Safety at work place - Effective Management techniques.
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1. The Most Common Accident: Falls
Falling down is not only the most common office accident, it is also responsible for causing the most disabling injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In fact, office workers are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to suffer a disabling injury from a fall than non-office workers. The most common causes of office falls, according to the CDC, include:
· Tripping over an open desk or file drawer, electrical cords or wires, loose carpeting, or objects in hallways/walkways.
· Bending or reaching for something while seated in an unstable chair.
· Using a chair in place of a ladder.
· Slipping on wet floors.
How to Avoid Falls in the Office: The good news is that falls are preventable. Following these tips should help.
·<
style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> Look before you walk -- make sure the walkway is clear.
· If you're done with a drawer, close it immediately.
· Don't stretch to reach something while seated. Get up instead.
· Report any loose carpeting, electrical cords, etc. to someone who can have them fixed.
· Help keep the office fall-proof. This means cleaning up spills from the floor (even if you didn't spill it), picking up objects that are out of place, etc.
2. Be Wary While Lifting
Lifting even small
loads (stacks of files, computer paper, a computer monitor, etc.) can lead to
injury if done improperly. Your back, neck and shoulders are all susceptible to
this type of injury. Before you decide to lift anything, be sure it is not too
heavy for you (if it is, ask a co-worker or supervisor to help).
Safe Lifting Tips: Whenever you
need to lift something, follow these tips to reduce your risk of injury.
·
Lift by squatting toward the floor (when lifting something from the
floor) and then using your legs (not your back) to straighten up.
·
Allow your back to stay in a straight position.
·
Pick up the object with your entire hand (not just your fingers) and
hold the load close to your body. Refrain from twisting.
3. Be Careful of Flying and Stationary Objects
Office workers are
often struck by objects, bump into objects themselves, or get caught in or
between objects, and as a result, are injured.
A properly positioned workstation, in
which your elbow is at 90 degrees and your computer monitor is at eye level,
will reduce your risk of musculoskeletal problems.
This includes bumping
into desks, other people, file cabinets, copy machines, ect., and getting hit
by objects that fall from cabinets tops, items dropped on feet, doors opening
unexpectedly or cabinets that fall over if not properly balanced.
Meanwhile, office
workers get their fingers caught in drawers, windows and paper cutters, and
their hair and jewelry caught in office machines.
Avoid Getting Hurt by
Objects in the Office: You can avoid these types of injuries, first and foremost, by
staying alert, watching where you are walking (Clear glass doors, Wall
cabinets, danglers) and placing your fingers, keeping jewelry and hair away
from machinery and concentrating on what you're doing. Meanwhile, open doors
slowly in case someone is walking by.
You can also ask your
office manager to purchase proper storage devices so all materials can be
safely stored out of the way, and to ensure that office machines have the
proper safety guards attached.
4. Get the Proper
Workstation Ergonomics
Over time, using a
workstation that does not fit your body (i.e. your chair does not support your
back, your computer screen is too high or low, your wrists are at an uncomfortable
angle while typing, etc.) can result in musculoskeletal problems of your neck,
shoulders and back, poor posture, eyestrain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Along with setting up
your workstation properly, it's essential to take breaks and change your
position (whether seated or standing) frequently. For instance, look away from
your computer screen for 30 seconds every 10 mintues, and get up to stretch
every half hour. This will help to take some of the strain away and reduce your
risk of being injured from making repetitive movements (such as typing) without
a rest.
How to Set up an
Ergonomically Correct Workstation: You can use these basic
guidelines to improve your workstation right now.
·
Adjust your chair so that your thighs are horizontal with the floor,
your feet are flat, and the backrest supports your lower back. If your feet do
not rest comfortably on the floor, use a footrest.
·
Adjust your keyboard or chair height so that, while you're typing, your
elbows are at a 90-degree angle and your wrists are straight.
·
Adjust your computer monitor so that the top of the screen is at your
eye level.
·
Use a document holder so your papers can be kept at the same level as
your computer monitor.
·
Make motions such as typing and stapling with the least amount of force
possible.
·
Adjust the window blinds or lighting so there is no glare on the
computer screen.
Good Working Positions
To understand the
best way to set up a computer workstation, it is helpful to understand the
concept of neutral body positioning. This is a comfortable working posture in
which your joints are naturally aligned. Working with the body in a neutral
position reduces stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system
and reduces your risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The
following are important considerations when attempting to maintain neutral body
postures while working at the computer workstation:
§ Hands, wrists,
and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the
floor.
