ERGONOMICS at WSU-TC
Completion of this unit
fulfills required WSU-TC
safety training for:
Ergonomics
Lifting
Slips, trips and falls
Lezlie Couch
EH&S- WSU-TC
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work.
Ergonomic principles adapt work to a specific person
by designing tasks & tools or equipment to fit the
individual to prevent injuries to the musculoskeletal
system.
ERGONOMICS CONT
WHAT
IS ERGONOMICS?
Ergonomics
is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the
working population (interaction between the operator and the job demands).
Ergonomics
provides the guiding principles and specifications according to which tools, machines,
work procedures and workplaces are designed for safe use. The efficiency of a machine depends on
the ability of the worker to control it effectively and accurately. The fact that workers are able to
operate in poorly designed workplaces does not mean that this is the most efficient method of
production; workers should be able to operate machines in the least stressful way.
Ergonomic
deficiencies in the workplace may not result in immediate body pain but over time the
bodys ability to adapt fails resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics should be seen not
as finding problems but rather as giving solutions to the problems and can be applied to any
industry.
ERGONOMICS CONT.
GOAL
The
OF ERGONOMICS:
goal of ergonomics is to optimize the relationships between the worker, the task and the
environment, in a cost effective manner, by modifying peoples work to be within their
capabilities. This will result in a decreased risk of injury and illness, improved job performance
and quality of work, in addition to improving the well-being of the organization due to
decreased operating costs, stable workforce and improved morale.
A task
is accomplished by the interaction of the employee and the machine in a particular
workspace, which is contained in a particular environment. The workspace is described in terms
of its size and the layout of the equipment/machinery. These two factors will have an effect on
the posture of the worker and the reach distances, and with a resultant effect on comfort and
efficiency. The environment is described in terms of its temperature, lighting, noise and
vibration.
What are the benefits of ergonomics?
Reduction of work-related injuries
Increased worker productivity
Increased work quality
Reduced absenteeism
YOU
JUST
FEEL
BETTER!
Increased morale
Ergonomics provides a win-win
Ergonomics principles
What are the risks
of ignoring ergonomic principles?
An MSD is an illness or injury that affects one or
more parts of the musculoskeletal system
Bones
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
Cartilage
Nerves
Blood vessels
MSD
MusculoSkeletal Disorders
Other common terms for MSDsare:
Cumulative trauma disorder (CTDs)
Repetitive strain injures (RSIs)
Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs)
When not diagnosed and treated these can cause
inconvenience permanent pain and disability.
SYMPTOMS of MSDs
Discomfort Numbness
Tingling
Loss
of
strength
Swelling
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue
Pain
Stiffness
Aching
What are MSDS(CTD)?
(MSD)
mascular skeleton deseases(CTD)
Cumulative Trauma Disorder are injuries
caused by sustained exposure to stressors or
repetitive motion.
They may affect muscles, tendons, ligaments,
bones, circulation, or nerves.
Some well-known MSDs are:
Carpel tunnel syndrome
Guyners syndrome
Trigger finger
Tennis elbow
CONTINUE
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
One of the best known MSDs
The median nerve does not work properly due to pressure on the
nerve as it runs through an opening called the carpel tunnel
Numbness is usually first symptom.
Pain & tingling, can go up the arm to the
shoulder and neck, causing waking to pain
in middle of night
GUYONS CANAL SYNDROME
Similar to carpel tunnel
Guyons affects the ulnar nerve
as it passes through the Guyon
canal in the wrist; this is similar
to carpal tunnel, but involves a
different nerve.
Unlike carpel tunnel, Guyons
affects the little and ring fingers.
Can be in conjunction with carpal tunnel
TRIGGER FINGER
Trigger finger affects the ability of tendons to slip
back and forth. The tendon and/or ligament
thicken and a nodule forms
This can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis,
lacerations of tendon, gripping power tools,
long hours of grasping steering wheel, or birth
defects
Symptoms are pain and
a funny clicking sensation
TENNIS ELBOW
Overuse or misuse of the forearm muscles can cause tendonitis, or
a painful inflammation of the tendons connecting these muscles
to bone.
