We provide occupational health and safety services in the greater Wellington region
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Self Comfort Check for Computer Users
Self Comfort Check for Car Users
Protecting Outdoor Workers from Ultraviolet Radiation
Comfort at the Workstation
Many of us during our life can experience discomfort associated with the
work that we undertake.
Ongoing discomfort pain and injury in the workplace can decrease productivity,
increase absenteeism and reduce morale.
Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their workers from harm. This
means addressing factors that can lead to discomfort, pain and injury.
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
Your Workstation
Your computer is just one type of workstation. Other work stations can include,
laboratory benches, industrial settings and work cars.
A workstation can be evaluated for a number of reasons. The aim is to enable
a better fit between the worker, the workstation and environment. This minimises
the risk of developing discomfort, pain or injury. A Workstation assessment
is generally undertaken to evaluate set up and ensure it is ergonomically
correct for new employees. For injured workers, it is to correct any flaws
in the workstation design. It can be as a preventative measure to avoid further
injuries. Contact us……..
Taking Action
There are a number of factors that can affect how you feel and how well
you work. These factors: work layout, organisation, task variety and environment
all determine whether we work efficiently and in a way that promotes good
health and safety.
By adjusting your work environment, workstation and personal practice you
may be able to minimise your discomfort and pain and reduce the risk of injury.
Also no matter how well set up your workstation is, always remember to take
frequent breaks to prevent eyestrain, headaches, muscle strain, and other
potential health problems. Your body needs plenty of movement so get up and
stretch and move and keep yourself well hydrated.
Helpful Hints
Remember to relax, particularly in areas where muscle tension often builds,
such as your neck and shoulders.
Change postures often throughout the day and stand and stretch.
Take your assigned breaks and if working for long periods at the same take
short frequent breaks.
Arrange your work area in such a way that it does not cause you to repeatedly
strain forward to frequently used items
Vary your tasks and break up your work routine.
Evaluate changes you can make to reduce stress.
Remember to
breathe deeply. Better still get out at lunch time and get some fresh air.
Address ongoing health issues.
Exercise regularly to improve or maintain your fitness.
Listen to your body! It will give you good clues regarding comfort or discomfort.
Useful Sites
www.habitatwork.co.nz
www.dol.govt.nz
Self Comfort Check for Computer Users
With this checklist, the more "YES" answers there are the better. This is particularly important for intensive computer users (more than 5 hours per day at the computer) as well as moderate computer users (3-5 hours per day at the computer). If NO answers start appearing consider having a Workstation Assessment. Contact us.
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
| YES | NO | |
| Are your shoulders relaxed, elbows close to the sides (i.e. arms are not reaching), forearms roughly horizontal and wrists straight while using the keyboard? | ||
| Is there some space in front of the keyboard to allow you to rest your wrists when not actively keyboarding? | ||
| Do your wrists remain "free" and not resting on the desk surface or wrist rest while keyboarding? | ||
| When seated, is your lower back well supported and remaining in contact with the backrest of the chair while performing computer work? | ||
| While sitting, are your knees bent (about 90o) and the thighs roughly horizontal? | ||
| When seated, can your feet rest comfortably on the floor? | ||
| While seated at your workstation are ears, shoulders and hips lined up vertically? | ||
| Is your mouse located close to, and at about the same height as the keyboard? | ||
| Is a document holder available for frequently used documents or reference materials? | ||
| Are frequently used items such as files, telephone, etc. placed within easy reach? | ||
| Do you take frequent vision breaks for refreshing the eyes? | ||
| Do you take physical breaks and move about frequently during the day? |
Self Comfort Check for Car Users
With this checklist, the more "YES" answers there are the better. This is particularly important for those who frequently drive long distances If NO answers start appearing consider having an Assessment.