§ Head is level,
forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
§ Shoulders are relaxed
and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
§ Elbows stay in close
to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
§ Feet are fully
supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not
adjustable.
§ Back is fully
supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back
slightly.
§ Thighs and hips are
supported and generally parallel to the floor.
§ Knees are about the
same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward
Regardless of how
good your working posture is, working in the same posture or sitting still for
prolonged periods is not healthy. You should change your working position
frequently throughout the day in the following ways:
§ Make small
adjustments to your chair or backrest.
§ Stretch your fingers,
hands, arms, and torso.
§ Stand up and walk
around for a few minutes periodically.
§ Perform some of your
tasks in standing: computing, reading, phone, meetings.
These four reference
postures are examples of body posture changes that all provide neutral
positioning for the body.
Upright
Sitting
Upright
sitting posture. The user's torso and neck are approximately vertical and
in-line, the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs are
vertical.
Figure 1. Upright sitting posture
Figure 2. The user's torso and neck are approximately vertical
and in-line, the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs are
vertical.
Standing
Standing
posture. The user's legs, torso, neck, and head are approximately in-line
and vertical with feet slightly apart. The user may also elevate one foot on a
rest while in this posture.
Figure 3. Standing posture
Figure 4. The user's legs, torso, neck, and head are
approximately in-line and vertical with feet slightly apart.
Declined
Sitting
Declined
sitting posture. The user's thighs are inclined with the buttocks higher than the
knee and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees.
The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the legs are vertical. This
position should not inhibit the ability to easily reach the keyboard or view
the monitor.
Figure 5. Declined sitting position
Figure 6. The user's thighs are inclined with the buttocks
higher than the knee and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater
than 90 degrees. The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the legs are
vertical.
Reclined
Sitting
Reclined
sitting posture. The user's torso and neck are straight and recline between 105
and 120 degrees from the thighs.
Figure 7. Reclined sitting posture
Figure 8. The user's torso and neck are straight and recline
between 105 and 120 degrees from the thighs.
PROLONGED PERIODS OF ACTIVITY
Potential
Hazard:
Computer
work, whether it's for a job or for fun, may appear to be a low effort activity
when viewed from a total body perspective, but maintaining postures or
performing highly repetitive tasks for extended periods can lead to problems in
localized areas of the body. For example, using a mouse for a few minutes
should not be a problem for most users, but performing this task for several
uninterrupted hours can expose the small muscles and tendons of the hand to
hundreds or even thousands of activations (repetitions). There may not be adequate time between
activations for rest and recuperation, which can lead to localized fatigue,
wear and tear, and injury. Likewise, maintaining static postures, such as
viewing the monitor, for a prolonged period of time without taking a break can
fatigue the muscles of the neck and shoulder that support the head.
Possible
Solutions:
Figure 1. Stretching during micro breaks
§ Provide
variation in tasks and workstations so there is time to recover from the
effects of activity. There are several ways to provide recovery time for
overused muscles.
o Utilize
an adjustable workstation so users can easily change their working postures. The use of easily
adjustable furniture, for example, allows you to frequently change seated
postures, which allows different muscle groups to provide support while others
rest.
o Ensure
that there is enough work space so you can use each hand
alternately to perform mouse tasks. This allows the tendons and muscles of the
free hand to rest.
o Substitute
keystrokes for mousing tasks, such as Ctrl+S to save, Ctrl+P to print.
Especially if your job is highly mouse intensive.
§ High
repetition tasks or jobs that require long periods of static posture may
require several, short rest breaks (micro
breaks or rest pauses). During these breaks users should be encouraged
to stand, stretch, and move around. This provides rest and allows the muscles
enough time to recover.
§ Alternate
tasks whenever possible, mixing non-computer-related tasks into the workday.
This encourages body movement and the use of different muscle groups.
Workstation Components Wrist/Palm Supports
Proper
arrangement of the keyboard and mouse help create a comfortable and productive workstation. Wrist
or palm rests can also increase your comfort.
Although
opinions vary regarding the use of wrist/palm supports, proper use has been
shown to reduce muscle activity and to facilitate neutral wrist angles.
Wrist Rest Quick Tips
§ Use a
wrist rest to maintain straight wrist postures and to minimize contact stress
during typing and mousing tasks.
DESIGN
AND USE
Potential
Hazards:
Figure 1. Bending the wrist upward
§ Performing
keying tasks without a wrist rest may increase the angle to which users' wrists
are bent (Figure 1). Increasing the angle of bend increases the contact stress
and irritation on tendons and tendon sheathes. This is especially true with
high repetition or prolonged keying tasks. Keying without a wrist rest can also
increase contact stress between the users wrist
and hard or sharp workstation components.