This condition is brought
on or aggravated by poor leverage
causing an uneven distribution
of force on a few muscles.
This may be when working,
or during certain leisure activities,
such as sports and gardening.
Symptom are severe pain.
ARE MSDS PREVENTABLE?
They
are preventable and reversible
.. if identified early.
The treatment depends on the stage of MSD.
If
the condition cannot be reversed, treatment can
turn into a pain management situation.
The individual plays a large role in
preventing MSDs.
Am I at risk for a MSD?
Do you
perform frequent repetitive motions?
bend at the waist or twist when lifting objects?
lift push or pull objects throughout the day?
sometimes use the wrong tool for the job?
grasp tools with your fingers?
forget to take breaks while working?
feel like you are under stress?
have to stretch to reach your work?
forget to adjust your work area to fit your task?
The more you answered yes, the greater your risk.
RISK FACTORS which can lead to MSDs
(Stressors)
Awkward posture
Static loading or sustained exertion
Contact stress
Force
These STRESSORS can be influenced by
1.
2.
3.
Organizational or administrative precautions
Environmental conditions
Individual work routine and habits
Vibration
Repetition of same motion for several hours/day
Length of tasks without breaks
Insufficient rest time
Psychosocial stress
Most MSDs are the result of combined risk factors
Reducing RISK FACTORS for MSDs
The purpose of ergonomic training is to
help you reduce or eliminate the stresses
that can lead to MSDs
Your body is designed to do work. When
it works in positions or postures in which
it is designed to deal with physical stress,
there is no problem, but when it is forced
to perform under unnatural situations or
for abnormal periods of time, injuries can
occur.
Almost all of the ergonomic stresses at
work can be decreased by using the right
equipment in the right position so that the
body can perform in the right posture.
Review your Work Area
You
spend most of your day in
your work area.
You
dont want your work area to
contribute to ergonomic problems
Ergonomic
Rule #1
Work Comfortably!
If most of your work is done in an office continue
If most of your work is done outside of an office continue
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
Use a good CHAIR
Backrest is provides good lower back support
Arms adjustable
Front edge of seat pan
curves down
Seat pan adjustable
horizontally and tilts
Height adjustable
On rollers
Five feet for base-most stable
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
MONITOR HEIGHT
The position of your head and neck is very important
Place computer monitors
directly in front of you
The right height is person
dependent- usually the top
of the screen at eye level
(or slightly below for those who
wear bifocals)
Raise the monitor if you
have to look down at it
The screen should be at least an arms length away
(If you cant see at that distance, get special computer glasses)
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
KEYBOARD STYLES
A variety of styles are available.
Choose one that is comfortable for you.
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
KEYBOARD HOLDER
Keyboard holders should
Tilt
Provide wrist rests (rest palms not wrist)
Provide space for a mouse
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
MOUSE HOLDERS
Mouse trays or mouse holders can bring a
mouse to a better position
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
MOUSE STYLES
Choose a style comfortable for your hand and fingers
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
WORK PLACEMENT
Position equipment so that your body is in a comfortable and
natural position most of the time while you are working.
Dont place things so you have to reach, twist or bend continually
Place work at monitor height or place in path of monitor
Listen to your body. If you cannot focus or often feel tired or
uncomfortable, you are probably not working in a good position.
See what you can do to make your work more comfortable for
you.
Disclaimer: Wait a minute! Though this position may look comfortable, it
is NOT a comfortable position to work in.
Imagine how your back would feel after typing a few pages in this position!
Do not equate comfortable leisure positions with comfortable work positions!
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
Everyone needs a relaxed, neutral position
DO WHATS COMFORTABLE FOR YOUR BODY!
Monitor at or below eye level
Wrists straight
Back supported
Forearms and thighs parallel to the
floor
Forearms supported
Feet flat on the floor
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
MOUSE POSITION
Mouse should be
close to the
keyboard and the
same height or
slightly higher
NO!
Locate the mouse
to avoid reaching
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
Phone PLACEMENT
Should be different for right and left handers
You should not have to twist and reach across your body
every time you answer the phone.
