Office SafetyOffice Safety

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

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

Identify Office HazardsIdentify Office Hazards

Slips, Trips and Falls Hazardous Substances

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

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

Where to get more informationWhere to get more information

Your Loss Prevention Consultant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company