1. Standard Grade Administration
Area of Study 1: Administrative Support
Unit 2b: Safe Working Practices & Procedures

2. Identify 2 hazards shown in the picture below.

3. Hazards identified Glare on computer screen Trailing cables
Overloaded sockets
Cup of coffee at computer
Folders lying on floor
Box falling off desk
Inappropriate chairs

4. Eye Strain/Headaches Provide staff with anti-glare screen
Install blinds
Remind staff to take regular breaks
Send staff for regular eye tests
Subsidise cost of glasses for staff
Adjust brightness/contrast controls

5. Tripping hazards For trailing cables: For items lying on floor:
Install a cable management system
Secure cables around the wall/skirting board
Install cable covers/tidies
Reposition furniture
For items lying on floor:
Provide filing cabinets/shelving.
Provide larger desks.

6. Electrocution (overloaded sockets)
Install additional sockets
Rearrange equipment (nearer other sockets)

7. Electrocution (faulty equipment)
Ensure all equipment is regularly maintained.
Switch off faulty equipment.
Ensure all faults are reported immediately.
Put up a notice informing staff of faulty equipment.
Put up notices reminding staff of what to do in the event of a fault.
Ensure staff are trained in the correct use of equipment.

8. Electrocution/Burns (liquid near machines)
Remind staff of the dangers of liquid beside machines (send a memo/ ).
Ban staff from bringing liquid to desks.
Provide a separate area.

9. Backache, Leg & Foot Pain
Provide adjustable chairs
Ensure staff take regular breaks
Provide foot rests/wrist rests
Provide ergonomic furniture

10. RSI – What is it?
Repetitive strain injury is a condition where pain and other symptoms occur in an area of the body which has done repetitive tasks (often arms or hands).
The term repetitive strain injury (RSI) is used to describe a range of painful conditions of the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues.
The main cause is frequent and repetitive movements of a part of the body. For example, typing, using a computer mouse a lot, etc.
Other factors may contribute, such as poor posture whilst doing the movement, using excessive force whilst doing the movement, and not having enough breaks from the task.

11. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Provide staff with wrist rests
Remind staff to take regular breaks
Provide/check training has been given
Provide adjustable chairs
Check the layout of the desk/workstation
Purchase/check suitability of wrist rests/footrests
Ensure staff duties/tasks are varied.

12. Stress
Ensure that staff are fully trained in the use of equipment/software
Provide counselling

13. Look at the pictures which follow:
Identify the hazards
Identify the problems staff may suffer as a result of each hazard
Suggest a solution for each

18. Source: Leckie & Leckie