1. FHM TRAINING TOOLS
This training presentation is part of FHM’s commitment to creating and keeping safe workplaces.
Be sure to check out all the training programs that are specific to your industry.

2. Office Worker Safety ID #58
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Welcome to the Office Worker Safety presentation.
Please make sure you are comfortable and able to concentrate as we work our way through this presentation.
Disclaimer: This material is being provided as part of our organization’s on-going commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful and legally-compliant workplace. These materials have been developed in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations and recognized best practices in force at the time the materials were created. The materials do not render any legal or professional advice; they are being provided for educational and informational purposes only. These materials should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice or services.

3. At the conclusion of this presentation, you will:
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation, you will:
Be familiar with the leading causes of accidents in the office environment
Be prepared to implement safe work practices that will reduce the risk of injury
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
We have very specific learning objectives for you during this presentation.
At the conclusion of this presentation, you will:
Be familiar with the leading causes of accidents in the office environment, and
Be prepared to implement safe work practices that will reduce the risk of injury in the office work environment.

4. Overview of Office Safety
Agenda
Presentation Agenda:
Overview of Office Safety
Safe Work Practices for the Office Environment
Ergonomics
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Our presentation today will involve the following agenda:
Section One will be an overview of safety in the office environment.
In Section Two, we will discuss specific safe work practices appropriate to the office environment.
And, we will finish Section Three with a discussion of Ergonomics.

5. Overview of Office Safety Section 1
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Section 1 will be an overview of office safety.
Overview of
Office Safety

6. The Office Work Environment
When you think about workplace hazards or an employee suffering an injury:
You probably envision a construction site or a large manufacturing plant
You would not normally think of an office setting when you envision a worker injury scenario
Offices don’t typically have as many safety hazards as a construction site, for example, but there are still hazards present
If we understand these hazards, and take steps to minimize the risk, there’s no reason why the potential for worker injury can’t be greatly reduced
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
When you think about workplace hazards, or an employee suffering an injury, you probably envision a construction site, or a large manufacturing plant. And rightfully so.
Unfortunately, injuries happen every day in those types of workplaces all around this country.
You would not normally think of an office setting when you envision a worker injury scenario. But the reality is that workers are injured in office settings every day as well.
Offices don’t typically have as many safety hazards as a construction site, for example, but there are still hazards present.
If we understand these hazards are present, and take steps to minimize the risk posed by these hazards, there’s no reason why the potential for office worker injury can’t be greatly reduced.
This is the reason for today’s presentation.

7. Reducing the Risk
Rate of office accidents declines when office workers are informed of potential hazards and safe work practices
Training regarding general safety precautions reduces the number and severity of accidents
Employee awareness is a critical step in hazard control and elimination
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Research has shown that the rate of office accidents declines when office workers are informed of potential hazards and safe work practices.
Training regarding safe work practices for the office work environment reduces both the number and severity of accidents.
If everyone recognizes the hazards, and works to manage or eliminate those hazards, the potential for injuries is greatly reduced.

8. The Employer’s Responsibilities
Employers have responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards
Comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the OSH Act
Examine workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards
Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment, and properly maintain this equipment
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Employers have certain responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
The following list is a summary of the most important responsibilities:
Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards.
Comply with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act.
Examine workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards, and
Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this equipment.
Of course, providing a safe workplace is not just a matter of complying with the law. In a competitive marketplace, safety is good business.

9. Employee Responsibility
Employees have responsibilities as well:
Understand the risks in the workplace
Identify workplace hazards
Follow safe work practices
Look out for co-workers
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Employees have responsibilities as well.
In order for the safety program to work, employees must:
Understand the risks in the workplace.
Identify workplace hazards.
Follow safe work practices, and
Look out for co-workers.

10. Managing Safety in the Office Environment
The process for controlling hazards in the office is similar to that for controlling hazards in industrial settings
Controlling the hazards:
Preferred means is to eliminate the hazard
Another means is minimizing exposure to the hazard
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
The process for controlling hazards in the office is similar to that for controlling hazards in industrial settings.
The preferred means of hazard control is to eliminate the hazard (engineering controls).
Another means is minimizing exposure to the hazard (administrative controls).
Office-related hazards are controlled by carefully considering the office environment and by following office safety procedures.
In the next section, we will discuss specific steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury.

