Office safety - 05-02-2014

Health, Safety, Security & Environment

(HSSE)

Awareness Training

Office SafetyBy Abdalla SheikoSr. HSSE Manager

INTRODUCTION

The wellbeing of personnel working at site offices are also part of our site HSSE system.

This session aims to highlight some important points to be considered when meeting your obligations towards Office Safety.

RISKS

Various hazards within offices pose a risk, like…

FurnitureErgonomics

Parking areas Electrical Equipment

Heat generating sourcesPersonal hygiene and illness

Office machines (Copiers,staplers, shredders, printers, etc)

Walk ways and stairsKitchen equipmentChemicals (toner, ink,

cleaning materials, etc)

SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS

This is the biggest cause of injuries within offices!You need to be alert and stay aware of…

Uneven floor surfacesElevated surfaces(standing on furniture, falling off chairs, etc)

Wet and slippery surfacesStored items (surplus furniture, brief cases, handbags, files, etc)

Extension chordsParking lotsDark areasStairs

SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS

To avoid injury you need to…

Remain alert and aware of causesUse stepladders, not furnitureKeep isles and walkways clearDo the “Duck Walk” on wet floorsUse handrails on stairsWear sensible shoesUse chairs properlyReport deficienciesAvoid dark areasClean up spillsWalk - never run!

OFFICE LAYOUT

Offices buildings are designed and built per HSSE requirements and codes, obligating you…

To ensure all emergency evacuation routes and exits

are always kept clear.

To provide for proper furniture arrangement that will avoid drawers opening

into walk ways, obstruct view around corners or partitions,

and furniture and chairs sticking out into walkways.

LIGHTING

Protect yourself through your eyes and light…

Poorly lit areas, be it too little or too much or the wring color, can cause headaches, strain and eye fatigue.

Task lighting needs to be correct for type of task you do.

Take “visual breaks” at least every 30 minutes to rest your eyes.

Have your eyes tested regularly and let you doctor know you work with computers and about the light quality.

HOUSEKEEPING

A place for everything, and everything in its place.

Avoid storing items in isles, below knee level or on office furniture surfaces.

Avoid overflowing waste baskets.

Remove dust regularly.

Stack and store properly and only in areas allocated for storage.

Do not block fire equipment and detectors.

Keep your direct work area organized and neat.

FURNITURE

Furniture is your biggest tool, always ensure …

Chairs remain squarely on the floor.

Casters on chairs should be secured.

Chair parts should be sturdy and not present a hazard to the user.

Drawers are closed when not in use.

Drawers are opened and closed slowly and carefully.

Avoid overloading filing cabinets, distribute weight of stored items to prevent tipping.

STACKING AND STORAGE

When storing and stacking items, consider…

Store light objects on top and heavy objects at the bottom - also in filing

cabinets.

Boxes, files and other heavy articles must not

be stacked on top of cabinets, cupboards or

window sills.

Keep passages clear and keep fire fighting

equipment unobstructed.

WORKSTATION SETUP

A good workstation is based on the individual’s needs, but some basic principles can be applied…

If your work station provided is uncomfortable, seek assistance and have it rectified.

Plan your workstation properly in line with your type of work and set it up according to your tasks needs and physical constraints.

WORKSTATION SETUP

Ergonomic Considerations…

CHAIRS

Some adjustments to keep in mind…

Seat height, depth, angle and tilt.

Back height, adjustability, angle and tilt.

Lumbar support.

Arm rest height.

Swivel.

Another pair of eyes (ask for help if you

are not sure).

POSTURE

Good posture is essential for your health, always…

Follow the 3 natural curves.

Avoid too much sitting, as a seated posture puts lots of strain on your body.

Do not over-exaggerate back curves.

Breaths deeply.

Stretch frequently.

Maintain or build strength.

EASY REACH

Items to always keep within the “easy zone”…

Keyboard

Mouse

Telephone

Calculator

OFFICE EQUIPMENT SAFEGAURDING

Remain aware and protect yourself from…

Copiers (sorting trays - moving parts).

