Ergonomics and Office Safety Training Facilities Management By: Chaizong Lor, Safety Coordinator

Office Safety Training Training Objectives: Slips, Trips & Falls Electrical Hazards Office Related Ergo issues Housekeeping Workplace Violence Signs of Crisis Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior Reducing the Risks Defusing a threatening Situation Recap Emergency Preparedness

Slips, Trips & Falls Prevent them by remembering the following: Do not allow cabling to create a tripping hazard Clear up spillages quickly Do not block passageways Keep office areas clean Keep stacking and storage areas safe

Slips, Trips & Falls Watch out for: Worn or loose carpets Broken stair tread edges Chipped floor boards and tiles Watch where you walk High heels Pick up objects that fall (i.e. pencils etc.)

Electrical Hazards Extension cords shall only be used in emergency situations Cords shall be kept in good repair - no cuts or missing ground points Cords placed so that they do not become a tripping hazard Never place a cord under a rug or through doorways - both may cause fires Do Not overload circuits

Electrical Hazards Do Not piggy back surge protectors Avoid overloading outlets and power strips Don’t plug one power strip into another Check for worn or frayed cords and have them replaced immediately Piggy backed Multi-plug strips

Office Related to Ergo Issues What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science designed to “fit” with human capabilities and limitations. Improving the “fit” between work environment and employee can result in: improved employee comfort improved employee productivity reduced chance for occupational injuries/illnesses improved employee satisfaction Depending on your tasks, you may find a range of seated and standing postures that are comfortable.

Office Related to Ergo Issues CTDs or Repetitive Strain/Motion Injuries (RSIs/RMIs) occur from repeated physical movements that place unnecessary stress on and damage to: Tendons Nerves (Hand, wrist, arm shoulder, neck & back) Muscles and other soft body tissues

Office Related to Ergo Issues Catalysts: at-risk typing/mousing technique, poor body positions, lack of adequate rest/breaks and excessive force.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Desks Work Surface Depth Location of Frequently Used Devices Should be located in Repetitive Access Zone Recommended Zones for Workplace Components

Office Related to Ergo Issues Feet, Knees, and Legs Use an adjustable work surface and chair that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor, or use a footrest If you use a footrest, be sure it is wide enough to accommodate different leg positions within your comfort zone. Knees should be about hip level and form a 900 angle between the thighs and lower leg Your comfort zone is a range of positions that is generally appropriate and comfortable for your given work situation. Do not accept aches and pains as “part of your job”

Office Related to Ergo Issues Back Arrange your work so that you are looking straight ahead most of the time. Make sure your keyboard is parallel to the front of your desk when you are using it. Sit back in your chair and rest your upper body against the backrest. Change your sitting position at regular intervals by leaning slightly forward and then slightly backward.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Forearms, Wrists, and Hands Check your seat height - your elbows should be no higher than keyboard height. Don't deploy rear keyboard feet unless your elbows are below desk height. Thoroughly revise your whole working posture, making sure that your hands are in line with your forearms. Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands aligned in a straight, neutral position, whether you are working at a desk or table. Avoid bending your wrists while typing or using a pointing device.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Forearms, Wrists, and Hands At regular intervals do some exercise with your hands. (This relieves tension in the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms). Sit close to the desk and don't put things between you and the keyboard except a gel wrist rest If you rest your wrists on the table when you type you should use a wrist rest.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Forearms, Wrists, and Hands Use your whole arm and shoulder to move the mouse, not just your wrist. Don't rest or anchor your wrist while using your pointing device; keep your wrist, arm, and shoulder free to move. RIGHT Keep your wrist in a straight, neutral position when using your pointing device. WRONG Don't angle your wrist when using your pointing device.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Shoulders and Elbows Adjust your chair height or keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows hang comfortably at your sides Adjust your keyboard slope so that your wrists are straight.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Eyes Working at your computer for long periods can be a visually demanding task and may cause your eyes to become irritated and fatigued. Resting Your Eyes. Cleaning Your Monitor and Glasses. Use blinds or curtains to reduce the Glare from windows.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Eyes Cont. Set the monitor at 0-15 degrees off the vertical. Start at 0 degrees, then angle it if you find an angle preferable. Your eyes should be at a comfortable viewing distance from the monitor (about arms’ length) For most people to view the screen comfortably it should be about 22-26" (55 - 65 cm) away, so that your eye focus muscles do not have to work too hard.

