1. Ergonomics and Office Safety Training
Facilities Management
By: Chaizong Lor, Safety Coordinator

2. Office Safety Training
Training Objectives:
Slips, Trips & Falls
Electrical Hazards
Office Related Ergo issues
Housekeeping
Workplace Violence
Signs of Crisis
Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior
Reducing the Risks
Defusing a threatening Situation
Recap
Emergency Preparedness

3. Slips, Trips & Falls Prevent them by remembering the following:
Do not allow cabling to create a tripping hazard
Clear up spillages quickly
Do not block passageways
Keep office areas clean
Keep stacking and storage areas safe

4. Slips, Trips & Falls Watch out for: Worn or loose carpets
Broken stair tread edges
Chipped floor boards and tiles
Watch where you walk
High heels
Pick up objects that fall (i.e. pencils etc.)

5. Electrical Hazards
Extension cords shall only be used in emergency situations
Cords shall be kept in good repair - no cuts or missing ground points
Cords placed so that they do not become a tripping hazard
Never place a cord under a rug or through doorways - both may cause fires
Do Not overload circuits

6. Electrical Hazards Do Not piggy back surge protectors
Avoid overloading outlets and power strips
Don’t plug one power strip into another
Check for worn or frayed cords and have them replaced immediately
Piggy backed
Multi-plug strips

7. Office Related to Ergo Issues
What 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 comfort
improved employee productivity
reduced chance for occupational injuries/illnesses
improved employee satisfaction
Depending on your tasks, you may find a range of seated and standing postures that are comfortable.

8. 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:
Tendons
Nerves (Hand, wrist, arm shoulder, neck & back)
Muscles
and other soft body tissues

9. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Catalysts: at-risk typing/mousing technique, poor body positions, lack of adequate rest/breaks and excessive force.

10. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Desks
Work Surface Depth
Location of Frequently Used Devices Should be located in Repetitive Access Zone
Recommended Zones for Workplace Components

11. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Feet, Knees, and Legs
Use an adjustable work surface and chair that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor, or use a footrest
If 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
Your comfort zone is a range of positions that is generally appropriate and comfortable for your given work situation.
Do not accept aches and pains as “part of your job”

12. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Back
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.

13. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
Check 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.
Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands aligned in a straight, neutral position, whether you are working at a desk or table. Avoid bending your wrists while typing or using a pointing device.

14. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
At 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
If you rest your wrists on the table when you type you should use a wrist rest.

15. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
Use 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.
RIGHT
Keep your wrist in a straight, neutral position when using your pointing device.
WRONG
Don't angle your wrist when using
your pointing device.

16. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Shoulders and Elbows
Adjust your chair height or keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows hang comfortably at your sides
Adjust your keyboard slope so that your wrists are straight.

17. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Eyes
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.

18. 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)
For most people to view the screen comfortably it should be about 22-26" ( cm) away, so that your eye focus muscles do not have to work too hard.

19. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Eyes Cont.
Look away from the screen every few minutes at a distant object.
Symptoms (Eyes)
General tiredness
Dry, itching feeling
Irritated eyes
Blurred vision
Headache

20. Office Related to Ergo Issues
Neck 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.

21. Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is an important element of accident prevention in the office
Poor housekeeping may lead to:
Lead or contribute to fires
Injuries to personnel
Unhealthful working conditions
Free and clear of obstructions:
Proper layout, spacing and arrangement of equipment or furniture
3 feet of clearance around electrical panels, passageways, and office door
Fire Hazards
Trip Hazard
For emergency egress

22. Housekeeping Materials stored in supply rooms:
Neatly stacked
Heavy files placed in the bottom file draws
Nothing above shoulder height
Anchor single file cabinets where possible
Lower drawers should bear the heaviest load
Never open more than one drawer
Always close drawers when finished

23. Housekeeping Office Furniture: Always use approved ladder or stool
Never lean back in chair and put your feet on desk
Use proper office equipment/tool for the job at hand (e.g., staple remover to remove staples).
Damaged chairs, file cabinets, desks must be replaced

24. Workplace Violence
Any 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.

25. Signs of crisis Confusion Frustration Blame Anger Hostile
Call University Police

26. Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior
Confusion Signs
The person appears distracted.
They are unsure or uncertain of the next course of action.
Responses to Confusion
Listen Attentively to the person
Ask clarifying questions
Give factual Information

27. Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior
Frustration Signs
The person is impatient and reactive
The person resists information you are giving them
The person may try to bait you
Responses to Frustration
Move the person to a quiet location
Reassure them, talk to them in a calm voice
Attempt to clarify their concerns

28. Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior
Blame Signs
The person places responsibility on everyone else
They may accuse you or hold you responsible
They may find fault with others
They may place blame on you
Responses to Blame
Disengage with the person and bring a second party into the discussion
Use a teamwork approach
Draw the person back to the facts
Show respect and concern
Focus on areas of agreement to help resolve the situation

29. Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior
Anger Signs
The person may show a visible change in body posture
Actions may include pounding fists, pointing fingers, shouting or screaming
This signals VERY RISKY BEHAVIOR!
Responses to Anger
Don’t argue with the person
Don’t offer solutions
Prepare to evacuate the area or isolate the person
Contact your supervisor and security personnel

30. Warning Signs of Escalating Behavior
Hostility Sings
Physical actions or threats appear imminent
Immediate danger of physical harm or property damage
Out of control behavior signals the person has crossed the line
Responses to Hostility
Disengage with the person and evacuate the area
Attempt to isolate the person if it can be done safely
Alert your supervisor and contact security immediately

31. Reducing the risks
If threatened, call University police 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

32. Defusing a threatening situation
Stay calm
Communicate respect
Listen to understand
Cooperate
Aim for a plan
Look after yourself

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

34. Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Planning Steps:
Become familiar with evacuation routes
Know where the evacuation assembly area(s) are for your building(s)
Look around and note locations of:
Exits (not elevators)
Fire extinguishers
Fire alarm pull stations
First aid kits
Emergency shower and eyewashes
Memorize emergency phone numbers

35. ?? Any Questions (http://www.uwec.edu/facmgt/safety/traininglist.htm)
Please visit FM Website (
for additional information.
Revision Dated: August 30th, 2012