§ Resting
the wrist/palm on a support while typing may inhibit motion of the wrist and
could increase awkward wrist postures.
Possible
Solutions:
Figure 2. Wrist/palm rests encourage neutral wrist postures
§ Your
hands should move freely and be elevated above the wrist/palm rest while
typing. When resting, the pad should contact the heel or palm of your hand, not
your wrist.
§ If
used, wrist/palm rests should be part of an ergonomically-coordinated computer
workstation.
§ Reduce
bending of the wrists by adjusting other workstation components (chair, desk, keyboard) so the wrist can maintain an in-line,
neutral posture.
§ Match
the wrist support to the width, height, and slope of the front edge of the
keyboard (keeping in mind that the goal is to keep wrist postures as straight
as possible).
§ Provide
wrist/palm supports that are fairly soft and rounded to minimize pressure on
the wrist. The support should be at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) deep.
Figure
3. Diagram of wrist support
Workstation Components Pointer/Mouse
Pointing
devices such as a mouse now come in many sizes, shapes, and configurations. In
addition to the conventional mouse, there are trackballs, touch pads, finger
tip joysticks, and pucks, to name a few. Selection and placement of a
pointer/mouse is an important factor in creating a safe computer workstation.
Consider
the following factors when evaluating your computer workstation.
Pointer/Mouse Quick Tips
§ Keep
the pointer/mouse close to the keyboard.
§ Alternate
hands with which you operate the pointer/mouse.
§ Use
keyboard short cuts to reduce extended use.
§
Potential Hazards:
If the pointer/mouse is not near the keyboard (Figure 1) you may
be exposed to awkward postures, contact stress, or forceful hand exertions while using the
device. Working in this position (Figure 2) for prolonged periods places stress
on the shoulder and arm and increases the likelihood that you will assume
awkward wrist and shoulder postures, which may lead to musculoskeletal
disorders.
Figure 1. Mouse placement that is too far away because of a
small keyboard tray
Figure 2. Mouse placed too far from the user and not in the same
plane as the keyboard
Possible Solutions:
Figure 3. Appropriate mouse placement
§ Position
the pointer/mouse to allow you to maintain a straight, neutral wrist posture.
This may involve adjustments in your chair, desk, keyboard tray, etc.
§ If
the keyboard tray/surface is not large enough to accommodate both the keyboard
and mouse, try one of the following to limit reaching:
o Use a
mouse platform positioned over the keyboard. This design allows the mouse to be
used above the 10-key pad.
o Install
a mouse tray next to the keyboard tray (Figure 4).
§ Use a
keyboard that has a pointing device, such as a touchpad, incorporated into it
(Figure 5).
§ Use a
keyboard without a ten-key pad, which leaves more room for the pointer/mouse.
§ Install
keyboard trays that are large enough to hold both the keyboard and mouse.
§ Use a
mouse pad with a wrist/palm rest to promote neutral
wrist posture (Figure 6).
§ Substitute
keystrokes for mousing tasks, such as Ctrl+S to save, and Ctrl+P to print.
Figure 4. Mouse platform
Figure 5. Keyboard with a built-in touchpad
Figure 6. Mouse wrist rest
POINTER SIZE, SHAPE, AND SETTINGS
Potential
Hazards:
Inappropriate
size and shape of pointers can increase stress, cause awkward postures, and
lead to overexertion. For example, using a pointing device that is too big or
too small may cause you to increase finger force and bend your wrist into
awkward positions. Using the left hand to operate a device that is designed for
right-hand use can also create force and posture issues and may create contact
stress to the soft tissue areas in the palm of the hand. Contact stress can
create irritation and inflammation.
Possible
Solutions:
Figure 7. Puck device
§ Select
a pointing device designed to fit the hand that will normally operate it. Many
devices are available in right hand/left hand models and also come in sizes to
fit large and small hands. A device that is designed for either hand use may be
desirable, since changing from right- to left-hand operation provides periods
of rest for one hand. You should test a device prior to purchase and long term
use to ensure proper fit and feel.
§ Select
pointing devices that are appropriately sized and that require minimal force to
generate movement. For example, a puck device (Figure 7) must be small enough
for single-handed operation (generally, 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide, 2.5 to 4.5
inches long, and 1 to 1.5 inches high).
