office safety texas mutual insurance company. introduction l common assumption: –“offices have...
TRANSCRIPT
IntroductionIntroduction
Common Assumption: – “offices have no hazards” and /or “office
workers do not have injuries”
Our GoalOur Goal
FACT:– there are hazards in office environments
Target potential and real hazards Eliminate hazards
Who, What, Where ?Who, What, Where ?
Office environments may be similar – have the hazards in your “offices” been
identified?
Identify Office HazardsIdentify Office Hazards
Slips, Trips and Falls Hazardous Substances Electrical Hazards
Identify Office HazardsIdentify Office Hazards
Slips, Trips and Falls Hazardous Substances Electrical Hazards Lifting Hazards
Identify Office HazardsIdentify Office Hazards
Slips, Trips and Falls Hazardous Substances Electrical Hazards Lifting Hazards Repetitive Motion
Identify Office HazardsIdentify Office Hazards
Slips, Trips and Falls Hazardous Substances Electrical Hazards Lifting Hazards Repetitive Motion Emergencies - Unplanned events
HousekeepingHousekeeping
Avoid Slip, Trip, Fall Hazards– Walking Surfaces
• floors
• aisles
• stairs
– Office Equipment and Furnishings
• open file/desk drawers
• electrical cords
• carpets
Hazard CommunicationHazard Communication
Communicate “Hazards” to Employees– define hazards of the workplace
hazardous (chemical) substances hazardous conditions
Electrical HazardsElectrical Hazards
Properly installed and grounded equipment Electrical cords are common hazards
– use should be “temporary” - not a substitute for fixed wiring, i.e. not attached to structures or run through walls, windows, etc.
– minimize use in high traffic areas
– inspect frequently
• fraying
• broken or missing grounding prongs
Back SafetyBack Safety
Common lifting errors can lead to injury– too much weight and/or volume – too far away from the body
Back SafetyBack Safety
Common lifting errors can lead to injury– too much weight and/or volume – too far away from the body– too much spinal movement (twisting/bending)
Back SafetyBack Safety
Common lifting errors can lead to injury– too much weight and/or volume – too far away from the body– too much spinal movement (twisting/bending)– lack of physical fitness
Back Injury PreventionBack Injury Prevention
Use rolling equipment - dollies, carts Work station design to minimize lifting
– “safe lifting zone” Push or Pull objects, in lieu of lifting Bulk moving of materials - pallets, other
containers Break down into smaller components
Repetitive MotionRepetitive Motion
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s)– humans have “moving body parts” - muscles,
tendons and joints repetitive motion in awkward or forceful positions cumulative over months and years
Repetitive MotionRepetitive Motion
Common Tasks that cause problems:– computer keyboard work– telephone work
Repetitive MotionRepetitive Motion
Solution:– “Ergonomics”
fitting the task to the person - in lieu of -
the person fitting the task
Repetitive MotionRepetitive Motion
Work Habits Training Employees
– Shift to Neutral– Break Routine– Stretching
Repetitive MotionRepetitive Motion
Work Stations– adjustable chairs– adjustable desks/tables– lighting
Emergency PlanningEmergency Planning
A written plan that fits your company resources, operations and capabilities.– ensures employee safety in the event of a fire or
other emergency
Emergency PlanningEmergency Planning
Chain of Command Emergency Communication Escape Procedures and Routes Critical Plant Operations Account for Personnel at Designated Areas Rescue and First Aid Duties Coordinators/Monitors and Reporting Procedures
SummarySummary
Know your “office” operations and job requirements
Evaluate “office” working conditions– observe work habits and workstations– ask for feedback from employees– look at incidents and trends– identify training needs