11. Safe Work Practices Section 2
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
In Section 2, we will review specific hazards present in the office environment and also specific steps you can take to manage the risk of injury associated with those hazards.
However, we should start out by talking about emergency planning.

12. A fire can spread out of control in a matter of minutes
Emergency Planning
Regardless of whatever event might arise in the work environment, the negative consequences of that event can be mitigated through proper planning and preparedness:
A fire can spread out of control in a matter of minutes
During cardiac arrest, survival rates fall drastically with every minute without medical intervention
So, it only makes sense that we should have a plan of action for these events
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Regardless of whatever event might arise in the work environment, such as a fire, medical emergency, or natural weather event, the negative consequences of that event can be mitigated through proper planning and preparedness.
We all know that a small fire can spread out of control in a matter of minutes. We also know that in the event of cardiac arrest, the survival rates fall drastically with every minute that goes by without medical intervention.
So it only makes sense that we should have a plan of action for these events.
Emergency planning is a critical component of managing safety in the office environment.
Don’t lull yourself into complacency by thinking that nothing could ever happen in your workplace.
Knowing what to do, and being able to act quickly and decisively can mean the difference between inconvenience and tragedy.
Emergency planning is a critical component of managing safety in the office environment
Don’t lull yourself into complacency by thinking that nothing could ever happen in your workplace

13. Preparedness is the Key
After the attacks of September 11, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States concluded:
Building occupants were unprepared to deal with this catastrophe in terms of both training and mindset
Occupants did not know that roof doors were locked, that rooftop areas were hazardous, and that no helicopter evacuation plan existed
Occupants descending were confused by deviations in the stairways and the presence of smoke doors
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
The greatest single safety-related disaster to affect an office working environment was of course the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States concluded that the building occupants were unprepared to deal with this catastrophe in terms of both training and mindset (page 315).
Occupants were not informed in fire drills that roof doors were locked, that rooftop areas were hazardous, and that no helicopter evacuation plan existed.
Occupants descending from upper floors were confused by deviations in the stairways and the presence of smoke doors – this confusion delayed evacuation.
You probably don’t work in a hundred story skyscraper – but you should know what actions to take in an emergency, where the building egress routes are, how to contact emergency services, and what role you should play in the event of a workplace emergency. The importance of preparation cannot be overstated.
Know what actions to take in an emergency, where the building egress routes are, how to contact emergency services, and what role you play in an emergency
All phones should have a “911” sticker affixed

14. The Most Common Office Accident
The most common office accident is falling:
Falls account for greatest number of disabling injuries
They result in the most severe injuries and the highest percentage of lost workdays due to such injuries
Falls occur:
When workers lean back to tilt their chairs, place their feet on a desk, sit down without looking, and rise from or move around in a chair
On stairs
When workers stand on chairs or other office furniture to reach elevated objects
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
The most common office accident is falling.
Falls account for the greatest number of disabling injuries.
They result in the most severe injuries and the highest percentage of lost workdays due to such injuries.
Falls from chairs occur when workers lean back to tilt their chairs, place their feet on a desk, sit down without looking, and rise from or move around in a chair.
Falls on stairs also occur, but more precaution is usually exercised on stairs because the fall hazard they pose is recognized.
Falls also occur when workers stand on chairs or other office furniture to reach elevated objects; not that you’ve ever seen anyone do anything as foolish as that.

15. Always look at your chair before you begin to sit down
Preventing Falls
Preventing falls requires remaining aware of your surroundings (situational awareness):
Always look at your chair before you begin to sit down
Make sure wheels are not going to begin to roll
For reaching anything at height, use the proper stepladder or platform:
Don’t be tempted to use anything else as a ladder
Inspect the stool or ladder to make sure it is in proper working order before you climb
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Preventing falls requires remaining aware of your surroundings, often called situational awareness.
Always look at your chair before you begin to sit down, and make sure chairs on wheels are not going to begin to roll.
If you ever need to reach anything at height, use the proper stepladder or platform in order to raise yourself to the proper height – don’t be tempted to use anything else as a ladder.
And inspect the stool or ladder – make sure it is in proper working order before you climb.