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
| YES | NO | |
| Are your shoulders relaxed, and arms not reaching out to the steering wheel? | ||
| Is there adequate clearance for your thighs and knees when using the pedals? | ||
| Does your seat lumbar adjustment give adequate back support? | ||
| Is your back well supported and remaining in contact with the seat? | ||
| When seated are you able to access the pedals easily? | ||
| When seated, are your thighs supported along the length of the cushion? | ||
| Is your seat height adjustable to improve road vision? | ||
| Is your seat height adjustable to improve road vision? | ||
| Is your mobile phone appropriately positioned? | ||
| Is your car environment comfortable? | ||
| Do you take frequent breaks on long trips? | ||
| Is the boot storage space easily accessible and adequate for needs? |
Protecting Outdoor Workers from Ultraviolet Radiation
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand. We also have
one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Most skin cancers are
caused by excessive Ultra Violet Radiation Exposure (UVR), which are at their
highest during the daylight saving months.
Too much sun damages the skin cells causing wrinkles, freckles, skin texture
changes, dilated blood vessels and skin cancers among other problems.
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell
cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type
of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common.
What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer
can be found early if you know what to look for and regularly check your skin.
If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.
- any change on the skin, especially in the size or colour of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
- scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
- the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark colouring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
- a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain
How can you reduce the risk of skin cancer? The best ways
to lower the risk of skin cancers are to avoid intense sunlight for long
periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise
and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.
Protect your Workers. The Health and Safety in Employment
Act 1992 requires employers to protect their employees’ health and
safety at work. This means that you must protect your workers if they are
exposed to Ultra Violet Radiation by developing a programme to manage the
risk to UVR. OHM can help you write a policy - contact us.
Here are some ways you can do this:
- Seek shade: Look for or create shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Try and plan work and breaks in shade areas during the hottest part of the day. Remember that on an overcast UV rays can travel through the clouds
- Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible schedule outdoor work outside these hours when UVR is low
- Rotate employees between inside and outside work so the same workers are not in the sun all the time
- Provide protective gear: Clothing should cover as much of the body as possible. Hats need to shade the neck, face and ears. Sunglasses need to fit closely, wrap around and meet AS/NZ Standards. Sunscreen needs to be broad spectrum and water resistant with a sun protection factor of 30+ that meets AS/NZ Standards
- Provide information and training: Ensure your workers are aware of the risks and the controls in place at your worksite, provide supervision and education sessions on skin self checks
Links
www.sunsmart.org.nz
www.cancernz.org.nz
www.osh.govt.nz
Healthy Summers
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
Prevention of damage to skin caused by ultraviolet .
Sunlight includes UVB & UVA
UVB the short powerful and harmful rays that affect the
outer layer of the skin
Causes sunburn
and melanin production to provide a tan.
Damages
DNA leading to skin cancer.
UVA longer rays that penetrate deeper causing wrinkles, sagging
and aging.
May have
a role in skin cancers.
90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
For optimal health we require some exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is one
of our major sources of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency in children may lead to bone and muscle weakness causing
deformities such as rickets.
In adults Vitamin D deficiency may manifest as bone and joint pain, osteoporotic
fractures and difficulty in mobilising.
For a healthy lifestyle we need to balance these requirements and at the same time reduce our risks.
Suggestions for reducing our risks for skin cancer but maintaining our exposure to Vitamin D.
- Reducing exposure to sunlight between the hours of 11am and 4pm
- UVR rates are higher during this time.
- If possible organise your work in relation to the sun and work in the shaded areas
- Co-operation with your employer in the wearing of PPE such as clothing manufactured with close weave materials to meet AS/NZS4399:1996
- Wear sunscreen that meets the AS/NZS2604:1998 and is at least 30SPF
- Hardhats may have suitable material flaps to provide protection to neck
- Reorganisation of work time to reduce excess exposure to sun
Follow the Cancer Society Advice of SLIP, SLOP, SLAP AND WRAP.
Slip into a shirt – slip into the shade
Slop on the sunscreen prior to going outdoors and
re apply regularly
Slap on a hat preferably with adequate brim or flaps
Wrap on a pair of sunglasses
Get to know your skin
Regular self checks of freckles, moles or other lesions on skin
See your doctor if any changes
Links
www.sunsmart.org.nz
www.cancernz.org.nz
About Influenza
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Vaccinations are generally available from early March to 30th June. Please contact OHM for further information.
