Workplace Training

1. Workplace Training Slips, Trips & Falls

2. Every time you take a step – you are at risk for a potentially serious slip, trip or fall. • One of leading accidents in the workplace • Account for 20% of all nonfatal injuries • Affect people of all occupations • Three reasons for risk: • Lack of safety awareness • Unsafe conditions • Unsafe behaviors The Problem

3. Minor bumps and bruises • Serious injuries that carry even a higher price • Pain – may persist beyond your workday • Disability – may lose mobility, making simple daily tasks difficult. May never fully recover, resulting in long-term disability • Medical Appointments – take up time and cost money • Lost income • Lost leisure time Cost of Carelessness

4. Preventing accidents and injuries requires teamwork • You and coworkers need to cooperate with employer to identify, report and correct unsafe conditions and behaviors • Make a commitment to yourself to develop an awareness of potential hazards • Report them to the safety committee Your Role

5. Stay Focused • If you find yourself not paying attention to your task • STOP what you are doing • BREATHE deeply or stretch for a few moments • REFOCUS on your immediate surroundings • Short Breaks Help • Each time you find yourself not concentrating on the task at hand stop and refocus • Take a short 30-60sec break • Stand up and stretch • Snack on fresh fruit or vegetables during break. Drink some water Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

6. Rest Your Body and Mind • Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep each night • Relax throughout the day by stretching, eat lunch outside, walk around the building on break • Vary tasks and activities – this allows your muscles to relax and it gives your mind a break • Manage Your Stress • Stress and fatigue dull the senses and can fill your mind with worry which increases risk for accidents • Take 3-4 deep breaths • Get some brisk exercise • Set job priorities • Spend time with family or friends away from work More You Can Do

7. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol • Drugs and Alcohol dull your mental sharpness • Develop a false sense of security and take unnecessary chances Drugs, Alcohol, Medications

8. Medications • Find out about side affects that could affect judgment, balance, vision or coordination • Be aware that over the counter drugs such as antihistamines can affect performance Drugs, Alcohol, Medications

9. Hazards Remedies • Wet surfaces • Slippery floors • Walking too fast or not paying attention to surface • Uneven Surfaces • Any changes in surface areas • Loose surfaces • Poor Lighting • Bad Weather Conditions • Rain, ice, snow or mud on a parking lot, sidewalk, loading dock • Clean up/fix/report problems • Clean up spills right away • Slow down, shorten stride • Mark or fix surfaces • Add contrast color and signs • Repair or report loose surface • Be careful • Change or report burned out light bulbs • Pay particular attention to poorly lit areas • Wear the right shoes • Wear slip resistant shoes • Report problem areas such as icy sidewalks, debris on walkways, etc. Making the Work Place Safer(Being Aware of Unsafe Conditions and Behaviors)

10. Hazards Remedies • Wrong tools for the Job • Poor Housekeeping • Big loads • Carrying a load that is too big, too heavy, too bulky to be carried safely because it makes you feel off balance or prevents you from seeing in front of you • Not enough time • Worrying about being late • Being in a hurry • Use proper tools for the job • Clean clutter • Carry smaller loads • Use a cart or hand truck • Ask for help • Slow Down

11. Workplace Training Back Injury Prevention

12. Can occur anywhere, anytime • 4 out of 5 adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their life • Back injuries are the leading result of accidents to workers under age 45 • 20% of all reported occupational injuries and illness are due to back injury • Total estimated annual cost ranging from $20-50 billion The Problem

13. Pain – can be very painful without any visible sign of injury • Lost income • Emotional stress – may lead to feelings of uselessness, depression and fear that the pain or injury will never go away • Disability – may lose mobility, making simple daily tasks difficult. May never fully recover, resulting in long-term disability • Decreased social activity The Consequences

14. Eating balanced meals • Exercise regularly Doing these help you to feel better and heal faster!! Be sure to consult your health-care provider before starting an exercise program Your Role in Prevention

15. Poor Body Mechanics • Way the entire body adjusts to keep its balance as you move and rest • Weak and Fatigued Muscles • Rob the back of its support and are more likely to be injured when they are stressed • Extra Weight • Settles in the abdomen and hips, straining the back by exaggerating the curve of the lower spine Causes of Back Pain

16. Improper Footwear • May cause back pain or injury • Lack of Exercise • Decreases blood circulation and reduces muscular strength • Can slow coordination and affect your reflexes • Poor Posture • Improper sitting, standing, or lying down can lead to back problems Causes of Back Pain

17. Good Posture = sitting or standing up straight with shoulders centered over hips, giving the spine the support it needs • Poor posture weakens the back, making it susceptible to injury from sudden twists or careless lifts • Practicing good posture, strengthens the large muscles that support the spine, relieving stress on the smaller less efficient muscles Reduce Risk: Maintain Good Posture

18. Ergonomics = improving the fit between your body and an activity. • You can adapt your workplace, living conditions, and personal habits to reduce the bending, twisting and excessive reaching that may cause stress on your back Reduce Risk: Ergonomics

19. Three essential requirements for maintaining a healthy back • Stay healthy and maintain the best possible mental and physical condition • Exercise to strengthen and stretch back muscles • Avoid risk factors for back injury Back Injury Prevention Tips

20. You can prevent back injury by adopting the following habits • Place objects often used within arm’s reach, between knuckle and shoulder height • Avoid reaching across an extended space • Modify work habits that result in unnecessary motions • When talking on phone use a speakerphone, headset, or shoulder rest or rearrange your writing position to free one hand (do not cradle the receiver between your shoulder and ear) • Modify your work station to match your height • Avoid repetitive or sustained bending over Change Your Habits

21. Its your body take care of it! Questions?