16. Back injuries are also common in the office environment:
Over one million workers suffer a back injury each year
Back injuries account for 25% of all workers’ compensation expenditures
Back injuries are seldom caused by one factor
Back injuries tend to be recurrent
Prevention requires a comprehensive approach
Injuries frequently occur when office workers:
Attempt to move or improperly lift heavy objects
Carry books, office furniture, equipment, and supplies
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Back injuries are also common in the office environment.
A few quick facts about spine and back injuries in the workplace:
It is estimated that over one million workers suffer a back injury each year.
Back injuries account for 25% of all workers’ compensation expenditures.
Back injuries seldom caused by one factor.
Back injuries tend to be recurrent.
Preventing back injuries requires a comprehensive approach.
Injuries from strain and overexertion frequently occur when office workers attempt to move or improperly lift heavy objects.
Office workers sustain muscular and back injuries by carrying or moving books, office furniture, equipment, and supplies without assistance.
They may exacerbate such injuries by the stretching, twisting, and bending required by the office routine.

17. Preventing Back Injuries
Preventing back injuries requires a combination of workplace factors with personal skills and knowledge:
Office layout and design
Lifting aids
Proper lifting techniques
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Preventing back injuries requires a combination of workplace factors and also personal skills and knowledge.
First, let’s always ask ourselves why we are having to do so much lifting and moving of stuff all around the office. After all, isn’t that just wasting time AND risking injury?
It could be that the office was not laid out to really promote an efficient workplace. If you had a completely blank floor space, how would you arrange everything? Some of those elements can probably be accomplished very easily.
Once the workplace is designed more efficiently, we are still going to need lifting aids such as dollies, pallet jacks, or carts. Make them handy and encourage their use.
Finally, if it comes down to having to manually move the material yourself, make sure it is within your capabilities, and follow a proper lifting technique to accomplish the task. Keep the back straight and lift with your legs.

18. Block fire extinguisher access – maintain a 36” clearance in front
Fire in the Workplace
There are some pretty disturbing facts when it comes to fire safety in the work environment:
Workplace fires kill nearly 500 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year
The costs to businesses each year associated with rebuilding, product loss, and other costs can reach into the billions of dollars
Experts estimate that at any given time up to half of all installed smoke detectors are not operational due to dead batteries
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
There are some pretty disturbing facts when it comes to fire safety in the work environment.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace fires kill nearly 500 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year.
In addition, the costs to businesses each year associated with rebuilding, product loss and other costs can reach into the billions of dollars.
Experts estimate that at any given time up to half of all installed smoke detectors are not operational due to dead batteries.
Two things to always remember: Don’t block fire extinguisher access – maintain a 36” clearance in front, and don’t prop open fire rated corridor doors.
Do not:
Block fire extinguisher access – maintain a 36” clearance in front
Prop open fire rated corridor doors

19. Fire Safety and Preparedness
Questions to ask yourself when it comes to fire safety:
Do you know the fire prevention rules for your work area?
Are you expected to evacuate the building, or are you expected to attempt to extinguish the fire?
Do you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher?
Do you know where the closest extinguisher is?
Do you know where the nearest pull stations are?
Do you know two exit pathways from the building?
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Here are some questions to ask yourself when it comes to fire safety:
Do you know what the fire prevention rules are for your work space, including rules for smoking, combustible and flammable chemicals, and ignition sources?
Are you expected to evacuate the building in the event of a fire, or are you expected to attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher?
Do you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher?
Do you know where the closest extinguisher is?
Do you know where the nearest pull stations are in the event you discover a fire?
Do you know at least two exit pathways from the building at all times, taking into account you might not be in your own area when the time comes to evacuate the building?
If you are unsure about any of these questions, it’s probably time to discuss fire prevention and response with (fill in the correct person/title here).

20. Basic rules to follow to ensure electrical system safety:
Electrical Hazards
Basic rules to follow to ensure electrical system safety:
All electrical appliances should be equipped with electrical plugs that have a ground prong, or the appliance should be marked “double insulated”
Plug temporary power strips directly into a wall outlet
Heavy duty appliances must be plugged directly into wall outlets, not unigroup panels
Electrical panel boxes should be unobstructed for a distance of 36 inches in front of the panel box
Light switches and outlets should be completely covered so there are no exposed wires
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Electrical hazards are everywhere in the office environment. Perhaps the pictures on the screen look very familiar to you. There are some very basic rules to follow to ensure the safety of the electrical systems:
All electrical appliances should be equipped with electrical plugs that have a ground prong, or the appliance should be marked “double insulated” by the manufacturer.
The temporary power strip shown in the top picture is only approved for use when plugged directly into a wall outlet. The practice shown in the picture, where one power strip is plugged into another, is called daisy chaining, and should be avoided.
These temporary power strips were really designed for computer work stations and should not be used for heavy duty appliances such as refrigerators and photocopiers.
Electrical panel boxes should be unobstructed for a distance of 36 inches in front of the panel box.
And, of course, all light switches and outlets should be completely covered so there are no exposed wires.

