General

Each work area should be kept clean and neat. Good housekeeping is the best safeguard against accidents in the office. File cabinet drawers should be closed when not in use, and only one drawer should be open at a time to avoid over-balancing the cabinet. Electrical and telephone cords should not cross aisles or doorways, and electrical cords should never be covered by rugs or carpet. No unauthorized persons should tamper with electrical fuse boxes, alter existing wiring, or install electrical wiring; the Physical Plant should be notified of any electrical trouble immediately at ext. 360l. Floors should be kept clean and dry; any spilled liquids should be cleaned promptly. Broken glass should not be put directly into wastebaskets; it should be wrapped, labeled “broken glass”, and put beside the wastebasket so no one will be cut when emptying the trash. Stairwells, corridors, and maintenance equipment rooms should not be used as storage areas; they must be kept clean and unobstructed.

Ergonomics

General Information For Computer Users

Some studies suggest that long periods of repetitive motion, coupled with an improper work environment and incorrect work habits, may be linked to certain types of physical discomfort or injury. These include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tendonitis, and tenosynovitis. It is important that chairs, work surfaces, and computer equipment are in correct positions. In addition, good posture, frequent breaks, and exercise can help avoid repetitive motion injuries. If you experience pain while using your computer, consult a qualified health professional.

Chair and Desk

A chair that is adjustable in height is a good place to start. It should be comfortable and provide firm support to the lower back (lumbar region). Adjust the chair so that forearms form approximate right angles with the upper arms and so that the feet rest flat on the floor. If your feet don’t rest flat on the floor, use a footrest that is high enough so that your thighs are about parallel to the floor while you’re seated. If at all possible, place your system on a desk designed for a computer. Traditional writing desks are sometimes too high for computer use. A proper height between your chair and your desk is essential. And don’t forget good posture -- slouching puts unnecessary strain on the back and weakens muscles.

Display and Lighting

Place the display screen directly in front of you at a comfortable viewing distance. Sit in your chair and make sure that the top of the display is no higher than eye level. Make sure you can’t see glare and bright reflections on the screen (anti-glare filters help) and keep the screen clean and dust free. It’s important to look away from the display frequently. Several times every hour, focus on an object about 20 feet away; slowly inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

Keyboard and Mouse

Position the keyboard directly in front of you on the desk. While typing and using the mouse, keep shoulders relaxed and let upper arms hang freely. Let elbows hang loosely near the body and allow enough room on the desk for unhindered movement of the mouse. Forearms should be nearly parallel and at approximate right angles to the floor while typing and using the mouse. Position the mouse at the same height as your keyboard. If possible, try to avoid light sources that can reflect on the surfaces of your mouse and keyboard. Use the entire arm to move the mouse around on the desktop whenever possible. Avoid excessive tension by relaxing the hand; don’t pinch the mouse too hard. Make sure the mouse pad isn’t so thick that it raises your arm and the mouse. Your arm should maintain an approximate right angle to the horizontal table top. The mouse pad should be smooth for ease of use, but it should not be too slippery. It should also be lint-free so the mouse ball doesn’t get dirty. The mouse allows for several possible work positions, which can help avoid unnecessary strain on arms and hands. Avoid repeating the same motion over a long period by varying the way the mouse is held.

Exercises

Exercise and frequent breaks play an important part in staying alert and comfortable on the job. Take periodic breaks to rest the eyes, and get the circulation flowing. Try some of the following exercises several times during the day. Gently press your hands against a table, stretch, and hold for five seconds. Stretch and massage fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms throughout the day. Gently shake hands and fingers to relieve tension and help blood flow. Rotate shoulders in a full forward circle four times. Then roll them backward four times. Then rotate each shoulder separately four times. Do this at least twice daily. Organize work so computer use is alternated with other activities. Try to use different muscle groups throughout the day. Get up and walk around several times a day.

More information and assistance with adjusting individual work stations is available from the EHS Office.

Manual Lifting

Manual lifting and handling of material must be done by methods that ensure the safety of both the employee and the material. Employees whose work assignments require heavy lifting must be properly trained and physically qualified.
Before attempting to lift a heavy load manually:

• Inspect the load to be lifted for sharp edges, slivers, and wet or greasy spots.
• Wear gloves to handle objects with sharp or splintered edges. Gloves should be free of oil, grease, or other agents that might cause a poor grip.
• Inspect the route over which the load is to be carried. It should be in plain view and free of obstructions or spillage that could cause tripping or slipping.
• Consider the distance the load is to be carried. Recognize the fact that gripping power may weaken over long distances.
• Size up the load and make a preliminary "heft" to be sure the load is easily within your lifting capacity. If it is not, get help. If team lifting is required, personnel should be similar in size and physique. One person should act as leader and give the commands to lift, lower, etc. Two persons carrying a long piece of pipe or lumber should carry it on the same shoulder and walk in step. Shoulder pads should be used to prevent cutting shoulders and help reduce fatigue.

Manual lifting steps:

• Make sure of good footing and set your feet about 10 to 15 inches apart. It may help to set one foot forward of the other.
• Assume a knee-bend or squatting position, directly in front of the load, keeping the back straight and upright. Get a firm grip and lift the object by straightening the knees-- not the back.
• Carry the load close to the body (not on extended arms). To turn or change position, shift the feet-- don't twist the back.
• Use leg muscles to set the load down directly in front of the body without straining or twisting the back.