Office Safety Training

Slips, Trips & FallsElectrical HazardsOffice Related Ergo issuesHousekeepingWorkplace ViolenceSigns of Crisis

Warning Signs of Escalating BehaviorReducing the RisksDefusing a threatening SituationRecap Emergency Preparedness

Training Objectives:

Slips, Trips & Falls

Prevent them by remembering the following:Do not allow cabling to create a tripping hazardClear up spillages quicklyDo not block passagewaysKeep office areas cleanKeep stacking and storage areas safe

Slips, Trips & Falls

Watch out for:Worn or loose carpetsBroken stair tread edgesChipped floor boards and tilesWatch where you walkHigh heelsPick up objects that fall (i.e. pencils etc.)

Electrical HazardsExtension cords shall only be used in emergency situationsCords shall be kept in good repair - no cuts or missing ground pointsCords placed so that they do not become a tripping hazardNever place a cord under a rug or through doorways - both may cause firesDo Not overload circuits

Electrical Hazards

Do Not piggy back surge protectorsAvoid overloading outlets and power stripsDon’t plug one power strip into anotherCheck for worn or frayed cords and have them replaced immediately

Piggy backedMulti-plug strips

Office Related to Ergo IssuesWhat is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science designed to “fit” with human capabilities and limitations.Improving the “fit” between work environment and employee can result in:

improved employee comfortimproved employee productivityreduced chance for occupational injuries/illnessesimproved employee satisfaction

Office Related to Ergo Issues

CTDs or Repetitive Strain/Motion Injuries (RSIs/RMIs) occur from repeated physical movements that place unnecessary stress on and damage to:

TendonsNerves (Hand, wrist, arm shoulder, neck & back)Musclesand other soft body tissues

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Catalysts: at-risk typing/mousing technique, poor body positions, lack of adequate rest/breaks and excessive force.

Office Related to Ergo Issues

DesksWork Surface DepthLocation of Frequently Used Devices Should be located in Repetitive Access Zone

Recommended Zones for Workplace Components

Office Related to Ergo IssuesFeet, Knees, and Legs

Use an adjustable work surface and chair that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor, or use a footrestIf you use a footrest, be sure it is wide enough to accommodate different leg positions within your comfort zone.Knees should be about hip level and form a 900 angle between the thighs and lower leg

Office Related to Ergo IssuesBack

Arrange your work so that you are looking straight ahead most of the time. Make sure your keyboard is parallel to the front of your desk when you are using it. Sit back in your chair and rest your upper body against the backrest. Change your sitting position at regular intervals by leaning slightly forward and then slightly backward.

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Forearms, Wrists, and HandsCheck your seat height - your elbows should be no higher than keyboard height. Don't deploy rear keyboard feet unless your elbows are below desk height. Thoroughly revise your whole working posture, making sure that your hands are in line with your forearms.

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Forearms, Wrists, and HandsAt regular intervals do some exercise with your hands. (This relieves tension in the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms). Sit close to the desk and don't put things between you and the keyboard except a gel wrist rest

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Forearms, Wrists, and HandsUse your whole arm and shoulder to move the mouse, not just your wrist. Don't rest or anchor your wrist while using your pointing device; keep your wrist, arm, and shoulder free to move.

RIGHTKeep your wrist in a straight, neutral position when using your pointing device.

WRONGDon't angle your wrist when usingyour pointing device.

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Shoulders and ElbowsAdjust your chair height or keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows hang comfortably at your sides

Office Related to Ergo IssuesEyes

Working at your computer for long periods can be a visually demanding task and may cause your eyes to become irritated and fatigued.

Resting Your Eyes.Cleaning Your Monitor and Glasses.Use blinds or curtains to reduce the Glare from windows.

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Eyes Cont.Set the monitor at 0-15 degrees off the vertical. Start at 0 degrees, then angle it if you find an angle preferable. Your eyes should be at a comfortable viewing distance from the monitor (about arms’ length)

Office Related to Ergo Issues

Eyes Cont.Look away from the screen every few minutes at a distant object.

Symptoms (Eyes)General tirednessDry, itching feelingIrritated eyesBlurred visionHeadache

Office Related to Ergo IssuesNeck and Head

Set your computer so that the top of the visible area of the monitor is level with your eyes, when sitting up.Your head and neck should be upright, relaxed, and balanced between the shoulders Use a document holder to raise your reference material as close to the computer screen as possible.

HousekeepingGood housekeeping is an important element of accident prevention in the officePoor housekeeping may lead to:

Lead or contribute to firesInjuries to personnelUnhealthful working conditions

Free and clear of obstructions:Proper layout, spacing and arrangement of equipment or furniture

HousekeepingMaterials stored in supply rooms:

Neatly stackedHeavy files placed in the bottom file drawsNothing above shoulder height

Anchor single file cabinets where possibleLower drawers should bear the heaviest loadNever open more than one drawerAlways close drawers when finished

Housekeeping

Office Furniture:Always use approved ladder or stoolNever lean back in chair and put your feet on deskUse proper office equipment/tool for the job at hand (e.g., staple remover to remove staples).Damaged chairs, file cabinets, desks must be replaced

Workplace ViolenceAny act against an employee that creates a hostile work environment and negatively affects the employee, either physically or psychologically.

Any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting.

Signs of crisis

Confusion

Frustration

Blame

Anger

Hostile

Call University Police 836-2222

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior

Confusion SignsThe person appears distracted.They are unsure or uncertain of the next course of action.

Responses to ConfusionListen Attentively to the personAsk clarifying questionsGive factual Information

Warning Signs of Escalating BehaviorFrustration Signs

The person is impatient and reactiveThe person resists information you are giving themThe person may try to bait you

Responses to FrustrationMove the person to a quiet locationReassure them, talk to them in a calm voiceAttempt to clarify their concerns

Warning Signs of Escalating BehaviorBlame Signs

The person places responsibility on everyone elseThey may accuse you or hold you responsibleThey may find fault with othersThey may place blame on you

Responses to BlameDisengage with the person and bring a second party into the discussionUse a teamwork approachDraw the person back to the factsShow respect and concernFocus on areas of agreement to help resolve the situation

Warning Signs of Escalating BehaviorAnger Signs

The person may show a visible change in body postureActions may include pounding fists, pointing fingers, shouting or screamingThis signals VERY RISKY BEHAVIOR!

Responses to AngerDon’t argue with the personDon’t offer solutionsPrepare to evacuate the area or isolate the personContact your supervisor and security personnel

Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior

Hostility SingsPhysical actions or threats appear imminentImmediate danger of physical harm or property damageOut of control behavior signals the person has crossed the line

Responses to HostilityDisengage with the person and evacuate the areaAttempt to isolate the person if it can be done safelyAlert your supervisor and contact security immediately

Reducing the risks

If threatened, call University police 836-2222 or 911

Seek backup from a colleague

Refer students to Student Counseling Service

Practice good active listening skills

Behave in a calm, friendly, helpful manner

Defusing a threatening situation

Stay calmCommunicate respectListen to understandCooperateAim for a planLook after yourself

Recap

Employee Responsibilities under the LawIf you witness or are a victim of workplace violence, YOU MUST REPORT it to University Police.

Emergency PreparednessEmergency Planning Steps:

Become familiar with evacuation routesKnow where the evacuation assembly area(s) are for your building(s)Look around and note locations of:

Exits (not elevators)Fire extinguishersFire alarm pull stationsFirst aid kitsEmergency shower and eyewashesMemorize emergency phone numbers

•Any Questions

??Revision Dated: August 30th, 2012