All people 65 years of age and over and all people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), can receive free annual influenza vaccine from their Doctor as they are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of flu include, fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches.
Why Do People Need to Vaccinate
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Preventing Flu
The single best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a vaccination. This is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus). A new vaccination is formulated each year as the influenza virus changes rapidly over time and different strains become dominant.
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection throughout the Influenza season. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses..
If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, contact OHM for further information.
Good Health Habits for Influenza Prevention
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each
year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands
often can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick to prevent spread.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
4. Clean your hands often.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and spreading germs.
Computers and your Eyes
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
Some people working at computers for long periods of time can suffer from eye strain, eye fatigue difficulty in focusing and headaches.
One reason for this is because eyes need to work harder to focus on the computer screen for prolonged periods and the eye muscles must constantly adjust to keep the screen in focus making your eye muscles work harder.
Other reasons can be glare on the screen, inadequate lighting, poor workstation set up, dry eyes or a change in your vision.
What can you do to prevent eye strain?
Make sure your workstation is set up correctly
- Place your screen at a comfortable viewing distance and height
- Use a copy holder close to your screen so you don’t have to keep swivelling your head and changing your eye focus constantly
- Eliminate or minimise glare on your screen.
- Ensure the lighting is suitable for the work that you do.
- Sit well supported in an adjustable chair.
- Keep your workstation clean to minimise dust.
Reduce Eye fatigue by…
- Having hourly breaks away from the desk
- Changing your focus by regular long distance viewing
- Keep your fluid intake up
- Remember to blink!
- Maybe Artificial Tears
- Wear glasses if prescribed
- Consider an eye examination
- Get a good nights sleep
Relax your eyes
- To start with, sit comfortably with your head straight and your shoulders relaxed
- Look up to the centre of your forehead, then down to the tip of your nose. Repeat slowly four times
- Look as far as you can to the left, then as far as you can to the right. Repeat
- Keeping your head straight and shoulders relaxed, look up to the foremost left-hand corner, then move your eyes across and down to the bottom right, move them up to the top right-hand corner then across and down to the bottom left. Finish by moving them back up to the top left. Repeat
- Starting with your eyes at the top left corner, look down slowly to your bottom left, across to the bottom right, up to the top right and then across to the top left again. Repeat the other way
- Finally, to cool down, squeeze eyes tight and blink several times. Relax by placing your palms over your whole eye area and breathing out slowly
Useful links:
www.nzao.co.nz The NZ Association of Optometrists
www.agingeye.net – a good site for information about the eye as it ages
The information provided is general health information and is not intended to replace advice or care from your medical advisor.
Accident Investigation
Download a PDF copy of this Information sheet here.
All near misses and incidents/accidents should be investigated in all work places.
WHY?
To prevent loss and protect:
- People
- Property
- Process
- Profits
Investigation should start as soon a possible after the accident/incident.
Two people should be involved in any investigation. Always attend the accident
site for the investigation.
Ensure any first aid and medical attention is attended to first.
Interview the person involved and any witnesses.
- What happened?
- What did you see, hear etc.?
- Take photograph’s of scene if necessary.
- Describe anything useful before the event anyone may have noticed.
- Ensure no blame culture exists.
CONTROLS Management systems. What
controls were in place, and why did they not work? What is needed?
METHOD Use
OSH format e.g accident forms as a starter. Get the big picture.
Record critical information. Use visuals such as photographs if necessary.
How is the job usually done?
MACHINE Good working order,
previous maintenance orders
MATERIAL Heavy objects, sharp edges,
wrong type of material eg type of glove
PEOPLE Training,
ongoing supervision, cycle of shifts, experience of operator
ENVIRONMENT Observations
about heat/cold. Oil or other spills
INVESTIGATION PROCESS
Describe what happened / define trends Gathering
information
Determine real cause / and risks - Analyse
and evaluate
Develop controls / solutions - Take
action, document solutions
Investigations done well will: Reduce
incidents
Improve
productivity
Improve
working conditions – morale of staff
Always
follow up on solutions
Useful website:
www.dol.govt.nz
