DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month… Manual Material Movement! Every day we have to move some type of materials around. Even if it is only books or a laptop, this movement must be done properly. Back injuries account for one of every five injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Eighty percent of these injuries occur to the lower back and are associated with manual materials movement tasks. No matter how automated our society gets, at some point, all of us have to handle or lift something at various times. Like any other area of Risk Management, you need to determine the Hazard, Develop the Plan, Implement and then Monitor. Review what has to be moved and determine the best way to do the job on an ongoing basis. Too many times, we get drawn into the “Let’s get’er done” mentality with many material handling tasks. I agree the work does need to get completed, but taking a couple of seconds to determine the best way to do the job may prevent weeks of back pain. If we are to “Manage” these tasks, the first step is to review steps to eliminate some of the lifting. This may be as simple as having some of the copier paper delivered/stored close to the copier rather than the storage room. This reduces the lifting for our employees. Not all solutions are this simple, but we need to look for and take advantage of the opportunities. These (manual material movement) injuries can affect any part of the body, but the majority of the injuries occur to the lower back. There is a correlation between injury claims for low back pain and physical activities such as lifting, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, etc. Cures remain unclear and back pain, whether treated or untreated, can subside quickly or linger. Back pain can reoccur at any time. The bottom line is that YOU bear the responsibility for preventing back injury. Recognize the five Leading Back Injury Risk Factors! Poor posture, Poor physical condition, Improper body mechanics, Incorrect lifting, and Jobs that require high energy. Be aware of your posture while working. When you assume a neutral posture, your body will find its natural balance. Adjust your worksite to fit you before you begin the task. Listen to your body! Be careful! Handle Materials Carefully! Remember – no single technique will work in all circumstances. Your Brain could be the most important muscle used when making a lift. Is the load height located inside your "safe lifting zone?" The safe lifting zone is between the knees and shoulders. If the load is below knee level, bend your knees and lift with your legs. If the load is above your shoulders, use a stool or ladder. Better yet, rearrange the contents on the shelves so that heavier and more frequently needed items are placed on the mid-level shelves. If it is heavy, get help. Can you eliminate the lift or let equipment do the job? Do you need equipment (e.g.: hand trucks, forklifts, dollies) to help move it? Have you stretched your muscles or warmed up before lifting? Are you wearing slip resistant shoes?

When you lift...

DOs! DO NOTs! Plant your feet firmly – get a stable base. Lift from the floor. Keep the load close to your body. Lift loads across obstacles. Bend at your knees – not your waist. Twist and lift. Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your back.

Lift from an uncomfortable posture.

Keep your back upright – keep it in its natural posture. Fight to recover a dropped object. Use your leg muscles as you lift. Get a good grip – use both hands. Lift with one hand (unbalanced). Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking. Lift while reaching or stretching. Breathe. If you must hold your breath to lift it, it is too heavy.

Hold your breath while lifting – GET HELP.

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND. Where are you going to move it? Good grip? Clear Path?

Thank you for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Newsletter January 2014

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Your Severe Weather Preparedness!

February 3-7, 2014, was Severe Weather Awareness week in Georgia. Unfortunately, Georgia had to use their Weather Preparedness plans recently when the ice and snow storm hit Georgia. Minor items like having gas in your vehicle became fairly important. It also shows how individual plans are essential. National Severe Weather Preparedness week is March 2-8, 2014. All of these events highlight the need for emergency preparation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) have the responsibility of handling Federal and State emergency events. GEMA’s Ready Georgia, a statewide emergency preparedness campaign, offers tools that residents can use to create an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia’s interactive website, www.ready.ga.gov, provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and family communications plan. Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games. For preparedness on the go, families can also download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app at http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. Is YOUR emergency plan for your home and your agency location prepared and is it up to date? GEMA and FEMA offer a lot of information to help develop a plan on how to deal with emergencies. Do you know what to do in case of an emergency at your agency and/or at your location? Phone tree for your work contacts? Is your home one of the 50+% in the U.S.A. that has no emergency plan? Do you know what steps to take to start an emergency plan? Ready.GA.gov offers some of the following guidelines for homes:

Supply Checklist for Severe Weather emergencies o Do you have a stored water supply of at least 3 gallons per day per person? o Do you have a 3 day Non-Perishable food supply for your family? o Do you have a manual can opener, batteries, flashlights and a NOAA

alert radio? o Do you have a fully stocked First Aid kit? o Are you prepared for a cold weather emergency if the power goes out?

