Workplace Health. and. Safety

Transcription

1 Workplace Health and Safety Page 1 of 36 CEIL Motive Power Pty Ltd Workplace Health and Safety

2 Workplace Health and Safety Page 2 of 36 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Risk Management... 3 Risk Assessment Procedure... 4 Job Safety Analysis... 5 Warehouse Health and Safety... 6 Manual Handling... 6 Slips, Trips and Falls... 6 Working at Heights... 6 Storage and Racking... 6 Machinery, Equipment and Tools... 6 Exposure to Noise... 6 Forklift Safety Tips... 7 Prevention of Overturning Forklifts... 8 Working With Electrical Equipment... 9 Working With Portable Oxy-Fuel Gas Equipment Working With Machinery and Equipment Office Health and Safety The Seated Workstation Chairs Adjusting a chair Desks The Standing Workstation Computing and Keyboard Work Keyboard positioning Screen Positioning Manual Handling Physical Job Demands Reach Range Working Heights Postures and Positions Rest Breaks Individual Working Techniques/Work Practices People, Materials, Equipment and Environment Noise Lighting Indoor Air Hazardous Substances Health Effects Muscular and Skeletal Injury Eyes Skin Stress... 36

3 Workplace Health and Safety Page 3 of 36 Introduction This Occupational Health and Safety document aims to: Raise awareness of health and safety issues in the office; Help identify existing and potential health and safety problems; Offer solutions and advice; Give guidance on where to go for further information and help; and Encourage consultation on health and safety issues. It is intended to help employers and employees in an office to work together to make the office healthier and safer. Risk Management A hazard is something with the potential to cause injury or disease. A risk is the probability of a hazard resulting in an injury or disease, together with the seriousness of the injury or disease. Examples of office risks include: Unwanted noise from office machines, traffic, and adjacent workshops which may interfere with concentration causing stress; Awkward manual handling of boxes of computer paper or copy paper; Inadequate or inappropriate lighting and glare, which can lead to sore eyes; and Poor ventilation aggravating allergies and asthma. Procedures should be in place to ensure that all employees understand the action to be taken in the event of an injury, illness, fire or other emergency. The following factors should be addressed: Treatment of injuries and illnesses; Evacuation procedures; Accounting for all personnel; Assign responsibilities; and Provision of equipment/materials

4 Workplace Health and Safety Page 4 of 36 Risk Assessment Procedure 1) Identify the Hazard 2) Assess the Risk 3) Evaluate actions to reduce risk 4) Control the hazard by taking action 5) Monitor and Review

5 Workplace Health and Safety Page 5 of 36 Job Safety Analysis The following job safety analysis must be regularly completed to identify any risks that may exist in the workplace.

6 Workplace Health and Safety Page 6 of 36 Warehouse Health and Safety Manual Handling Rather than lifting, carrying or moving heavy objects by hand, make use of a wide range of mechanical aids. E.g. forklifts, trolleys etc. Slips, Trips and Falls Ensure that all work areas are clean and free from waste. Work areas should be well maintained and clearly lit in order to minimize hazards that can result in slips, trips and falls. Working at Heights Most injuries caused by working at heights involve falls from roofs, scaffolds, shelving, mezzanine floors, trucks and ladders. The risk of serious injury or death increases significantly when working at heights of more than two metres. In order to minimize the risk of falling, work from the ground or a solid construction wherever possible. Storage and Racking Clearly display the manufacturer s specified Safe Working Load (SWL) on racking and shelving and ensure that it is not exceeded. Make sure that racking is anchored securely to the floor. Ensure that the corridors in storage areas are wide enough to allow the use of mechanical aids. Machinery, Equipment and Tools Ensure the use of guards, fences and other barriers so that people are kept separated from operating machinery and moving parts. Control dust, heat and fumes with extraction and exhaust ventilation systems. Exposure to Noise Noise levels can be reduced by isolating The forklift can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. To operate a forklift you must be trained and hold a relevant Certificate of Competency. A series of checks should be undertaken each time a forklift is to be started. Use a checklist to check tyres, fluids, seating, warning devices, capacity, mast forks, controls and brakes.

7 Workplace Health and Safety Page 7 of 36 Forklift Safety Tips

8 Workplace Health and Safety Page 8 of 36 Prevention of Overturning Forklifts Lift capacity, the maximum load supported by the lift, and vertical lift travel are the most important forklift specifications to be considered in order to prevent forklift instability incidents.

