Safety Awareness and Accident Prevention

1. Safety Awareness and Accident Prevention The Center for Health Care Services

2. Course Objectives Gain knowledge of how to effectively apply safety principles to our daily work activities • Learn where accidents come from • Identify office-related injuries and conditions and practice ergonomic solutions • Discuss the leading types of accidents in office settings • Identify common office safety and health hazards • Discuss remote-site safety issues and precautions • Review electrical safety concerns • Ensure the proper use of fire safety and prevention • Learn CHCS Safety & Maintenance processes and contacts

3. Safety is OUR Responsibility WE are responsible for keeping OUR work environment safe. Safety is everyone’s duty – if you see or suspect any safety concerns, notify your supervisor immediately. If the safety concern is an emergency, personally contact the Safety and Maintenance Department immediately.

4. Most of the injuries at CHCS, based on incident reports, come from: Where do accidents come from? • Back Injury38% • Slip / Trip / Fall23% • CPL (Carpal tunnel) 9% • Motor vehicle 8% • Occupational illness 8% • Strike against 5% • Client-related 3% • Animal bite 3% • Other 3%

5. Where do accidents come from? Except for those very few (possibly 2%) that might be considered “unpreventable” or “Acts of God”, most “accidents” come from: • Ignoring Safety Procedure • Taking Shortcuts • Being Overconfident • Poor Housekeeping • Failure to Pre-Plan Work • Starting a Job Without Complete Instructions • Mental Distractions - simply NOT PAYING ATTENTION

6. Office Related Injuriesand Conditions Musculoskeletal, vision, and hearing problems are common in the workplace. By applying ergonomic solutions, it may be possible to reduce physical problems and improve the comfort and ability to work effectively. • For example: • poor chairs and/or bad posture can cause lower back strain • a chair that is too high can cause circulation loss in legs and feet.

7. What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is fitting the workstation to the worker by modifying or redesigning the workstation according to the persons body size and structure. Office ergonomics applies science to workplace design to maximize productivity while reducing operator fatigue and discomfort Possible test question

8. Musculoskeletal Problems Examples of musculoskeletal problems that may be related to ergonomic issues are: • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Tennis elbow (epicondylitis) • Tendonitis • Bursitis • Muscle strains - neck, back, and shoulders • Fatigue • Varicose veins • Stress • Problems with the diaphragm, circulation, digestion, elimination, and general body development

9. Back Pain • Low back pain is very common, costing millions in lost work, as well as millions in medical, state and insurance resources every year. • Most backpain does not signify any serious underlying problem, and will sort its self out within a few days to a few weeks. • Lower back pain is the most prevalent cause of disability in people under age 45 • Aside from the common cold, back pain keeps more people away from work than any other single cause.

10. Ergonomic Solutions

11. Correct wrist and hand position • Make sure that the hands are in line with the forearms. • At regular intervals shake hands and rotate them clockwise a few times and then anti-clockwise (this relieves tension in the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms). • Make sure to keep the keyboard close.

12. Correct shoulder position In a chair that has arm rests, make sure they allow the shoulders to relax. If they are adjustable, set them higher than anticipated - set them as high as possible, then move them downwards until your shoulders are relaxed. Possible test question

13. Correct leg and knee position • Chairs that are not adjusted properly can result in pressure points building up under the thighs and behind the knees. This can result in pins and needles in the lower legs or swelling in the feet and ankles. • If there is a feeling of pressure at the front of the seat cushion a footrest may be needed. Experiment with a box or phone books to determine the best height.

14. Correct upper body position • Sit back in the chair and rest upper body against the backrest. • Change sitting positions at regular intervals by leaning slightly forward and then slightly backward. • Pause from daily work to stretch and move away from desk. Take a break!

15. Setting up workstation • When done correctly it will reduce most of the causes of pain and discomfort from sitting at a computer. • Approach this from the point of view that the current setup is OK, but now the idea is to change it. • The correct setup might not feel right straight away, and changing ingrained habits may take a prolonged effort. A Ergonomic Workstation Set-up guide is available to pick up after class.