Fire & Medical emergency preparation for your location or home: o Are there two ways out of your home or office? o Have you established a meeting point once you have evacuated? o Do you have a First Aid kit? Are Emergency numbers posted? o Do you know who has First Aid training at your location?

Flooding preparation: o Do you know what items you want to take with you during an evacuation? o Do you have emergency contact numbers in case roads are flooded in your area or at your location?

Of course these are the short list of items. A few minutes of preparation can save a life or make you far more comfortable in case of an emergency situation.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

February 2014

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Industrial Vehicle Operation

About 100 workers are killed each year as a result of forklift accidents. About 1/4 of these fatalities are caused by overturning. Other common causes are workers being struck by materials, workers being struck by the forklift, and workers falling from the forklift. And these are just the statistics for forklifts. When you add in other vehicles used for industrial operations such as lawn care, the numbers double. Add in golf cars, gators, tractors, scissor lifts; the numbers go up. Any time an employee is operating any type of equipment, we need to ensure they have been properly trained. Many employees will say they know how to operate a piece of equipment, but may not have been properly trained. Hours of operation does not necessarily equal training. Equipment operation is not as simple as it looks; but with a little experience, it's not an impossible skill to master. Unfortunately, those who operate equipment day in and day out have a tendency to take short cuts and to ignore basic safety rules. Many develop the old "It can't happen to me" attitude. Identifying Hazards – You can avoid becoming a statistic if you just take the time to review hazards and how to avoid them. Most of these items apply not only to forklift operation, but to many pieces of industrial equipment. Try to keep them in mind each and every time you prepare to use industrial equipment. Each Supervisor has the responsibility to ensure each employee is properly instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions. Other issues: Can co-workers see you on the equipment? Can they hear you? Equipment related:

Similarities and differences in automobiles

Engine or motor operation

Visibility

Vehicle capacity

Vehicle inspection and maintenance

Operating limitations

Operating instructions, warnings and

precautions for type of equipment

Other operating instructions, warnings or

precautions listed in the operator’s manual

Control & instrumentation location and use

Steering and maneuvering

Attachment limitations and use

Vehicle stability

Refueling or charging batteries

Workplace Related:

Surface conditions where equipment is used

Load stacking, unstacking and transport

Narrow aisle and restricted area operation

Ramp and sloped surface operation

Operating the vehicle in closed environments

Load composition and stability

Pedestrian traffic

Operation in hazardous locations

Unique or potentially hazardous conditions

Industrial Equipment Safety Rules

1. Operate the equipment only if you've been trained. 2. Maintain a safe following distance from other equipment – about three vehicle lengths. 3. Follow speed limit and other regulations. 4. Drive with your load low – six or eight inches off the ground – and tilted slightly back (forklift). 5. Exercise extra caution when driving over bridge plates (forklift). 6. Raise and lower your load only when you are stopped (forklift). 7. Stop and sound the horn at intersections; avoid sharp turns. 8. Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle. 9. Be sure to wear a hard hat and other protective equipment when necessary. 10. Be sure your load is stable and secure. 11. When leaving the equipment, neutralize the controls, shut it off and set the brakes.

Failing to act responsibly when you're behind the wheel not only puts you at risk, but your co-workers

as well. Please keep this in mind each time you prepare to turn the key.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

March 2014

Topic of the Month…Heat Stress

Most of Georgia has had a taste of the heat already this spring. With this heat comes the potential for heat related injuries. The CDC reports over 7,000 Heat Stress illnesses and over 600 deaths from heat annually in the USA. As we get older, it is harder to regulate our body temperature and dehydration. The goal is to recognize the hazards and symptoms of heat stress disorders and stop them before they occur. Supervision needs to use the following steps (P.A.S.T.) to prevent heat related injuries: Plan for the heat, provide Access to Water, provide Shade for break areas, and provide proper Training to prevent heat related injuries. Although summer heat is the largest cause of heat distress; it may also occur when workers are exposed to confined areas such as pipelines, shipboard spaces with limited ventilation, or any confined area involving welding or cutting.