Many people need to spend a lot of time on the phone, and must often do other tasks at the same time
This creates a lot of stress
for neck and shoulder muscles
Consider a head set if you spend a lot of time on the phone,
especially if you do other tasks at the same time
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
Document PLACEMENT
Place documents so that you dont
need to bend your head to read while
you keyboard
Consider getting a document holder
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can
influence ergonomic stress.
Lighting
Noise
Temperature
.even at a computer station!
Ergonomic STRESSORS
LIGHTING & MONITOR GLARE
Lighting should be
indirect and adequate
Not too much light,
or it may cause a glare,
headaches and eye
fatigue
If there is a glare on
your eyes as you work,
use glare screens on
computers, or adjustable
blinds at windows
Ideal is 35-50 foot candles
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
GLARE SCREENS
COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
can be
prevented
Accommodate your eyes
Use computer eyewear when appropriate
Placement of reference material
and monitor distance should be
comfortable for your eyes
Prevent constant glare
Keep monitor clean
Use:
indirect lighting
non-reflective walls and furniture
anti-glare screens
Exercise your eyes
Periodically focus on object 20 feet away
Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Noise can be a STRESSOR
If
your office is near a noise source,
close your door, or wear ear plugs
Besides
causing ear damage, constant
noise can create extra muscle tension in
the body causing fatigue and making it
easier for ergonomic injuries to occur.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Temperature
People
are more prone to ergonomic injuries
in cold environments. Muscles and other
tissues are more tense, because of decreased
circulation.
Dress
Do
appropriately
some warm up exercises, such as
stretching your hands, to loosen your finger
muscles before keyboarding.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
FORCE can be a stressor
A task
can require a moderate amount of force
to be applied to very small muscles
Examples:
Dragging and dropping with the mouse
Gripping the sides of the mouse or phone tightly
Pounding on the keyboard
Grasping thick file folders
Stapling or stamping
Opening 3-ring binder
Lifting heavy manuals with one hand
Ergonomic STRESSORS
MECHANICAL CONTACT STRESS
A hard or sharp surface or object pressing
into the soft tissues, the tendons, nerves
and blood vessels.
Examples:
Resting wrists on the desk edge while typing or using
mouse
Leaning elbows on hard chair or armrests or work
surfaces
Sitting in chair that places pressure on the backs of
the thighs
Ergonomic STRESSORS
VIBRATION causes stress
Hand-arm
Whole
vibration (hand power tools)
body vibration (driving rough off roads)
Even
if these do not occur in your work
environment, what about home activities?
CONTINUE
Workplace Ergonomics
Office Ergonomics-
The right equipment, the right place
WORK PLACEMENT
Position equipment so that your body is in a comfortable and
natural position most of the time while you are working.
Dont place things so you have to reach, twist or bend continually
Place work at monitor height or place in path of monitor
Listen to your body. If you cannot focus or often feel tired or
uncomfortable, you are probably not working in a good position.
See what you can do to make your work more comfortable for
you.
Disclaimer: Wait a minute! Though this position may look comfortable, it
is NOT a comfortable position to work in.
Imagine how your back would feel after typing a few pages in this position!
Do not equate comfortable leisure positions with comfortable work positions!
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can influence ergonomic stress.
Lighting
Noise
Temperature
Ergonomic STRESSORS
EYE STRAIN can be prevented
Accommodate and exercise your eyes
When working on a computer
Use computer eyewear when appropriate
Placement of reference material
and monitor distance should be
comfortable for your eyes
When doing work at close range
Periodically focus on object 20 feet away
Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
When driving for long periods of time
Periodically focus on object 5 feet away
Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Noise can be a STRESSOR
If
you work near a constant noise
source, such as generators or
fans, close your door, or wear ear
plugs.
Besides
causing ear damage,
constant noise can create extra
muscle tension in the body causing
fatigue and making it easier for
ergonomic injuries to occur.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Noise can be a STRESSOR
If you use equipment which makes loud noise, wear
ear plugs. EH&S can help you find some which are
comfortable and appropriate
Use of most power equipment, machinery, lawn
mowers, and blowers should require ear plugs.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Temperature
People
are more prone to
ergonomic injuries in cold
environments because circulation
is slowed down and muscles and
other tissues are more tense.