16. Breaks • Take frequent short breaks. A 2-3 minute break after 30 minutes of screen and keyboard work is more refreshing than a 15 minute break after 2 hours. • Change activities often - alternate between screen and non-screen based tasks throughout the day. • Use formal breaks to get away from the keyboard and screen. Help relax the eyes by finding and looking at a distant object.

17. Simple Stretches • Taking short breaks and keeping the body limber will greatly reduce muscle tension caused by sitting or standing in one place. • Physically getting out of the chair and moving around for just a few moments will allow the circulation system to function properly and improve blood flow to the legs and feet.

18. These simple stretches to can keep the back and shoulders feeling comfortable.

19. Major Types of Accidents at CHCS • Back Injury • Slip / Trip / Fall

20. Back Injury • Leverage • Causes • Prevention

21. Strains and Over-exertion When lifting, it’s not difficult to over-exert or strain our muscles, even when we think we are capable of lifting or moving heavy objects. • backs are especially vulnerable to injury • most back injuries result from lifting improperly

22. Leverage The forces involved: • Think of the human back as a lever. With the fulcrum in the centerof the lever, how many pounds would it take to lift a 10 pound object? 5 pounds?10 pounds?15 pounds?

23. Leverage It takes 10 pounds of pressure to lift a 10 pound object. Will it take more or less force to lift the same 10 pound object with the fulcrum shifted to one side?

24. Leverage With the fulcrum shifted away from the object, it takes moreforce to lift the object. The human back operates on a 10:1 ratio, with the waist acting as the fulcrum.

25. Why do back injuries occur? When we add in the 105 pounds of the average human upper torso, lifting a 10 pound object puts 1,150 pounds of pressure on the human back.

26. Why do back injuries occur? If one were 25 pounds overweight, it would put an additional 250 pounds of pressure on the back every time he/she bends over.

27. Common Causes Many back injuries tend to be the result of cumulative damage suffered over a long period of time. Certain actions, motions and movements are more likely than others to cause or contribute to back injuries… Heavy Lifting …especially repetitive lifting over a long period of time

28. Common Causes Reaching and lifting …over the head, across a table, or out the back of a truck Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes…

29. Common Causes Working in odd, uncomfortable positions …gardening, kneeling, tasks that require one to bend over for long periods of time… People who sit or stand for long periods of time are at risk for backaches

30. Common Causes It is also possible to injure our backs slipping on a wet floor, mud, or ice… even in HOT San Antonio. Training

31. Common Causes Some people suffer back pain because they sleep in a bad position, or because their mattress is too soft. What is generally recommended as the best sleeping position for the back? 1. On your stomach or back? (legs level) 2. On your side? (knees slightly bent) 3. On your back? (pillow under your knees) #2 is right! Waking up with a sore or painful back? try sleeping on the side with knees slightly bent. Try putting boards under an old mattress or maybe replace it. Remember - it’s always wise to check with a doctor first about any health problems.

32. Safe Lifting The key to proper lifting is in keeping the curves of our back in its natural position.

33. Prevent Back Injuries Avoid lifting and bending whenever possible. • Place objects up off the floor. • Raise / lower shelves. • The best zone for lifting is between the shoulders and waist. • Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves. • Keep object close to your body to see your feet and where you are standing.

34. Prevent Back Injuries Avoid lifting and bending whenever possible. Medical Records Use carts and dollies, hoists, and other lift-assist devices (if available) to move objects, instead of carrying them. It is better topush a cart, dolly, lawnmower, wheelbarrow, etc. than it is to pull it. When it is inevitable to pull the load, tighten the stomach muscles and try to maintain good body posture.