Symptoms: The major heat stress injuries and illnesses are: Heat Rash, Heat Cramps, Heat Syncope, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. The symptoms of heat stress disorders are very

slow to start, but increase in intensity if precautions are not taken. The initial symptoms are mild and usually involve headaches, thirst, and tiredness. Warning signs of heat exhaustion are heavy perspiration, fatigue and weakness, muscle and body ache, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, loss of consciousness, and vomiting

(with or without loss of consciousness).

Heat stress can quickly move to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency, when the body's natural cooling system breaks down and causes the body’s core temperature to rise and overheat the brain. Some of the symptoms of heat stroke are immense thirst, severe headaches, disorientation, dry/hot skin (no sweating) and possibly collapse. Adjusting to these factors and/or controlling them reduce the chance of heat stress. Six main factors are involved in causing heat stress:

Humidity Air Movement Temperature

Clothing Activity Level Radiant Temperature of the Surroundings

People who are overweight, physically unfit, suffer from heart conditions, drink too much alcohol or are not acclimated to the temperature are at greater risk of heat stress and should seek and follow medical advice.

Treatment/Prevention – The following items may aid in combating heat stress disorders:

1. Employees accustomed to working in the heat are better candidates for job assignments where heat stress disorders may occur.

2. Until employees acclimate to the high temperatures, allow frequent cool down breaks.

3. Employees should be rotated from the exposure area to a non-exposure area on a regular basis to help in avoiding heat stress symptoms.

4. Employees should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids (water, Gatorade, Powerade, etc.). Employees should not drink any carbonated beverages (Coke, Pepsi, etc.) as these drinks only increase dehydration and give a false sense of being properly hydrated. Also, the use of alcohol the evening before the work shift, can lead to dehydration even before heat exposure.

If an employee appears to be suffering from heat stress disorder, remove him or her from the heat and provide a cool, shaded place to rest. If the employee is disoriented or non-responsive, call for medical attention immediately. Remember, there is no better cure than prevention.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work. DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

April 2014

Topic of the Month…Electrical Safety May is Electrical Safety Month; and we would like you to consider these numbers from the United States Fire Administration (USFA):

• 29,500 - Estimated number of electrical residential fires each year! • $1.1 Billion - Estimated property loss from electrical fires each year! • 1125 Injuries and 280 estimated deaths due to electrical fires each year!

Some simple things you can do to avoid electrical hazards: DE-ENERGIZE before doing repairs. Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical

devices. Replace or repair damaged extension cords. Electrical

tape is not a suitable repair most of the time. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under

carpets. In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and

extension cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers.

Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a licensed electrical contractor, so you do not have to use extension cords.

Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.

Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

Unplug electrical appliances by pulling the plug; not the cord! DO NOT overload circuits. Make sure your home has ground fault

circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry room, basement, and outdoor areas.

Check GFCIs routinely; monthly is recommended.

Repair/replace broken electrical equipment including outlet plates, fuse panel covers, extension cords, etc.

For more information on electrical safety and electrical fires, please visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov. For electrical safety and fun activities for the little ones you can go to http://www.sparky.org/.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin May 2014

Topic of the Month… 21 Driving Safety Tips

If your last driving safety course/refresher was in High School, you’re overdue! Annual Driver Safety training is recommended for State of Georgia Employees. Whether you're heading home for the day or hitting I-16 for a conference, don't leave home without these tips in mind. Don’t gamble; Drive Defensively! Plan your trip.

1. Before beginning a long drive, always get enough sleep and eat something before you go. Highly caffeinated beverages are not necessarily the best way to stay awake while driving.

2. Make sure everyone in the car buckles his or her seat belt. It’s Georgia Law.

3. Pull over and take breaks every couple of hours, even if you don't feel sleepy. Grab a snack, get some fresh air, and stretch your legs by walking around. If you need to, take a quick nap.

4. If you can, share the driving responsibilities with someone else. This will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and also enable you to nap without losing time.

