitis. ^[6][8]
• Slips, trips and falls: keep floors dry and even; secure mats; manage cables; provide stable seating; use high-contrast edges; check waiting areas for bags on floors; act fast on spills. ^[7]
• Contact dermatitis: choose low-irritant products; provide moisturisers; use gloves where appropriate; rotate tasks to reduce exposure; record cases and review products if trends appear. ^[8]

Keeping controls alive

Adding these items to opening and closing checks keeps them visible. One focused "deep dive" each month-such as electricals in March and slips/trips in April-shares attention. Rotating owners spreads knowledge and shrinks blind spots. ^[9]

Recording checks with dates, findings and fixes shows progress.

If a control repeatedly fails-e.g., cables across walkways-changing the layout rather than adding reminders is usually more effective. Escalating spend with a brief safety case shows risk reduction. ^[9]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Working safely with display screen equipment - Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Maintaining portable electrical equipment (HSG107) - Health and Safety Executive (2013) Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Fire safety in the workplace: Fire risk assessments - GOV.UK Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (Residential PEEPs) - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (GOV.UK) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Manual handling at work - Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) to control risks at work: Overview - Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
7. Preventing slips and trips at work (INDG225) - Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
8. Preventing contact dermatitis and urticaria at work (INDG233) - Health and Safety Executive (2015) Find (opens in a new tab)
9. Managing for health and safety (HSG65) - Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Find (opens in a new tab)