21. The safe use of extension cords:
Extension cords are for temporary usage only, they are not a replacement for permanent wiring
If the jacket of an extension cord is compromised, or the wires have been cut, the cord must be replaced
Extension cords should not be covered by rugs or hidden above ceiling tiles
All extension cords should be plugged directly into wall outlets
Do not plug a surge suppressor into an extension cord
Extension cords should not be used with heavy duty appliances such as copiers and refrigerators
Do not run extension cords through doorways where there is a risk of getting pinched and cracked
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Extension cords present a special hazard. The following applies to the use of extension cords:
Extension cords are for temporary usage only, they are not a replacement for permanent wiring.
If the jacket of an extension cord is compromised, or the wires have been cut, the cord must be replaced.
Extension cords should not be covered by rugs or hidden above ceiling tiles – this prevents a proper inspection of the cord from being performed.
All extension cords should be plugged directly into wall outlets.
Do not plug a surge suppressor into an extension cord – these devices are also intended to be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Extension cords should not be used with heavy duty appliances such as copiers and refrigerators, and
Do not run extension cords through doorways where there is a risk of getting pinched and cracked.

22. Around the office is an impressive array of equipment:
Office Equipment
Around the office is an impressive array of equipment:
Building infrastructure (electrical panel boxes and elevators)
Equipment specific to company operations (copiers)
Creature comforts for the occupants (refrigerators and space heaters)
Hand tools (scissors, laser presentation pointers, and paper cutters)
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
If you take a look around your office, you typically will find quite an impressive array of equipment.
Some of this equipment is part of the building infrastructure, such as electrical panel boxes and elevators. Other equipment is specific to your company operations, such as copiers. Other equipment is there to provide creature comforts for the occupants, like refrigerators and space heaters.
And how about the hand tools – items like scissors, laser presentation pointers, and paper cutters. I’m sure you can appreciate there is potential for more than a simple paper cut in this type of environment.
Equipment safety is, for the most part, common sense.
Let’s review a few common types of office equipment.

23. When using filing cabinets, follow these safety tips:
File Cabinets
When using filing cabinets, follow these safety tips:
Close all file drawers immediately after use
Close the file drawer with the drawer handle
Open only one file drawer at a time
Never leave an open drawer unattended
Never climb on open file drawers
Keep the bottom drawer full
Secure file cabinets that are not weighted at the bottom
Ensure file cabinet drawers cannot be easily pulled clear of the cabinet
Do not block ventilation grates with file cabinets
Do not place heavy objects on top of cabinets
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Filing cabinets can be a major cause of accidents and should be used with care. When using filing cabinets, follow these safety tips:
Close all file drawers immediately after use.
Close the file drawer with the drawer handle and not using feet.
Open only one file drawer at a time to avoid toppling the cabinet.
Never leave an open drawer unattended and never open a drawer if someone is underneath it.
Never climb on open file drawers.
Remove small stools (used to access upper file cabinet drawers) from passageways and safely store them.

24. Desks and Workstations
Safety tips for desks:
Desks should be kept in good condition, free from sharp edges, nails, and other hazards
Desks should not be placed where they will block corridors and exit routes
Desk drawers should be kept closed when not accessing contents, due to the potential for contact and trip injuries
Do not climb on desks
Ensure that glass-top desks do not have sharp edges
Repair or report any desk damage
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Desks should be kept in good condition, free from sharp edges, nails, and other hazards.
Desks should not be placed where they will block corridors and exit routes.
Desk drawers should be kept closed when not accessing contents, due to the potential for contact and trip injuries.
Do not climb on desks in order to reach anything.
Ensure that glass-top desks do not have sharp edges.
And, repair or report any desk damage that could be hazardous.