35. Prevent Back Injuries Use proper lifting procedures. Follow these four basic steps when lifting: • Take a balanced stance with feet about a shoulder-width apart. One foot can be behind the object and the other next to it. • Squat down to lift the object, but keep heels off the floor. Get close to the object. BEND YOUR KNEES

37. Prevent Back Injuries • Use palms (not just fingers) to get a secure grip on the load. Maintain a hold on the object without switching your grip later. • Lift gradually (without jerking) using the leg, abdominal and buttock muscles and keeping the load as close as possible. Keep chin tucked in so as to keep a relatively straight back and neck line. HUG THE LOAD

38. Prevent Back Injuries Remember: Use proper lifting procedures Follow these four basic steps when lifting: • Balanced stance • Squat down • Secure grip • Lift gradually Possible test question

39. Do’s and Don’ts • DO: test the load. • DO: get a firm grip. • DO: lift objects with your leg muscles. • DO: maintain your natural back position as you lift. • DON’T: use weaker back muscles. • DON’T: use quick jerky movements. • DON’T: attempt to lift a heavy load alone. • DON’T: carry a load that blocks vision. • DON’T: twist body when lifting. When turning with a load, change directions by pointing feet in the direction of travel and turning the entire body.

40. Assisting Consumers • Offer help, but do not assume that help is needed. • Be ready to react if assistance is not asked for. • Remember the steps for safe lifting. • Assist on the weaker side of the consumer. • Assist from the downhill side. • Help the consumer to maintain a center of gravity over their own feet. • Should a consumer start to fall, help guide them to the floor. Do not help them to get up without a second person for assistance.

41. Prevent Back Injuries Body Management: • It's important to know our body's limitations, and it's important to be aware of our body position at all times. • Learn to recognize those situations where backs are most a risk: bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, etc. • Then take measures to avoid an injury: Stretch first, Slow down, Get in shape!

42. Lifting Tips Here are some things to consider before attempting to lift or move an object: • Is this too heavy for me to lift and carry alone? • How high do I have to lift it? • How far do I have to carry it? • Am I trying to impress anyone by lifting this?

43. SLIPS, TRIPS, & FALLS From heights Falling objects Walking

44. Slips, Trips, and Falls Most common office accident It is estimated that office workers sustain 76,000 fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and contusions each year.

45. Falling Objects • As an object falls, it gains momentum • A10-pound object falling 10 feet will have a force of impact of 1,200 pounds or more

46. Walking The most common slips and falls happen simply by walking… • Open desk drawer • Uneven stairs • Rise in Floor - – only takes ¼” change in height to trip • Cord across walkway • Slippery floor • Poor walking shoes • Carrying objects that obstruct our view • “Open door slowly” • Poor lighting These fall hazards are preventable!

47. Falls Humans are TOP HEAVY. A fall occurs when we lose our balance and footing. REMEMBER: When heading for a fall, - roll, don't reach. By letting the body crumple and roll, one is more likely to absorb the impact and momentum of a fall without injury. Reaching out to break the fall may result in a broken limb.

48. Fall Prevention The following checklist can help stop a fall before it happens: • Clean up spills, drips, and leaks immediately. • Put up signs or barriers to keep people away from temporary slip hazards. • Wear stable shoes with anti-skid soles.  Ask supervisor about the right shoes for the job. • Report slipping hazards (like loose carpet or damaged flooring) immediately - don't count on the other guy to do it. • Close drawers completely • Secure electrical cords and wires away from walkways

49. Office Hazards Office workers may also be injured as a result of: • Fingers caught in a drawer, door, or window. • Fingers, hair or articles of clothing and jewelry caught in office machines. • Striking against sharp objects such as office machines. • Getting fingers caught under the knife edge of paper cutter. • Hitting open file drawers while bending down or standing up. • Overbalanced file cabinets – two or more drawers opened at the same time or the file drawer was pulled out too far.

50. Good Housekeeping A good housekeeping program will reduce or eliminate hazards associated with improper storage of materials. Office materials that are improperly stored can lead to objects falling on workers, poor visibility, and create a fire hazard. KEEP YOUR DESK and OFFICE AREA CLEAN!