Office Traps Office safety is everyone’s responsibility

Accidents are expensive – not news to anyone here Accidents are costly Accidents are expensive – not news to anyone here Working in our office is a lot safer than most of the work locations of our clients What issues do we need to consider Insurance costs, medical bills and lost wages are involved Work disruption is someone is not on the job due to an injury (on the job / off the job)

Common office accidents Falls are the most common office accident Walking (slips, trips and falls on any walking surface) Climbing ladders or stairs While sitting in chairs (tipping back, rolling, missing) People can trip over various objects Telephone and electrical cords Open desk and file drawers Loose or worn carpeting and rugs Debris Equipment and packages left in aisles

Common office accidents Open one drawer of the cabinet at a time File cabinets can topple over if loaded “top heavy” If more than one drawer is open Do not slam drawers shut Fingers can be smashed by a slammed drawer Edges on furniture and equipment Consider where you grab / hold equipment Cover sharp edges (electrical or duct tape) Arrange furniture to promote work and people flow Using a chair as a ladder / step stool

What is our fire escape route / response plan our office? Office Fires What is our fire escape route / response plan our office? What if a fire starts in our kitchen? What would you do? Fire types and fire extinguishers

Classes Of Fire Class A – ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber or certain types of plastic Class B – flammable or combustible gases and liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners or propane Class C – energized electrical equipment such as appliances, switches or power tools Class D – certain combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium or sodium.

P A S S Fighting the Fire Pull the pin Aim low at the base of flames Squeeze the handle S Sweep side to side

Computer Monitors & Work Station Arrangement Health concerns of computer monitors involve: Eye irritation Low back, neck, and shoulder pain Cumulative trauma disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome Stress

Computer Workstation Design Proper ergonomic design should be tailored to prevent discomfort. Neutral position of joints Factors to consider include: Relation of operator to screen Operator’s posture Lighting and background Keyboard position Chair height Document holder Screen design, characters and color

Example of Poor Computer Design

Workstation Considerations Set up work area to minimize stretching, reaching, and awkward movements. What is comfortable for you? Pay attention to your movements and force of movement Good housekeeping is essential. Store items based on frequency of use. Never leave desk and/or filing cabinet drawers open.

Chair should provide lower back support Adjustable chair height Chairs and Desks Chair should provide lower back support Adjustable chair height knees and hips are level. Chairs on castors must have 5 legs Height of desk top, length of your torso and seat height are interdependent

Computers The top of the monitor should be at eye level to avoid neck strain The keyboard should be directly in front of the user The user’s elbows should be bent at a 90 angle The back of the keyboard should be slightly elevated to allow the user’s wrists to be in a neutral position The screen should be positioned at right angles to the window to avoid glare

Facts about back injuries Your physical health has a lot to do with protection against back injury Poor body mechanics Poor muscle tone Extra weight High heels Personal factors

Don’t back down on fitness Strengthen the appropriate muscles Exercise the abdominal and leg muscles Proper posture is beneficial Lying down is the least stressful position Stand straight up and erect rather than slouching Lower back support is a must while sitting

Watch your every move When squatting, bend at the waist, hips or knees Get a firm footing and keep your feet parted Center the object as well as your body weight Let your legs do the work

Each of us has seen this kind of lifting information Watch your every move Each of us has seen this kind of lifting information Grip the object firmly around the corners Do not arch your back Avoid twisting your back Warm up before you lift Stretching at the start of the day can prevent injuries This is important – lift naturally, know the weight and do back bends

Ergonomics to the rescue Try to reduce or avoid repetitive motions Muscle fatigue can lead to over-exertion Responsible for ¼ of all work injuries Take a break to regain your strength

Be careful while carrying Make sure your path is clear of obstacles Use a dolly if available Ask for help if you have to carry a heavy load Avoid carrying a load backwards

Office safety Office safety is everyone’s responsibility Everyone should develop an interest in following safe practices both on and off the job

Office Traps Office safety is everyone’s responsibility