25. Never use a chair of any type as a ladder or platform
Chairs
We’ve previously discussed chairs and their involvement in many office falls:
Do not lean back in office chairs, particularly swivel chairs with rollers
Take care when sitting in a chair with rollers so it does not roll out from under you when you sit down
Never use a chair of any type as a ladder or platform
Don’t roll the chair over electrical cords
Learn how to use the adjustable features and adjust them for your specific comfort levels
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
We’ve previously discussed chairs and their involvement in many office falls.
Do not lean back in office chairs, particularly swivel chairs with rollers.
Take care when sitting in a chair with rollers.
Make sure it dos not roll out from under you when you sit down.
Never use a chair of any type as a ladder or platform.
Don’t roll the chair over electrical cords.
Many chairs have adjustable features such as back support, seat height, and elbow rest height.
Learn how to use those features and adjust them for your specific comfort levels.

26. Shelves, storage racks, and tall furniture present several hazards:
These items should be secured to the floor or wall
Heavy objects should only be placed on lower shelves to keep the entire structure more stable
Ensure there is at least 3 feet between the top shelf items and the sprinkler heads
Do not block ventilation grates with shelves and furniture
Never climb on shelves, use an approved ladder, or platform
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Shelves, storage racks and tall furniture present several hazards.
These items should be secured to the floor or wall.
Heavy objects should only be placed on lower shelves to keep the entire structure more stable.
If a sprinkler system is present in the area, ensure there is at least 3 feet between the top shelf items and the sprinkler heads.
Do not block ventilation grates with shelves and furniture.
And, of course, never climb on shelves, use an approved ladder or platform.

27. What hazards have you introduced into the work area?
Personal Property
What hazards have you introduced into the work area?
All household electrical appliances that have a heating element should be plugged into a timer:
The timer should cut off the electrical circuit at a convenient time, no later than the end of the workday
Space heaters should be:
Equipped with automatic shut-off devices that will actuate if the heater tips over
Plugged directly into a wall outlet
Located at least three feet from any combustibles
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
So, what hazards have you introduced into the office work environment?
Isn’t that your coffee pot, space heater, or cup warmer? Have you ever left work for the day and left any of those devices on?
Unfortunately it does happen. All household electrical appliances that have a heating element should be plugged into a timer. The timer should cut off the electrical circuit at a convenient time, but certainly no later than the end of the workday.
Space heaters should be equipped with automatic shut-off devices that will actuate if the heater tips over. They should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and located at least three feet from any combustible material.

28. Organizing Material Storage
Good organization of stored materials is essential:
As materials are being brought into the building, the floor loading rating – as well as the rated shelving capacities – should be known and observed
Materials should be stacked or piled so as to maintain stability
Stacking cartons and drums on a firm foundation and cross tying them, where necessary, reduces the chance of their movement
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. Many times arriving materials, such as copy paper, will be placed in a staging area for subsequent distribution to the usage points.
There are several issues to remember:
As the materials are being brought into the building, the floor loading rating – as well as the rated shelving capacities – should be known and observed.
Materials should be stacked or piled so as to maintain stability. This may mean alternating the orientation of boxes as the pile is built, or limiting the number or height of other materials in any particular stack.
Stacking cartons and drums on a firm foundation and cross tying them, where necessary, reduces the chance of their movement.

29. The location of stored materials should: Be clearly marked
Material Storage
The location of stored materials should:
Be clearly marked
Allow at least 3’ of clear space under sprinkler heads
Not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers, or first aid stations
Flammable, combustible, toxic, and other hazardous materials should be stored in approved containers in designated areas appropriate for the hazard
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
And let’s make sure to think about where we are storing materials:
All storage areas should be clearly marked.
Stored materials should allow at least three feet of clear space under sprinkler heads.
Stored materials should not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers, or first aid stations.
Flammable, combustible, toxic, and other hazardous materials should be stored in approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards that they pose.

30. Housekeeping is not just cleanliness:
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly
Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries
Housekeeping is not just cleanliness:
Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention
Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation, not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally
Periodic "panic" cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly.
Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter, and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious health and safety hazards may be taken for granted.
Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly; maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; and removal of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention.
Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Periodic "panic" cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents.

