Title: Office Safety / Review Date: 12-15-2008
1. Guidelines for Office Equipment and Layout, and Workstation Layout should be established by following the guidelines for efficiency, convenience and safety listed below.
1.1 Office Machines should not be placed near the edge of tables or desks. Machines that creep or vibrate during operation should be secured in a manner to prevent movement.
1.2 Heavy Cabinets/Files Equipment /files should be placed against walls or columns. File cabinets should be bolted together or fastened to the wall. Care must always be taken not to overload top drawers.
1.3 Electrically operated machines require that outlets and extension cords be arranged to avoid tripping hazards. If extension cords are required, they must be secured and covered to eliminate tripping hazards.
1.4 Material should be stored so that in gaining access to these materials, normal office traffic is not interrupted. Materials should be stored neatly so that they will not fall or cause a tripping hazard.
1.4.1 Flammable or hazardous liquids used in offices must be stored and dispensed from approved safety containers. Bulk storage must be in a properly constructed fire rated cabinet.
1.5 Adequate lighting and ventilation must be provided in accordance with applicable standards.
1.6 Ladders and stools used for reaching high storage should have either non-skid safety feet attached or be equipped with breaks that automatically lock when weight is applied.
1.7 Fire Protection:
1.7.1 Good housekeeping is essential in preventing fires. Portable fire extinguishers must be conspicuously located and kept in a fully operable condition. A fire emergency procedure and a basic emergency plan must be developed for each office. Emergency phone numbers for fire, police and medical emergencies must be posted in each office area.
2. Physical and Ergonomics, or human factors engineering refers to the physical relationship between the employee and the work environment. By providing the employee with a work area and equipment that account for physical concerns of the employee, injuries and illnesses may be prevented.
2.1 Office Work Stations: employees who work long, uninterrupted hours at computer terminals may experience eye, shoulder, neck and upper body strain.
2.1.1 Eye Strain
2.1.1.1 Provide employees with adequate lighting.
2.1.1.2 Provide employees performing typing and data entry with document holders.
2.1.2 Neck and Shoulder Strain
2.1.2.1 Provide employees with chairs with adequate back support.
2.1.2.2 Computer terminals should be adjusted to reduce unnecessary motion and muscle strain.
2.1.3 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an inflammation of the nerves between the hand and forearm. It may be caused by constant repetitive motion of the hand and wrist, such as that done by typist and computer keyboard operators. Supervisors are to:
2.1.3.1 Make sure when typing for long periods of time that the angle between the wrist and hand is a straight as possible.
2.1.3.2 If employees perform repetitive motion for long periods of time, a 15-minute typing/keyboard break is to be provided every two hours.
2.2 Lifting Hazards are the most common injury to office personnel is back strain due to lifting. To prevent lifting injuries:
2.2.1 Avoid lifting heavy objects alone – get assistance.
2.2.2 Store file boxes, paper waste, equipment and materials in locations which make lifting them easy. Avoid storing heavy objects on overhead shelves.
Document No: 3E-0190 / Revision 0 / Page 2 of 2