OFFICE SAFETY: HAZARD RECOGNITION

GETTING FROM THE CAR TO THE OFFICE

THE DANGERS OF GETTING FROM THE CAR TO THE OFFICE…… Bad weather conditions. Potholes & cracks. Uneven surfaces, sidewalks & drop offs. (heels, sandals) Unmarked speed bumps, elevation bumpers Slip resistant strips treatment

COMMON OFFICE HAZARDS PHYSICAL LAYOUT OFFICE FURNITURE VENTILATION EXITS- EGRESS ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ILLUMINATION FIRE HAZARDS OFFICE EQUIPMENT NOISE STORAGE STRESS COMPUTER TERMINALS

OFFICE SAFETY……. Leading Types of Disabling Accidents It is estimated that office workers sustain 76,000 fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and contusions each year. The leading types of disabling accidents that occur within the office are: Falls ….35% Strains and over-exertion…..23% Struck by or striking objects …..18% Caught in or between objects. …….10% In addition, office workers are also injured as a result of foreign substances in the eye, spilled hot liquids, burns from fire, and electric shock. In recent years, illness has increased among the office worker population. This may be attributed, in part, to the increased presence of environmental toxins within the office and to stress-producing factors associated with the automated office. Resulting illnesses may include respiratory problems, skin diseases, and stress-related conditions.

TRIPPING HAZARDS… CLUTTER DEBRIS IN AISLES WALKWAYS WORK AREAS

HOUSEKEEPING CONTROLS Cord covers for electrical wires. Keep machines away from corners Clean up spills ASAP Use signage for hazards Regularly inspect or replace (carpet)

OSHA MUSTS….. DEVELOP & IMPLEMENT ACTON PLANS FOR: FIRE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE CHEMICAL RELEASES NOT LIMITED TO JUST THESE 3 BUT OSHA DEMANDS THESE 3.

FIRE HAZARDS Some common types of combustible materials found in industry are: Wood Cloth Plastics Fuels Paints Solvents Cleaning fluids Hydraulic fluids

Ignition Sources: All forms and types of energy can be considered a potential ignition source. Some frequent types of ignition sources found in industry are: Open flames Electrical wiring / devices Smoking Heat sources / Hot surfaces Welding and cutting Friction Sparks and Arcs Static sparks Chemical reactions Gas Compression

Building Hazards: Fire can spread rapidly through a building. Fires can travel horizontally and vertically.

Listed below are examples of how fire can travel throughout a building: Horizontal Travel Doorways Hallways Ceiling spaces Floor spaces Utility openings Conveyor shafts Vertical Travel Stairways Elevator shafts Material shafts Utility openings Conveyor shafts

Personnel Hazards: The primary fire hazards to personnel are escape routes to safety. The following considerations must be examined in determining the best methods of escape: Travel distance to an exit Illumination of exiting paths Number and arrangement of exits Identification of exits Exit pathways Exit doors Exit capacities Stairwells

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Violence is a potential hazard in all workplaces, and an everyday hazard in some occupations. The source of violence can be strangers, clients, significant others of coworkers, or co-workers themselves. Threats or other precursors to violence must be reported and addressed. Physical security of the office should be evaluated, with reasonable precautions taken, such as lighted parking areas, secured entrances, and other measures as appropriate. Preplanning for violence prevention and training should take place.

MATERIALS STORAGE HAZARDS…1910N pg259 FALLING ON WORKERS, FIRES, ROOM VISIBILTY, STORE HEAVY ITEMS IN THE MIDDLE OF SHELVES DEFECTIVE CHAIRS, DESKS, FILE CABINETS, MISUSE OF FURNITURE CONDITION OF.. SHARP EDGES

ERGONOMICS…… POSTURE LIGHTING POSITIONING CHAIR HEIGHT PRINT/FONT SCREEN DESIGN KEYBOARD

NOISE………… In an office, workers can be subjected to many noise sources, such as: Video display terminals High-speed printers Telephones Human voices. Radios Equipment/machinery

Place noisy machines in an enclosed space Noise can produce tension and stress, as well as damage to hearing. Some of the numerous measures available to control unwanted noise include: Place noisy machines in an enclosed space Use carpeting, draperies, and acoustical ceiling tiles to muffle noise Adjust telephone volume to its lowest level Rearrange traffic routes within the office to reduce traffic within and between work areas.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS Electrical accidents in an office usually occur as a result of faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation, or misuse of equipment. Equipment must be properly grounded to prevent shock injuries A sufficient number of outlets will prevent circuit overloading Avoid the use of poorly maintained or non-approved equipment Cords should not be dragged over nails, hooks, or other sharp objects Receptacles should be installed and electric equipment maintained so that no live parts are exposed Machines should be disconnected before cleaning or adjusting.

OFFICE TOOLS/EQUIPMENT Paper cutters - Keep blade closed when not in use. A guard should be provided and fingers should be kept clear Staplers - Always use a staple remover. Never test a jammed stapler with your thumb Pencils, pens, scissors, etc. - Store sharp objects in a drawer or with the point down. Never hand someone a sharp object point first.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS AIR POLLUTION..NATURAL (MOLD, SPORES) SYNTHETIC (CLEANERS,AMONIA) VENTILLATION..DELIVERS GOOD AIR QUALITY, PROVIDES COMFORTABLE HUMIDTY & TEMP. ILLUMINATION…LIGHTING PROBLEMS, GLARE, EYESTRAIN, FATIGUE, DOUBLE VISION, POOR LIGHTING…ALL CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS NOISE SOURCES…PHONE, CELLS, VOICES, ETC. ***CAN CAUSE STRESS, TENSION, DAMAGED HEARING, ETC.

THE COST $$$$$ PAIN & SUFFERING, LOST WAGES, DISABILTY, REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE, DEPRESSION LOSS OF PRODUCTIVITY & BUSINESS, INCREASED INSURANCE PREMIUM, TRAINING COSTS, REPLACEMENT OF WORKERS & THE SUBSEQUENT TRAINING OF REPLACEMENTS.

SLIP, TRIPS & FALLS MAKE UP THE MOST OF GENERAL INDUSTRY ACCIDENTS. 15% OF ALL ACCIDENTAL DEATHS…2ND TO MOTOR VEHICLES MOST AFFECTED: KNEE, WRIST, ANKLE, FOOT, BACK, SHOULDER, HIP & HEAD

STAIRWAY SAFETY 2.5 MILLION FALLS ON STAIRS RESULT IN 2 MILLION INJURYS. HAZARDS: VARYING RISE, SHALLOW TREAD DEPTH, TALL/SHORT APPLY SLIP RESISTANT COATING, STRIPS, HIGHLIGHT-MARK THE EDGES, CONFUSING BOTTOM STEP W/FLOOR IS COMMON, DON’T RUSH UP STAIRS, USE HANDRAILS **** MOST HOTEL POLICIES STATE ALL EMPLOYEES HAVE TO USE THE HANDRAILS WHEN USING STAIRS.

SUMMARY……… DESIGN SAFETY INTO OFFICE LAYOUTS, USE OFFICE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS PROPERLY.