31. A good housekeeping program:
Plans and manages the orderly storage and movement of materials from point of entry to exit
Ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed
Imagine your file drawers if there was no system for organization:
The entire workplace can have those same problems if housekeeping is ignored
Be sure to play your part in the housekeeping plan
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and movement of materials from point of entry to exit. It includes a material flow plan to ensure minimal handling.
The plan also ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed. Part of the plan could include investing in extra bins and more frequent disposal of wastes.
Imagine your file drawers if there was no system for organization. How inefficient. How frustrating. The entire workplace can have those same problems if housekeeping is ignored.
Be sure to play your part in the housekeeping plan.

32. Corridors need to remain clear
Storage in corridors should be temporary
Corridors that serve as exit pathways are especially critical:
Exit corridors needs to remain at least as wide as the exit doorway
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Do the corridors in your office resemble a busy hospital corridor on a TV drama? That’s probably not a good thing.
Even though corridors make such handy storage areas, corridors need to remain clear.
Storage in corridors should be temporary only, meaning minutes or hours, not days or weeks.
Corridors that serve as exit pathways are especially critical – the corridor needs to remain at least as wide as the exit doorway.

33. Stairways should not be areas for congregation
Stairwells
Proper attention should be given to the act of ascending or descending stairs:
Stairways should not be areas for congregation
Those using the stairs should not crowd or push
Falls on stairs occur when people are distracted through conversation or by turning to another person while descending
Individuals should not stand near doors at stairways
When stepping onto a stair, do so at a right angle:
Stepping onto a stair at an angle increases the potential for your foot to slip
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Proper attention should be given to the act of ascending or descending stairs.
Stairways should not be areas for congregation.
Those using the stairs should not crowd or push.
Falls on stairs occur when people are distracted through conversation or by turning to another person while descending.
Individuals should not stand near doors at stairways.
Also, when stepping onto a stair, do so at a right angle.
Stepping onto a stair at an angle increases the potential for your foot to slip.

34. There are many causes of slips in the workplace:
Slips and Trips
There are many causes of slips in the workplace:
Spills and splashes of liquids and solids
Wet floors
Unsuitable footwear
Loose mats on polished floors
Inclement weather
Change from a wet to a dry surface
Unsuitable floor surface or covering
Dusty floors
Sloping surfaces
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
There are many causes of slips in the workplace.
Common causes include:
Spills and splashes of liquids and solids
Wet floors
Unsuitable footwear
Loose mats on polished floors
Inclement weather
Change from a wet to a dry surface
Unsuitable floor surface or covering
Dusty floors
Sloping surfaces

35. Prevention of slips/trips requires a comprehensive approach:
Slips and Trips
Prevention of slips/trips requires a comprehensive approach:
Promptly respond to spills as soon as you notice them
Arrange traffic patterns around wet floors
Clearly mark any difference in floor level
Secure throw rugs and mats
Report or repair tripping hazards such as defective tiles, boards, or carpet immediately
It is critical that all workers wear footwear appropriate for the work environment:
Shoes with soft rubber soles and heels with rubber cleats provide good traction on most surfaces
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
The prevention of slips and trips in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach:
Promptly respond to spills as soon as you notice them, whether they be chemical spills, roof leaks, or puddles in lobbies on rainy days.
Arrange traffic patterns around wet floors.
Clearly mark any difference in floor level.
Secure throw rugs and mats.
Report or repair tripping hazards such as defective tiles, boards, or carpet immediately.
It is critical that all workers wear footwear appropriate for the work environment. Shoes with soft rubber soles and heels with rubber cleats provide good traction on most surfaces.

36. Make sure levels are sufficient and consistent
Illumination
Inadequate illumination caused by glare or shadows that interfere with vision can contribute to accidents
Illumination levels should be consistent when moving from areas of bright light to lower levels:
Make sure levels are sufficient and consistent
Get those burned-out lights replaced quickly
Adjust your workstation so you do not face windows, unshielded lamps, or other sources of glare
Exits should be well illuminated
Inspect these devices at least monthly
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Inadequate illumination caused by glare or shadows that interfere with vision can contribute to accidents.
Illumination is critical for visual tasks such as inspection.
Illumination levels should be consistent to reduce visual fatigue created when one moves from areas of bright light to lower levels.
Check your work area. Make sure the illumination levels are sufficient and consistent. Get those burned-out lights replaced quickly.
If possible, arrange your work station so you do not face windows, unshielded lamps or other sources of glare.
Of course, exits should be well illuminated. Emergency lighting is required for exit hallways and paths. There is a test button on the side of these devices and employees should inspect the operation of these devices at least monthly.