5. If you're driving alone, turn on the radio/music, and keep your window cracked open. You may also want to refrain from using your cruise control if you're driving alone at night – having to concentrate on maintaining your speed can help you stay awake.

6. If you do have to pull over, move your vehicle off the road. Never park on the shoulder or in the breakdown lane for any reason except an emergency.

7. Avoid cell phone use while driving. No State of Georgia business is important enough to be using a cell phone while driving.

8. Never drink any alcohol before your trip. While you may not become intoxicated from one beer, you will become sleepy.

9. Keep an eye on the skies, and if you can, plan a route around inclement weather.

10. Have your navigator search the Web for traffic update sites and listen to radio traffic alerts.

11. GPS units are not infallible, so have a back-up map or road atlas as a backup just in case.

12. Rental vehicle: familiarize yourself with the car and all of its equipment (horn, brakes, hazard lights).

13. Lock all of your valuables (especially items that are clearly gifts) in the trunk or glove box and stow all luggage and computers in the trunk. (Out of Sight, Out of Mind).

14. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, which vary from state to state and especially overseas. Is it legal to make a right turn at a red light?

15. Make sure your vehicle is in prime condition – tires are properly inflated, all fluids are at their proper levels and you have a full tank of gas.

16. Roadside Assistance program, have the number ready: ARI 1-800-227-2273 (1-800-car-care)

17. Conserve Fuel: Minimize sudden starts and stops; remove unnecessary weight, and slow down. It takes much less fuel to drive 55 miles an hour than it does to drive 70.

18. Don't wait until your gas gauge is sitting on “E” to refuel. At the quarter of a tank, start looking for a place to fill up.

19. When traveling with kids, stop often; not just for snacks and potty breaks, but also for fun. You'll also want to pack toys, books and music for the car – not to mention your motion sickness remedy.

20. Munchies? Stock up on snacks and drinks at grocery stores rather than gas stations or convenience stores – you’ll get a wider and healthier selection, as well as better prices.

21. Miscellaneous: On longer trips, have napkins, plastic ware and a small cooler handy for meals on the go. You'll also want some spare change for tolls, as well as a first-aid kit, flashlight, pillow and blanket. Keep a set of jumper cables, a spare tire, and extra fluids for the car.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work. DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

June 2014

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…FY2014 Injury Review

Fiscal Year 2014 ended on June 30, 2014. During FY2014, 5,567 (4.86%) of fellow State of Georgia employees were injured. Of those, 1,194 (1.04%) were injured severely enough to lose a day of work. Average State Government rates are 4.4%. GOOD News

Over 8.1% reduction in Total Workers’ Compensation Injuries 492 less injuries to employees than last year We had a 2.3% reduction in Lost Time Injuries

BAD News The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national injury rates for 2012 were 3.4 out of

every 100 employees. During the year, over $80,000,000 was spent on injury costs. There were over 1,412 Falls, Slips & Trips (FSTs) injuries; the State’s leading cause of

injury (25%); nearly all are preventable. Has your agency conducted FSTs training? Total spent on Liability, Auto, Property and Workers’ Compensation claims was over

$130,000,000. We had over $1,000,000 increase in APD claims. The top injury types can be seen in the pie chart.

THANK YOU! for all of your Loss Control, Loss Prevention, Safety and Accident

Prevention efforts; but our work is not done. We have a new fiscal year with more challenges,

more exposures, more hazards, and unfortunately more injuries. When you look at many of the

injuries, 90+% are preventable. No injury is acceptable or part of the job. If we can help you

with your Safety training, please contact us at losscontrol@doas.ga.gov.

Remember: HAZARD + EXPOSURE - CONTROL = INJURY! What injury controls do you have in place? (Guards, Training, Inspections, etc.)