9 Workplace Health and Safety Page 9 of 36 Working With Electrical Equipment

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11 Workplace Health and Safety Page 11 of 36 Working With Portable Oxy-Fuel Gas Equipment

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24 Workplace Health and Safety Page 24 of 36 Working With Machinery and Equipment

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26 Workplace Health and Safety Page 26 of 36 Personal Protective Equipment

27 Workplace Health and Safety Page 27 of 36 Office Health and Safety The Seated Workstation Chairs A chair should both fit the person who sits in it and be appropriate for the task being carried out. However, prolonged sitting even in a suitable chair should be avoided. This means people should vary their work activities and posture frequently. Chairs (for workstations) designed using ergonomic principles should: a. Have a back rest that is easily adjustable in height and angle; b. Have an adjustable back rest depth; c. Preferably have a cloth covered seat and back; d. Have a curved front edge; e. Be height adjustable; and f. Have a five-star base for stability. Adjusting a chair Adjust the seat height so the feet rest firmly on the floor and weight is taken through the feet. Adjust the seat height or use a footstool to support the feet if the desk is too high (see section on working heights). Fully support the thighs except for a two-finger width space behind the knee. Adjust the backrest depth (on chairs where depth is adjustable) to achieve this. It is preferable if this can be done while sitting in the seat. Adjust the backrest angle so that the backrest is upright and forward facing to the task. Note that on some backrests angle and depth are combined, therefore the best compromise should be found. Support the lower back in the area behind the waist. Adjust the backrest height to achieve this. It is preferable if this can also be done while sitting in the seat. Desks As with chairs, desks should accommodate both the characteristics of the employee using it and the tasks they perform. Using desks of the right height help to reduce strain on the spine, shoulder and neck muscles. Keyboard work requires a keyboard height just below elbow height of the operator. As a guide, the approximate height range should be from 640mm to 690mm. This allows employees to type with shoulders relaxed and elbows by their side bent at a right angle.

28 Workplace Health and Safety Page 28 of 36 The Standing Workstation Benches and work surfaces should be suitable for both the user and the task. Consider the: Appropriate height for task and users; Appropriate width and depth for task; and Adequate leg space. Benches need adequate leg space to allow employees to stand close to the bench and may allow employees to rest one foot on a step or rail. This position is a more comfortable standing position. At the very minimum a toe space of 100mm x 100mm should be provided. A high stool or a sit/stand chair can be used to allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing positions. The surface employees are standing on may also affect duration of comfortable standing. Prolonged standing like prolonged sitting should and can be avoided by good work design and task variety. Hard surfaces such as bare concrete or tiles should be avoided. It is suggested that softsoled shoes, non-slip surfaces, and soft floor coverings such as carpet (with suitable underlay) or mats are used. However, it is important to avoid soft 'thick' surfaces as too much cushioning can increase the risk of tripping and cause fatigue. Anti-fatigue matting can also be considered where variety from standing cannot be introduced. Computing and Keyboard Work Poor job and workstation design, cramped conditions and poorly adjusted furniture can lead to fatigue, discomfort and pain. Well-designed jobs and suitable workstations can improve efficiency and comfort for keyboard operators. Common problems experienced by keyboard operators include wrist, neck/shoulder, and lower back pain. Appropriate set-ups and work practices can avoid these symptoms. Keyboard positioning Position the keyboard so the home row is at approximately elbow height. The keyboard should be 60mm to 70mm from the edge of the keyboard surface. This allows free movement of the forearm/wrist while keying and a surface on which to rest when not keying. The use of wrist rests while keying is not recommended because this increases wrist movement away from the neutral position. If used, they should only be used during breaks in keying.

29 Workplace Health and Safety Page 29 of 36 Screen Positioning The top of the screen should be at eye level and about 600 to 700 millimetres from the eyes when the neck is comfortable and the head is upright. This distance can vary due to individual preferences and other visual requirements such as short-sightedness. If the majority of time is spent looking at the screen, the keyboard and operator should be positioned in front of the screen. Manual Handling Manual handling includes lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling and any other activities to hold or move objects. This means manual handling occurs in most office activities. A common manual handling activity in the office is lifting and carrying. Strain can result from improper handling of boxes, office supplies, files and office machines. Many items can present manual handling hazards that can lead to back injuries or other musculoskeletal injuries. An assessment should be made of an object prior to handling. To help minimise manual handling injuries employers should ensure that: Sufficient handling equipment is provided in each office to ease the handling of bulky or heavy items; Employees obtain help or use trolleys when a large, awkward or heavy object has to be moved; There is appropriate layout of storage facilities. Frequently used, and heavy or awkward objects should be stored at waist height; When lifting and carrying loads, employees make sure their path is clear and there is a safe place to put the load down; Employees adopt an upright, forward facing posture, and hold loads as close to the body as possible; If there is a considerable amount of manual handling to be done, there is task variety to reduce fatigue and provide postural variation. The Code of Practice for Manual Handling states that for lifting, lowering or carrying loads some evidence shows that the risk of back injury increases significantly with objects above the range of 16-20kg. However weight is only one factor to consider. The position of the object, shape and size, ease of grip, the work environment, frequency of handling and other factors are equally important.