37. Section 3
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
In Section 3, we will review ergonomics in the workplace.
Ergonomics

38. Ergonomics means the laws of work
Poorly designed computer workstation and work habits can lead to discomfort and chronic pain
Ergonomics means the laws of work
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
In today’s office work environment, personal desktop and laptop computers are as commonplace as the office desk itself.
A poorly designed computer workstation and work habits can lead to discomfort and, if continued, can result in chronic pain.
By applying sound ergonomic principles, these problems can be avoided.
Ergonomics is the study of how people, their equipment, tools and the environment work together.
In the workplace, the goal of ergonomics is to adapt the environment to ensure worker productivity, comfort and safety.
The word “ergonomics” is derived from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (laws).
In other words, ergonomics means the laws of work.

39. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the soft tissues:
Muscles
Tendons
Nerves
They are associated with:
Repeated exertions of the body
Awkward postures
Extreme force
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
By working to identify and eliminate certain risk factors, ergonomic principles can be applied to avoid one particular type of injury known as a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), also often referred to as a cumulative trauma disorder (CTD).
Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the soft tissues including those of the muscles, tendons, and nerves. They are associated with repeated exertions or movements of the body or parts of the body, awkward postures, and extreme force.
Unlike other types of injuries that occur as the result of acute or sudden trauma, MSDs are most often the result of chronic, or long term, exposure to certain risk factors.
Some but not all of the risk factors associated with the development of MSDs due to poor computer workstation design include static posture, awkward postures, repetition, and individual factors.

40. Neutral posture means the natural tensions of the muscles are relaxed
Static posture means maintaining stationary position for extended periods of time
Awkward posture means any fixed or constrained body position other than neutral alignment
Neutral posture means the natural tensions of the muscles are relaxed
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Static posture refers to maintaining a stationary position for extended periods of time. Examples include standing in place or holding the arm away from the body.
Awkward posture refers to any fixed or constrained body position other than neutral alignment.
Neutral posture occurs when the natural tensions of the muscles are relaxed.
If an extreme posture is sustained or combined with high forces, it can place a person at greater risk of injury.
Repetition refers to a high number of similar body part movements. Repetitive motion can combine with fatigue, force and posture to increase the risk of injury.
Individual factors include certain medical conditions and anatomical differences. These have been known to increase the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder.

41. Improving the Workstation
Focus items for evaluating your workstation
Screen:
Top of the screen should be at eye level
Approximately 16–22 inches away
Chair:
Back should be fully supported
Feet either flat on the floor or on a footrest
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
So what can be done to make your workstation comfortable?
The following are some of the focus items for evaluating your workstation:
Screen (monitor)—The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level and approximately 16–22 inches away.
Chair—Your back should be fully supported and your feet either flat on the floor or on a footrest. Knees should be at approximately 90 degrees to the floor when seated.

42. More Tips to Improve the Workstation
Continuing on with the other equipment:
Keyboard should be at a height so that wrists are straight and elbows approximately 90 degrees
Place document holder and screen at the same height
Reduce glare on the screen
Change positions
Organize work
Exercise
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Continuing on with the other equipment:
Keyboard—The keyboard should be at a height so that wrists are straight and elbows approximately 90 degrees. If necessary, a wrist rest may be used to provide additional wrist support. Maintain a light touch on the keyboard.
Document holder—Place the document holder and screen at the same height and distance.
Eye comfort—Reduce glare on the screen by controlling light from uncovered windows. If possible, set the computer screen at a right angle to the window. Adjust inside lighting or adjust the screen to reduce glare.
Change positions—Frequently change positions to release tension on the body.
Organize work area—Keep frequently used items such as the telephone within easy reach.
Exercise—Take mini-breaks throughout the day to relieve muscle tension and to reenergize the body.

43. Additional Information
OSHA e-Lesson on ergonomics:
A Guide to Office Safety and Health, N.C. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Program
Principal Emergency Response and Preparedness Requirements and Guidance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA R, 2004
Recommended Facilitator Notes: (read the following text out-loud to participants while showing this slide)
Here are some sources of additional information on the topic. Please consult them to continue your learning on this topic.