Dress
Do
appropriately
warm up exercises such as
stretching before you begin work.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
FORCE can be a stressor
A task
can require a moderate amount of
force to be applied to very small muscles
Examples:
Pushing the same button over
Gripping the sides of the phone tightly
Pounding a hammer using your wrist muscles
Grasping a screwdriver with only a couple of fingers
Lifting heavy items with one hand
Ergonomic STRESSORS
MECHANICAL CONTACT STRESS
A hard or sharp surface or object pressing
into the soft tissues, the tendons, nerves
and blood vessels.
Examples:
Leaning elbows on hard chair or armrests or work
surfaces
Sitting on a seat that places pressure on the backs
of the thighs
Ergonomic STRESSORS
VIBRATION causes stress
Hand-arm
Whole
If
vibration (hand power tools)
body vibration (driving rough off roads)
you dont encounter these at work, what
about home activities?
Ergonomic STRESSORS
HOME-OFFICE CONNECTION
What
happens off the job may influence stress,
discomfort, or pain during the workday and viseversa.The two are intertwined.
Hobbies
and recreational activities (golf, sewing,
gardening, etc.) may cause repetitive motion
injuries, which may then be complicated on the job.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Psycosocial Stress
Any interactions, job tasks or personal problems
which cause psychological or social stress
cause increased muscle tension, which can
make injury more likely. Be aware of these
additional stresses and compensate for them
by taking extra breaks and being especially
careful when under extra pressure.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
INDIVIDUAL STRESSORS
People
face different stresses and have
different
abilities
cope.
We dont
liveto in
a vacuum,
life stresses can adversely
Employees vary in physical condition.
effect the wellness of an
individual and contribute to
Some individuals are also dealing with
ergonomic stressors.
chronic illnesses or disabilities
Solutions
Individual work routine and habit
Fortunately,
most STRESSORS can be minimized
or eliminated
by individual habits
and work routine.
The solution to most ergonomic
problems is to work comfortably
and avoid a few common
ergonomic pitfalls.
Solutions
Avoid REPETITION
Performing the same or similar motions repeatedly for
extended periods without time for rest and recovery
can lead to discomfort or trauma.
Examples:
Keyboarding, mousing, and 10-keying
Flipping through files & paperwork
Extended reading or writing
Punching or stapling
Pruning or clipping
Painting
Hammering
Solutions
AVOID LONG DURATION OF SAME TASK
The
length of time spent at a task without
breaks, shifts in position, or stretches is more
important than the actual task.
The
longer the uninterrupted duration of a
task, the more potential for discomfort or injury
Our bodies are designed to do work.
But the result on the body of doing a
repetitive task for 2 hours verses 6
hours straight is very different.
Solutions
STRETCHES & BREAKS
Static
positions are your enemy!
Whenever
Small
you think of it, change position
frequent stretches go a long way in
preventing MSDs.
Stretch Break
WSU- TC has purchased this software for all faculty, staff, and students to use if they wish.
To download this program, go to http://www.tricity.wsu.edu/ctc/Files/Stretchbreak.exe
Choose 'Open' when prompted to do so.
Press 'Ok' and 'Next' until the installation is finished.
Stretch Break (default) interrupts you every 30 minutes- suggests three varied stretches
which take a total of 1 minute to complete. You cannot believe how much better you feel
afterwards.
You can cancel the stretches as soon as they come on the screen, choose the amount of
time you work before being interrupted ( between 10 minutes and 3 hours) and decide
which of the many exercises you want to include, and how many you want to do at each
break.
Such programs are one of the best preventions of ergonomic injuries at a computer
workstation. Even if you choose not to do the exercises, you will be reminded to shift
position, etc periodically so that your muscles do not become unduly stressed. Most
computer related injuries occur because of projects which engage persons for a substantial
length of time.
Solutions
A FEW BREAK IDEAS
Organize tasks around built in breaks
Eye breaks - blink to moisten eyes every 5-10 minutes. Every 15
minutes or so look away from the screen to distant part of room.
Micro-breaks - between burst of activity rest the hands, neck and
shoulders in a relaxed straight posture.
Rest breaks - every 30-60 minutes take a brief 5-minute break
and engage in another activity.