§ Reduce
the strain on hands by reducing pointing device use. Using keyboard functions,
such as page down, may reduce mouse use and provide rest for hand and arm
muscles.
Figure 8. Fingertip joystick for a notebook computer
§ Use
another type of device that fits the hand better or doesn't require bending the
wrist while gripping. A fingertip joystick (Figure 8), touchpad, or trackball
(Figure 9) may be less fatiguing for certain tasks. Always try out any new
product prior to selection and long term use.
Potential
Hazards:
When
the sensitivity for the input device is not appropriately set, you may need to
use excessive force and awkward hand postures to control the device. For
example, a mouse that is too sensitive may require excessive and prolonged
finger force to provide adequate control. A mouse that has insufficient
sensitivity may require large deviation of the wrist to move the pointer around
the screen. Exerting prolonged force or repeatedly bending the wrist can
fatigue the muscles of the hand and arm and increase the risk of
musculoskeletal injuries.
Possible
Solutions:
Figure 9. Trackball device
§ Sensitivity
and speed (how fast the pointer moves on the screen when the pointing device is
moved by the hand) should feel comfortable and be adjustable. The pointer
should be able to cover the full screen while the wrist is maintained in a
straight, neutral posture.
§ Sensitivity
should be set so you can control the pointing device with a light touch. Most
current devices have sensitivity settings that can be adjusted through the
computer control panel.
§ Avoid
tightly gripping the mouse or pointing device to maintain control.
§ A
trackball's exposed surface area should be at least 100 degrees (Figure 9). It
should feel comfortable and rotate in all directions to generate any
combination of movement.
Figure 2. Be aware of MSD signs
Potential Hazard:
Employees who have not been adequately trained to recognize
hazards or understand effective work practices designed to reduce these hazards
are at a greater risk of harm. Without proper medical awareness,
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) signs and symptoms may go unnoticed and
un-addressed. For example, users who do not understand the risk of bad body
postures or techniques do not have the knowledge to actively participate in
their own protection. Detection and reporting delays can result in more severe
injury.
Possible Solutions:
Computer users should take the time to obtain general ergonomics
awareness training on the following issues:
§ Factors
related to specific computer components that may increase discomfort or
risk of injury.
§ Being
aware of discomfort (signs and symptoms).
§ How
to correctly use and adjust components and environmental factors.
MSD Signs and Symptoms
It is important to
report signs and symptoms as early as possible to prevent serious injury or
permanent damage. Users at risk for MSDs associated with computer use may
experience some of the following signs or symptoms:
§ Numbness or a burning
sensation in the hand
§ Reduced grip strength
in the hand
§ Swelling or stiffness
in the joints
§ Pain in wrists,
forearms, elbows, neck, or back
§ Reduced range of
motion in the shoulder, neck, or back
§ Dry, itchy, or sore
eyes
§ Blurred or double
vision
§ Aching or tingling
§ Cramping
§ Weakness
Workstation Environment
Appropriately
placing lighting and selecting the right level of illumination can enhance your
ability to see monitor images. For example, if lighting is excessive or causes
glare on the monitor screen, you may develop eyestrain or headaches, and may
have to work in awkward postures to view the screen. Ventilation and humidity
levels in office work environments may affect user comfort and productivity.
Environment Quick Tips
§ Arrange
your office to minimize glare from overhead lights, desk lamps, and windows.
§ Maintain
appropriate air circulation.
§ Avoid
sitting directly under air conditioning vents that "dump" air right
on top of you.
Potential Hazard:
Bright lights shining on the display screen "wash out" images,
making it difficult to clearly see your work. Straining to view objects on the
screen can lead to eye fatigue.
Possible Solutions
Figure 1. Blinds are on the windows and
the monitor is placed at an angle (perpendicular)
§ Place
rows of lights parallel to your line of sight (Figure 1).
§ Provide
light diffusers so that desk tasks (writing, reading papers) can be performed
while limiting direct brightness on the computer screen.
§ Remove
the middle bulbs of 4-bulb fluorescent light fixtures to reduce the brightness
of the light to levels more compatible with computer tasks if diffusers or
alternative light sources are not available. NOTE: a standard florescent light
fixture on a nine-foot ceiling with four, 40-watt bulbs will produce
approximately 50 foot-candles of light at the desktop level.
§ Provide
supplemental task/desk lighting to adequately illuminate writing and reading
tasks while limiting brightness around monitors.
o Generally,
for paper tasks and offices with CRT displays, office lighting should range
between 20 to 50 foot-candles. If LCD monitors are in use, higher levels of
light are usually needed for the same viewing tasks (up to 73 foot-candles).