Office Related to Ergo Issues Eyes Cont. Look away from the screen every few minutes at a distant object. Symptoms (Eyes) General tiredness Dry, itching feeling Irritated eyes Blurred vision Headache

Office Related to Ergo Issues Neck and Head Set your computer so that the top of the visible area of the monitor is level with your eyes, when sitting up. Your head and neck should be upright, relaxed, and balanced between the shoulders Use a document holder to raise your reference material as close to the computer screen as possible.

Housekeeping Good housekeeping is an important element of accident prevention in the office Poor housekeeping may lead to: Lead or contribute to fires Injuries to personnel Unhealthful working conditions Free and clear of obstructions: Proper layout, spacing and arrangement of equipment or furniture 3 feet of clearance around electrical panels, passageways, and office door Fire Hazards Trip Hazard For emergency egress

Housekeeping Materials stored in supply rooms: Neatly stacked Heavy files placed in the bottom file draws Nothing above shoulder height Anchor single file cabinets where possible Lower drawers should bear the heaviest load Never open more than one drawer Always close drawers when finished

Housekeeping Office Furniture: Always use approved ladder or stool Never lean back in chair and put your feet on desk Use proper office equipment/tool for the job at hand (e.g., staple remover to remove staples). Damaged chairs, file cabinets, desks must be replaced

Workplace Violence Any act against an employee that creates a hostile work environment and negatively affects the employee, either physically or psychologically. Any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting.

Signs of crisis Confusion Frustration Blame Anger Hostile Call University Police 836-2222

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior Confusion Signs The person appears distracted. They are unsure or uncertain of the next course of action. Responses to Confusion Listen Attentively to the person Ask clarifying questions Give factual Information

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior Frustration Signs The person is impatient and reactive The person resists information you are giving them The person may try to bait you Responses to Frustration Move the person to a quiet location Reassure them, talk to them in a calm voice Attempt to clarify their concerns

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior Blame Signs The person places responsibility on everyone else They may accuse you or hold you responsible They may find fault with others They may place blame on you Responses to Blame Disengage with the person and bring a second party into the discussion Use a teamwork approach Draw the person back to the facts Show respect and concern Focus on areas of agreement to help resolve the situation

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior Anger Signs The person may show a visible change in body posture Actions may include pounding fists, pointing fingers, shouting or screaming This signals VERY RISKY BEHAVIOR! Responses to Anger Don’t argue with the person Don’t offer solutions Prepare to evacuate the area or isolate the person Contact your supervisor and security personnel

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior Hostility Sings Physical actions or threats appear imminent Immediate danger of physical harm or property damage Out of control behavior signals the person has crossed the line Responses to Hostility Disengage with the person and evacuate the area Attempt to isolate the person if it can be done safely Alert your supervisor and contact security immediately

Reducing the risks If threatened, call University police 836-2222 or 911 Seek backup from a colleague Refer students to Student Counseling Service Practice good active listening skills Behave in a calm, friendly, helpful manner

Defusing a threatening situation Stay calm Communicate respect Listen to understand Cooperate Aim for a plan Look after yourself

Recap Employee Responsibilities under the Law If you witness or are a victim of workplace violence, YOU MUST REPORT it to University Police.

Emergency Preparedness Emergency Planning Steps: Become familiar with evacuation routes Know where the evacuation assembly area(s) are for your building(s) Look around and note locations of: Exits (not elevators) Fire extinguishers Fire alarm pull stations First aid kits Emergency shower and eyewashes Memorize emergency phone numbers

?? Any Questions (http://www.uwec.edu/facmgt/safety/traininglist.htm) Please visit FM Website (http://www.uwec.edu/facmgt/safety/traininglist.htm) for additional information. Revision Dated: August 30th, 2012