Exercise breaks - every 1-2 hours do gentle stretching exercises
Solutions
Avoid BAD POSTURES
Everyone has seen these.
Slouching over a computer
Propping a phone on shoulder
Bad postures are a primary cause of ergonomic injuries
Solutions
Avoid AWKARD POSITIONS
Awkward positions bend the joints in a way that
they are more likely to become injured.
Examples:
Reaching up and over
Slouching or leaning forward in the chair
Leaning forward or bending over work
Holding heavy items in position
Lifting, pushing pulling
Turning head side to side to view the monitor
Cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder
Typing with bent wrists
AW
PO KW
SIT AR
IO D
NS
cre
ate
ST
RE
SS
Solutions
Avoid SUSTAINED EXERTIONS
Static loading occurs when muscles must hold
the body in a single position for a long period of
time. Lack of movement reduces circulation
and causes muscle tension
Examples:
Holding hands in place
Keeping the head still while reading
Sitting still for long periods of time
Sitting upright without back support
PO STAT
SIT IC
IO
NS
cre
ate
ST
RE
SS
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
A large percentage of ergonomic injuries are
due to improper lifting. Planning the lift before
attempting it will prevent most injuries.
When evaluating a lifting task, consider:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The weight of the object
What position it must be lifted from and to
How many times you will need to lift it
If there will be twisting involved
If there is good footing, and if you can get a good
grasp on the object
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
Use a step stool or platform to
reach loads above your head
For bulky and oversized loads,
get help or use mechanical
aids
Get a good grip- use handles
when available
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
Dont pull
Push
Get twice the power
Reduce the risk of injury
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
Get a firm grip on what you are lifting and be sure you are on solid footing
Squat when lifting something from below the waist. Keep heels down and
feet shoulder-width apart and turned out
Keep the load close to your body
Turn your whole body in the direction you want to move- avoid twisting
when lifting
Keep your knees bent and lean in the direction of the movement
Let your legs and body weight do the work
Squat to set loads down
Individualize Solutions
NO ONE SOLUTION FOR ALL
People
come in all shapes and sizes- what
works for one person may or may not work for
another.
Ergonomics is a puzzle to be put together for
each individual.
What
works today may or may not work later.
We all change due to time and other
circumstances.
Individualize Solutions
Meet the Challenge!
Individuals
must take responsibility
for their own ergonomic problems.
Think
about possible MSDs
BEFORE you have discomfort!
Listen
to your body: pay attention
to those aches and pains!
MeetIdentify
the Challenge!
your
risk of ergonomic
problems
Identify types of ergonomic problems
Look at your daily work tasks
Identify one or more risk factors
Review & rethink your work activities/tasks (including those
outside of work)
For a Free WORK STATION ASSESSMENT Contact your
supervisor and Lezlie Couch
http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/ohs/ohs-ergo.htm
WSU ergonomic fact sheet
Meet Identify
the Challenge!
barriers
to solving the
problems
Let supervisors know when there is a problem
Discuss concerns and possible solutions with your
supervisor
Adjusting work schedules
Modifying job design
Rearranging task order
Changing task assignments
Consult a physician, if warranted
Meet the Challenge!
Identify approaches to overcoming the barriers
Recommend and/or implement solutions.
Try something and if it doesnt feel comfortable,
discontinue and try something else!
As time passes, try to notice if the problem has truly
been eliminated.
Let your supervisor know how well the controls are
working.
Meet the Challenge!
REMEMBER!
You Can Reduce Risk Greatly
Improve body posture and keep a safe body position
avoid awkward positions
use tools and equipment correctly
Rearrange work areacontrol
use
your environment,
the right equipment in the right position,
keep
work within reach
Change work habitspractice
avoid
and use correct procedures,
repetition and long duration of a single task
take frequent breaks
Apply ergonomic principals at home, too
Meet the Challenge!
Things YOU can do TODAY
Look
up & away from your work frequently
Change
your chair position occasionally
Take
frequent mini breaks & include
stretches/exercises
(Use stretch break computer program)
Vary
tasks and the daily order of tasks
Ergonomics is a Win-Win situation!
SLIPS TRIPS FALLS
Real slips, trips and falls are not
funny.