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

July 2014

Falls Slips Trips

(All)25%

Struck By -Patient/

Inmate 17%

Cuts -Puncture

Scrape6%Strains -

Lifting

6%

M VA (All)5%

Struck By -Objects lifted

4%

Strain-Pushing/

Pulling4%

Caught In (All)3%

Struck By-Falling Object

3%

Repetitive M otion (All)

3%

Animal/Insect3%

Absorption3%

Struck against/step

on fixed object

2%

Strain -Holding/

Carrying 2%

Burns (All)2%

Foreign Body in Eye

2%

Occ. Disease (All) 2%

Altercation1%

Struck object handled by

others 1%

FY2014

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…PPE Assessment

Over 15% of the injuries in Fiscal Year 2014 probably could have been avoided or reduced by using the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Most PPE does not seem to be high technology stuff – safety glasses, gloves and ear plugs; but in reality, many hours of testing and research has gone into most equipment. Cotton stuck into your ear does very little, if anything, to protect your hearing. Foam or molded ear plugs are designed to reduce high or low range noises from entering your ear while allowing the voice level ranges/octaves to reach the ear. Safety glasses must protect against lower levels of UV light and meet shatter resistance criteria. When we cannot eliminate or engineer out the hazard, we must use PPE to protect the employee. PPE can provide protection for employees from a wide variety of hazards (e.g.: heat, chemicals, etc.). Selection of this equipment is the key to success of the PPE program. It is essential to look at your exposures and select the proper PPE to protect the employee. An ear muff usually provides a higher level of protection, but is more cumbersome to use. For lower levels of noise, the ear plug can provide good protection and is easier to use. We need to review each area of exposure with the employee and determine what protective measures can be taken. Typically this is called the PPE Hazard Analysis. The analysis looks at the work area tasks to determine Eye, Head/Face, Foot, Hand, Body, Fall, Noise and Respirator Hazards. In other words, each area is broken down further, such as: Eyes – is there a dust, chemical, UV/IR, impact or heat hazard that needs to be addressed? Once each hazard is identified, a control measure for each hazard is determined. Do not assume that if it is noisy an employee will wear hearing protection; or if there are flying particles potential that employees automatically know to wear safety glasses. Look at how only a few people wear the proper equipment on Saturday when they are doing their own lawn work! Look at the hazards, document the protective equipment and train the employees on where, when and how to use PPE. Again, don’t assume everyone knows how to use the equipment. The earplugs hanging on the tragus part of the ear provides very little protection. The earplug must be in the ear canal to provide protection. The dust respirator only provides protection from dust, but you see many people trying to use it as protection from vapors. We must train employees on how to use the equipment, when to use the equipment, how to adjust the equipment, how to maintain the equipment and the limitations of the equipment. If your PPE program does not seem to be working as well as you would like, maybe it is time to step back and review the operation to see if there are other areas that need to be addressed. Involving employees in this can help. A lot of the time, they know the hazards and may not have taken the time to ask you about the equipment. If used properly, PPE can be a great asset to your agency and to your employees.

THANK YOU! for your Loss Control, Loss Prevention, and Safety efforts.

Remember that 90+% of the injuries are preventable. No injury is acceptable or part of

the job. If we can help you with your Safety training, please contact us at losscontrol@doas.ga.gov.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

August 2014

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office

Topic of the Month…Strains & Sprains

Strains and Sprains accounted for over 15% of Fiscal Year 2014 injuries. If you include Falls, Slips and Trips, which many times result in a Sprain or Strain, 40% of injuries are related to Strains and Sprains. Nationally, the numbers are about the same, where 39% of injuries are Sprains or Strains. Common causes for sprains and strains are falls, twisting an arm or leg, sports injuries and over-exertion. Both sprains and strains result in pain and swelling. The amount of pain and swelling depends on the extent of the damage. SPRAINS result from overstretching or tearing a ligament, tendon, or muscle. Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones. Tendons are tissues that attach a muscle to a bone. STRAINS occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or over-exerted. Simple measures can prevent many sprains and strains. General safety measures to prevent slips and falls include proper lighting, handrails on both sides of stairways, keeping stairways and traffic areas clear of clutter and using adhesive-backed strips in baths and showers.

Many sprains and strains result from sports injuries. Be sure to wear proper fitting shoes that

provide shock absorption and stability. Wear shoes designed for the sports activity you are

playing. Don’t overdo it. If muscles or joints start to hurt, ease up. Do warm-up exercises to

stretch the muscles before your activity, whether vigorous or not. Always ease into any exercise

program and go through a cool down period afterward. These same issues apply when you are

doing your daily work activities. TREATMENT depends on the extent of the damage. Self-help measures may be all that are needed for mild injuries. At the first sign of a sprain or strain, stop what you’re doing and apply RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. By following this simple formula, you can avoid further injury and speed recovery.