30 Workplace Health and Safety Page 30 of 36 Physical Job Demands Jobs with physical demands that take employees beyond their capacity are a high injury risk. The employer needs to be aware of what the physical requirements of the job are. For example, how long employees key for, how long they sit, the heaviest load carried, how far loads are carried, where they are placed, where they are picked up. Reach Range Reach ranges should be one of the factors in determining the layout of objects and equipment within workplaces and workstations. Objects and equipment frequently used should be placed within easier reach than objects used less frequently. Equipment should be able to be reached by both smaller and larger employees. The maximum reach range for seated work is an arc 280mm from the shoulder for frequent activities and an arc of 540mm for less frequent activities. Working Heights When standing, on average, elbow heights are 1050mm above the floor for males, and 980mm for females. The ideal standing work surface height depends on how much arm movement is required and the comfortable viewing distance for the task. Postures and Positions Good postures place the body in "low stress" positions and allow for more comfortable and efficient work. The most commonly used postures in the office are sitting and standing, but employees also may need to reach, kneel, or stoop. A good ergonomics principle is to keep as close as possible to a 'neutral position'. For the arms 'neutral' is when they are hanging down beside the body. The body normally adopts a neutral posture when relaxed in a comfortable, supported position. Rest Breaks Where tasks are similar in nature and alternative tasks are not available, it is important to have more set rest break away from work. Rest breaks can vary from micro pauses such as waiting for a computer screen to come up, through to defined breaks such as morning tea or lunch. A break from a task to answer the phone or to get a glass of water also provides rest and recovery for muscles and body parts that have been active. A selection of these breaks should occur throughout the work day.

31 Workplace Health and Safety Page 31 of 36 Individual Working Techniques/Work Practices Physical and mental characteristics differ from person to person. Consequently, individuals differ in the workload they are able to manage. Allowing the job to be flexible is an effective way to manage these individual differences. People vary in the amount and type of work they are able to perform. There are also variations in the way they choose to perform it. A well-designed job provides enough flexibility to allow: The employee to shift or move around to avoid physical strain; The employee to vary tasks being done to relieve mental stress; Some decision-making so employees can vary activities according to personal needs, work habits and the circumstances in the workplace; and Employees to talk to and be with other employees. Productive work is still possible when employees can pass comments to each other.

32 Workplace Health and Safety Page 32 of 36 People, Materials, Equipment and Environment Noise Noise in an office rarely reaches a level that could damage hearing [above 85 db(a)]. However, the level of background noise can make it hard to concentrate or make normal conversation difficult. It can also contribute to stress, and may result in physical and mental fatigue. Levels of over 55 db(a) in offices can be distracting or annoying. Common office equipment may be a source of noise that can affect the ability to complete tasks in an effective, healthy and safe manner. Examples of noise-generating equipment include: Photocopiers; Shredders; Air conditioning units; etc. Noises from unexpected, and high-pitched sources are more likely to be distracting. When working on a task that requires a high degree of concentration, even background noise from conversations can prove highly irritating. In larger, open plan offices it is possible to minimise noise by: Using sound absorbent materials including floor coverings, sound absorbent panel on walls, and sound absorbent dividing screens. Using layout to locate noise-generating activities away from activities requiring concentration. Selecting equipment with consideration to noise levels generated. Lighting The role of lighting in office systems is to provide a safe, comfortable and efficient visual environment. Lighting can affect comfort, health, safety, efficiency and behaviour. Work tasks should be easy to see and the light must be comfortable to the eyes. Suitable finishes (including colours) on ceilings, walls and fixtures help control glare and reflections. Too little or badly designed lighting can cause discomfort. Inadequate lighting may result in sore eyes, headaches, fatigue, or stress. Employees may adopt awkward postures and risk injury to avoid or reduce shadows, reflection or glare. How much light is appropriate depends on the type of work being done and the visual preferences and capabilities of the employee. The finer and more detailed the seeing task is, the higher the level of light needed, for example continuous reading or fine drawing. Task lighting such as a desk lamp can be used to help meet individual needs. An ideal lighting system will combine natural and artificial light. Although natural lighting is not thought to be necessary for health, it can improve colour perception and give a sense of well-being.