At WSU-TC, more people are injured and
more work time is lost by slips, trips, and
falls, than by any other means.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Hazards that can lead to slips, trips and falls are often
overlooked, even though they cause many injuries
ranging from minor cuts and sprains to disabling injuries
and even death.
Although slip, trip and fall hazards are easily created,
they are also easy to correct.
Be aware of such hazards, and correct them quickly,
before the next person becomes a victim!
SLIP Hazards
A slip occurs when there is too little friction
or traction between footwear and a walking
surface. Common causes of slips are:
Slippery floor surfaces
Liquid, moisture or ice on the floor,
Food, trash or other small objects
Oil or grease on the floor
Footwear without nonskid soles
Trip Hazards
A trip occurs when a persons foot
contacts an object or drops to a lower
level unexpectedly, and they are thrown
off balance.
Some common causes of tripping are:
Unsafe stairway conditions or
use
Floor
Hazardous
level
changes
floor conditions
orcords
hidden
such
steps
as that
may not beand
Electrical or telephone
that
cross
passageways
protruding nails, holes
obvious
or loose
aisles
boards, loose carpet and
rugs that creates
Furniture
obstacles
Insufficient lighting
Elevator
for
walking
cars that
or working
do not level off
Materials at
stored
in passageways,
aisles
areas
the same
height of the
floor and
Desk or
file
cabinet
drawers
left
open,
stairways
stopped at
objects protruding into passageways and
aisles
Fall Hazards
In addition to falls as a result of slips and trips,
you may be injured if you fall from an elevation.
Some causes of falls are:
Using makeshift items (boxes, buckets, chairs, etc ) to gain
height
Not sitting on 4 square of a chair
Carrying large or too many items that prevents seeing where
you are going
Jumping from one level to another
Preventing Injuries with good housekeeping
Good housekeeping is one of the most important methods for preventing falls due to slips and trips
Clean up all spills immediately
Mark spills and wet areas
Mop or sweep debris from floors
Remove obstacles from walkways and always keep them free of clutter
Secure mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
Always close file cabinets or storage drawers
Cover cables that cross walkways
Keep work areas and walkways well lit
Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches
WITHOUT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES,
ANY OTHER PREVENTIVE MEASURES (SUCH AS
INSTALLING SPECIAL NO-SLIP FLOORING, EXPENSIVE SHOES OR TRAINING ON WALKING
TECHNIQUES AND SAFE FALLING)
WILL NEVER BE FULLY EFFECTIVE.
Walking on Slippery Surfaces
Take
small steps- shorter than your foot length- to keep your
center of balance under you.
Walk
with your toes pointed outward. This provides a wider,
more stable base of support for maintaining balance.
Turn
gradually- a sharp turn results in a sideways force that
can cause loss of balance and a fall
Keep
both hands free for balance rather than in your
pockets.
Wear
shoes with slip-resistant soles or studded shoe
pullovers for walking on icy surfaces
Use
sidewalks walkways that have been cleared of ice and
snow.
Using the Stairs
Use the handrail from start to finish
Avoid carrying loads on the
stairways- or only carry loads you
can see over.
Keep your eyes on where you are
going, and descend stairs slowly to
keep your balance and identify
tripping hazards.
Test potentially slippery stairs by
tapping them with your foot.
Going up or down, keep weight on
your back leg until your front foot is
safety on the next step. This
maintains your center of gravity.
Most Slips and Trips can be
Prevented
As part of the WSU organization, know what to
look for and take action to reduce the risk and
eliminate the hazards before someone is injured.
If you dont, the result can be potentially serious
injuries and costly lawsuits.
In Conclusion
Take responsibility for the safety of your work area.
Report unsafe situations or conditions to
Facilities (Jerry Massey 2-7216 )or
EH&S (Lezlie Couch 2-7163)
Think Safety Act Safely
When you have completed this training on preventing injuries
due to ergonomic problems and slips, trips and falls, you may
return to review it, or you may proceed to take the review quiz.
You must complete the quiz and submit it to receive credit for
this training.
Click here if you want to go back to the beginning and review the training
Click here if you are ready to complete the 15 question quiz