REST the injured area. ICE or cold packs should be applied immediately. Do this for up to 48 to 72 hours after

the injury. After 48-72 hours, applying heat may bring additional relief. COMPRESS the area by wrapping it (not too tightly) with an elastic wrap. Begin

wrapping from the point farthest from the heart and wrap toward the center of the body. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight.

ELEVATE the injured area higher than the heart. Do this even while you are applying the ice or cold pack as well as when you sleep.

You may take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation if you don’t have a sensitivity to the medicine or a history of ulcers. Read and follow directions carefully. Not all people should take these medicines. Always take with food or milk to prevent stomach irritation.

Remove rings immediately if you have a sprained finger or other part of your hand. Use crutches to speed the healing process for a badly sprained ankle. They will help you

avoid putting weight on the ankle, which could cause further damage.

Severe sprains may require medical treatment. Some require a cast. If the tissue affected is torn

you may need surgery. See your health care professional if the sprain or strain does not

improve after four or five days of self-care procedures.

THANK YOU! for your Loss Control, Loss Prevention, and Safety efforts.

Remember that 90+% of the injuries are preventable. No injury is acceptable or part of

the job.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

September 2014

Topic of the Month…Office Safety

If you work in an office you don’t have to worry about Safety; Right? WRONG! A safe office environment requires hazard control, good housekeeping/maintenance, and safe work practices. Arrange your office to allow clear walkways and aisles throughout the rooms and near exits. Do not store heavy items or hang pictures over your head in your office or cube. Close file cabinet drawers, file doors, and pull-out work tables when not in use. To avoid jamming your fingers or hands, make sure that cabinet and desk drawers do not open into walls or other furniture. Close drawers and doors with the flat of your hand. Slips & Falls – Clean up liquid spills immediately and mark the hazard area with a “wet floor” sign until the floor dries. Prevent falls in the office by keeping walkways and floors clear of trash, cords, cables, and other items. Clean up work areas after each project and periodically throughout the day. Walk slowly, and be aware of your surroundings. Use handrails when going up and down stairs. Wear proper footwear at the office; a non-slip sole and a back strap are the safest. Use chairs for sitting ONLY! Storage – Arrange your storage areas so that the heavier items are stored between knee and shoulder height and keep lighter-weight items on upper shelves. Keep a sturdy step stool in storage areas to avoid reaching. Ergonomic – Request an ergonomic evaluation from your supervisor if you feel discomfort while at your desk or performing other tasks at work. Use good body mechanics when lifting and moving items. When you must carry files, limit your load to your capabilities. Avoid bending at the waist when accessing low files. If you must access low files, either stoop down or get on your knees. Avoid twisting and reaching for files or other materials in your work station. Move your whole body to prevent back strain. Report hazards to your supervisor and make sure that they get corrected. Fire Safety – Be prepared for an emergency in your building. Know your building emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and assembly area. Know how to use a fire extinguisher and when it is safe to do so. Keep exits and aisle walkways clear to allow a quick evacuation. Use only approved electrical equipment in the office. Examine electric cords and plugs for breaks, tears, and frayed wires before use. Do not use extension cords as a permanent source of electrical power; install an extra electric outlet if necessary. Do not create chains of extension cords and surge protectors (“daisy-chains”) because they can overload your electrical outlets. Security – Employees should never leave personal and/or valuable items in plain sight while they are away from their desks. Most companies are not held liable for the loss of personal items on the job. Lockers and lock-enabled desks should be available to every worker. First Aid – Every worker should know the exact location of a first-aid kit they can use for minor ailments such as small cuts, headaches, muscle cramps and inflamed areas. The kits should be well-stocked and up-to-date at all times (no expired medications). Like any other workplace you cannot “ASSUME” offices are safe. But with a little effort, we can all have a safe work environment. .

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin December 2014

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: losscontrol@doas.ga.gov or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.