33 Workplace Health and Safety Page 33 of 36 Indoor Air Indoor air quality is controlled by ensuring that air-conditioning systems are adequate and well maintained through regular inspection and servicing. Examples of contaminants in office buildings include fumes, smoke, dusts, gases, microbials such as bacteria and fungi, and vapours from solvents, etc. An air-conditioning system should: Provide a generally acceptable environment in terms of air temperature, humidity and air movement; Prevent the excessive accumulation of objectionable odours; Reduce respiratory products especially carbon dioxide to an acceptable level; Reduce the levels of indoor air contaminants which may arise from work activities, building materials and external sources to acceptable levels ; and Supply an amount of fresh air to the air-conditioned space, exhaust some of the stale air, as well as filter the bulk of the indoor air with the appropriate processes including recirculation. Poor indoor air quality, variations in temperature, and draughts can affect an employee's health and well being, and can lead to losses in work efficiency. Hazardous Substances Risk of exposure to hazardous substances in the office environment is usually relatively low. However, offices located in factories may expose office employees to risks associated with work processes. Some substances used in the office have short-term, and immediately noticeable effects. For example, paints and some glues used in the laying of new carpet can aggravate the sinus passages. More fresh air is necessary during this period. Some substances, such as solvents used in cleaning, may have both short term, e.g. allergic reactions or simple irritation, and long term, e.g. dermatitis, effects. Manufacturers and suppliers have a duty to provide adequate information on the safe storage, handling and use of hazardous substances supplied for use at work. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is the document used to provide this information. Employers should ask for MSDS's when purchasing a hazardous substance, if the supplier has not provided it. This information must be readily available to employees.

34 Workplace Health and Safety Page 34 of 36 Health Effects Muscular and Skeletal Injury The primary causes of muscular pain and damage include repetitive actions, poor posture, and poor manual handling technique. Poor furniture, equipment and work design also may contribute to muscle and bone injuries. Muscular and skeletal injuries have two causes: A single incident of a large enough size to cause awareness of damage to bone or soft tissue (for example a torn tendon); and Multiple events that cause damage to bone or tissue. The damage is not readily noticeable after each event. The damage accumulates until the injury is felt (for example, tendonitis). Many injuries involve a combination of both types of cause. Repeated wear and tear may damage the back, and then a single lifting episode may cause the pain. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), is an example of cumulative damage. RSI is a term for conditions characterised by discomfort or persistent pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. Eyes Work tasks requiring close visual work such as lengthy periods spent working at a VDU, may result in eye discomfort and blurred vision. This is caused by tiring of the small muscles of the eyes. These symptoms are not permanent and they will go away with rest, however they do affect well-being and productivity. Eye problems are often due to more than one factor. Be aware of: Poor lighting; Glare from windows; Eyes moving from documents to the screen; Poor quality image on computer screens (low contrast, out of focus, jittery or wrong size letters) Dry office air (from low humidity); and Long periods of other close work.

35 Workplace Health and Safety Page 35 of 36 Respiratory (Nose, Lungs and Chest) Respiratory problems may include runny noses, itchy throats, coughing, and aggravation and/or triggering of asthma. Office environments contain a variety of substances and conditions that may affect your respiratory system including: Irritants such as white board markers; Paint vapours drawn into air conditioning systems; Fumigation for cockroaches or paper lice can leave behind traces to which some people will react; and Moulds and spores in ventilation systems can create allergic reactions in susceptible people. Some of these problems are due to inadequate air-conditioning systems with poor or no humidity control. However, most people will experience minimal symptoms. Skin Our skin provides a protective barrier to our body. Many everyday office items - glues, cleaners, toners, paper coatings, inks, solvents - are all chemicals that may affect the skin. Reddened, rough or cracked skin, and itchiness or soreness may indicate that the skin is sensitive to a particular type of chemical. To prevent skin problems, follow the recommendations of the MSDS for a product. These can be obtained from suppliers. Avoid direct contact with any materials likely to cause skin conditions, for example, solvents used for cleaning. It is preferable to replace hazardous substances with safer alternatives. Other sound precautionary measures include the wearing of protective equipment, for example, gloves.

36 Workplace Health and Safety Page 36 of 36 Stress Stress is an outcome of demands placed on people. These demands vary in intensity, and any reaction is dependent on the individual. Some demands challenge people to solve problems. However, when the demands are too great, negative stress responses can occur. Office demands which may contribute to negative stress responses include: Irritant noise; Fluctuating work levels; Lack of control over work processes and pace; Underuse of skills resulting in, for example, monotony and boredom; Job insecurity; Working with difficult or abusive clients or colleagues; and Work relationship problems or conflict with supervisors or colleagues; Critical incidents such as an armed hold up. Responses to demands will vary with each individual. In most cases the response is mild with no serious or lasting effects on health. Intense or prolonged demands may contribute to mood changes, anxiety, illness, accidents, serious mistakes or changes in work performance. Stress at work can be minimised by identifying the sources of stress and then removing or reducing these stressors. In addition, employee assistance programs and training in stress management techniques may assist some employees to develop coping skills to reduce the emotional and physical impact of problem situations.