Paper scissors (guarding to avoid contact with the blade by hand holding the paper - when not in use, secure the blade).

Letter openers and sharp tools (secure properly to avoid it from rolling and falling off of desk surfaces - use sheaths for knives and razors).

MATERIAL HANDLING

Proper lifting and material handling avoids injury…

Never lift more than 23 kg at once.

Ask for help if you have a lot of lifting.

Avoid lifting objects that are too heavy for you.

Plan the lift.(Stand with your feet apart, alongside

the object to be lifted. Use the “sit down” position, maintaining the natural

arch of the spine. Tuck in your chin. Get a good grip on the object. Keep the object close. Center the weight

over your feet. Avoid twisting.)

HEAT GENERATING EQUIPMENT

Heat sources cause fires, remember…

Coffee pots, toaster ovens, microwaves, mug warmer, heaters, cooling fans, soldering irons, heat guns and most electrical equipment generate heat. Ensure…

Proper clearance from combustibles.

Plugged into power outlet directly.

Earth connection.

Tip-over protection.

Shut off when not in use.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity kills! Remember…

Shut off all electrical equipment not in use.

Inspect all electrical equipment regularly.

Immediately replace damaged equipment and chords.

Do not run extension chords over walkways.

Do not overload power outlets.

Never open Distribution Boards.

Keep combustible material away from electrical outlets and connections.

LOCK OUT TAG OUT

Power sources are harmful, so remember…

Do not turn powered equipment on or off, unless you are trained to do so.

Always turn off and disconnect the power supply of any equipment you need to open (e.g. to remove a paper jam from a printer or copier).

Never connect to or turn on a power source that has been locked out and/or tagged out of service.

CHEMICALS

Understand what chemicals are in the office and… Always ask for and read

the Material Data Sheet (MSDS).

Handle and store the material as prescribed.

Use it only for the purpose intended.

Never use chemicals if you have not been

trained on its use

HEALTH

Your body needs regular exercise, stretching and breaks. Some ways to do this are…

Do aerobic exercise -move your feet and legs, even while seated.

Take micro breaks -short breaks to relax, restore, re-nourish and gently stretch.

HEALTH

You share your workspace with others, always consider their health and practice good hygiene…

Wash your hands after you have been to the bathroom.

Keep shared facilities clean.

Keep your workstation clean.

Dispose of waste properly.

Smoke only in designated smoking areas.

Warn others if you are ill, especially if contagious.

SECURITY

Keep yourself secure from crime…

Never leave any valuables unattended.

Never take anything that does not belong to you.

Always display your Security Pass.

Escort your visitors.

Maintain information Security and control

access to your computer.

BEHAVIOUR

Long hours and work in close quarters can create stress, so remember…

Treat other people with courtesy.

Avoid conflict and don’t lose your temper.

Use proper language.

Respect gender differences.

Respect cultural differences.

Respect other’s personal space.

EMERGENCIES

Fire Prevention…

Flammable items should not be stored in offices.

If flammables must be stored, approved containers are required.

Never block access to fire extinguishers or emergency exits.

Never use multiple plug outlets.

Beware of overheating equipment.

Do not burn anything at anytime.

EMERGENCIES

First Aid…

Make sure you know who the First Aider is in your building.

Make sure you know where the First Aid station / box is.

Use First Aid for work related injuries only –

it is not a free pharmacy service and careless use could

lead to lives being lost due to missing equipment and stock

needed in an emergency.

EMERGENCIES

Evacuation…

Study and understand the evacuation procedures in your

building.

Stay calm during emergencies and follow instructions given by

Emergency Wardens.

Do not interfere with emergency response teams

and stay at the assembly points.

EMERGENCIES

Reporting…

Immediately report anything that goes wrong (such as near

misses, damage, injuries, fires, crimes, etc) to your supervisor or the HSSE

department.

It is your responsibility to report anything that might

have happened before you go home, as late reporting may

negatively influence response and insurance claims.

CONSLUSION

Remember,it is your office, but it is our Safety,so do your part and protect us all.

Thank you for your attendance.

Any Questions?