Potential Hazard:
Figure 2. Bright light entering from a
window
Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast
problems, making it difficult to clearly see your work (Figure 2).
Possible Solutions:
§ Use
blinds or drapes on windows to eliminate bright light. Blinds and furniture
placement should be adjusted to allow light into the room, but not directly
into your field of view (Figure 1). NOTE: vertical
blinds work best for East/West facing windows and horizontal blinds for
North/South facing windows.
§ Use
indirect or shielded lighting where possible and avoid intense or uneven lighting
in your field of vision. Ensure that lamps have glare shields or shades to
direct light away from your line of sight.
§ Reorient
the workstation so bright lights from open windows are at right angles with the
computer screen (Figure 1).
Potential Hazard:
High contrast between light and dark areas of the computer screen,
horizontal work surface, and surrounding areas can cause eye fatigue and
headaches.
Possible Solution:
§ For
computer work, use well-distributed diffuse light. The advantage of diffuse lighting
is that:
o There
are fewer hot spots (or glare surfaces) in the visual field.
o The
contrasts created by the shape of objects tend to be softer.
§ Use
light, matte colors and finishes on walls and ceilings to better reflect
indirect lighting and reduce dark shadows and contrast.
GLARE
Figure 3. Glare from overhead light
source
Potential Hazard:
Direct light sources (for example, windows, overhead lights) that
cause reflected light to show up on the monitor (Figure 3) make images more
difficult to see, resulting in eye strain and fatigue.
Possible Solutions:
§ Place
the face of the display screen at right angles to windows and light sources. Position
task lighting (for example, a desk lamp) so the light does not reflect on the
screen (Figure 1).
§ Clean
the monitor frequently. A layer of dust can contribute to glare.
§ Use
blinds or drapes on windows to help reduce glare (Figure 1). NOTE: vertical
blinds work best for East/West facing windows and horizontal blinds for
North/South facing windows.
Figure 4. Monitor with a
glare screen
§ Use
glare filters that attach directly to the surface of the monitor to reduce
glare (Figure 4). Glare filters, when used, should not significantly decrease
screen visibility. Install louvers, or "egg crates", in overhead
lights to re-direct lighting.
§ Use
barriers or light diffusers on fixtures to reduce glare from overhead lighting.
Potential Hazard:
NOTE: Generally, a large number of low
powered lamps rather than a small number of high powered lamps will result in
less glare.
Reflected light from polished surfaces, such as a keyboards, may
cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.
Possible Solutions:
§ To
limit reflection from walls and work surfaces around the screen, paint them
with a medium colored, non-reflective paint. Arrange workstations and lighting
to avoid reflected glare on the display screen or surrounding surfaces.
§ Tilt
down the monitor slightly to prevent it from reflecting overhead light.
§ Set
the computer monitor for dark characters on a light background; they are less
affected by reflections than are light characters on a dark background.
VENTILATION
Potential Hazards:
Figure 5. Air circulation
§ Users
may experience discomfort from poorly designed or malfunctioning ventilation
systems, for example, air conditioners or heaters that directly
"dump" air on users.
§ Dry
air can dry the eyes (especially if the user wears contact lenses).
§ Poor
air circulation can result in stuffy or stagnant conditions.
§ Temperatures
above or below standard comfort levels can affect comfort and productivity.
Possible Solutions:
Figure 6. Air ventilation diffuser
§ Do
not place desks, chairs, and other office furniture directly under air
conditioning vents unless the vents are designed to redirect the air flow away
from these areas.
§ Use
diffusers or blocks to redirect and mix air flows from ventilation systems
(Figure 6).
o Keep
air flow rates within three and six inches per second (7.5 and 15 centimeters
per second). These air flow rates are barely noticeable or not noticeable at
all.
§ Keep
relative humidity of the air between 30% and 60%.
§ The
recommended ambient indoor temperatures range between 68° and 74° F (20° and
23.5° C) during heating season and between 73° and 78° F (23° and 26° C) during
the cooling season.
Potential Hazard:
Exposure to chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone,
and particles from computers and their peripherals (for example, laser
printers) may cause discomfort or health problems.
Possible Solutions:
§ Enquire
about the potential for a computer or its components to emit pollutants. Those
that do should be placed in well-ventilated areas.
§ Maintain
proper ventilation to ensure that there is an adequate supply of fresh air.
§ Allow
new equipment to "air out" in a well-ventilated area prior to
installing.
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