Occupational Safety, Health & Environment

(OSHE) Bulletin.

(Created by: Associate Professor Abdul Shukor Abdullah)

Contents: SMT on Why is foot safety important? .........................p1 Overworking issues are becoming more common .......p4 Reduction in workplace stress ...................................p5 Taiwan: 70% blame health issues on plasticizers .......p7 10 Tips for office ergonomics ......................................p8 OSH related courses for your organisation ..................p9 A reminder about fire extinguisher ............................p10

Edition: JULY 2011

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Why is FOOT SAFETY important?

As the old saying goes, "When your feet hurt, you hurt all over." There are two major categories of work-related foot injuries. The first category includes foot injuries from punctures, crushing, sprains, and lacerations. They account for 10 percent of all reported disabling injuries. The second group of injuries includes those resulting from slips, trips and falls. They account for 15 percent of all reported disabling injuries. Slips and falls do not always result in a foot injury but lack of attention to foot safety plays an important role in their occurrence. These two categories of foot injuries, however, do not exhaust the whole range of foot problems at work. There are also other conditions such as calluses, ingrown toenails or simply tired feet that are common among workers. Although these may not be considered as occupational injuries in the strictest sense, they can have serious consequences for health and safety at the workplace. They cause discomfort, pain and fatigue. Fatigue sets up the worker for further injuries affecting the muscles and joints. Also, a worker who is tired and suffering pain is less alert and more likely to act unsafely. An accident of any kind may result.
Some foot problems are so common that they can occur in virtually any workplace and under any working conditions.

What are some causes of foot problems?

Foot Problems Severely aching feet, blisters, calluses, corns, rheumatism, arthritis, malformations of toes, fallen arches (flat feet), bunions, sprains

Common Causes Long periods of standing, hard flooring, and poorly fitted footwear: - high heels - pointed shoes - lack of arch support - too loose or too tight footwear Hot and humid environment, strenuous work, footwear with synthetic (nonporous) uppers

Sweaty feet, fungal infections (athlete's foot)

There are no comprehensive statistics on these kinds of problems with feet. Surveys suggest that two out of every three workers suffer from some form of a foot problem.
OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

How does the working position contribute to the foot problem?

Common foot problems occur both on and off the job. Still, there is no doubt that some work-related factors can lead to foot problems, especially jobs that require long periods of standing. Since the human foot is designed for mobility, maintaining an upright stance is extremely tiring. Standing for hours, day after day, not only tires the worker's feet but can also cause permanent damage. Continuous standing can cause the joints of bones of the feet to become misaligned (e.g., cause flat feet) and can cause inflammation that can lead later to rheumatism and arthritis. The type of flooring used in the workplace has an important influence on comfort, especially on tender feet. Hard, unyielding floors like concrete are the least comfortable surfaces to work on. Working on a hard floor has the impact of a hammer, pounding the heel at every step. Slippery floors are hazardous for slips and falls that can result in sprained ankles or broken foot bones.

How does the flooring contribute to the foot problems?

How does the foot wear contribute to the foot problems?

Footwear that fits poorly or is in need of repair also contributes heavily to foot discomfort. Pointed toes and high heels are particularly inappropriate for working footwear. Prolonged standing, hard flooring and inappropriate footwear are common working conditions. Are there jobs that are safe for feet? Statistics show there are not, really. Among teachers and workers in clerical occupations that belong to "safe" jobs, foot injuries account for from 15 percent to more than 20 percent of all disabling injuries. Not knowing about the need for foot protection in workplaces like schools or offices can play a role in the onset of foot problems.

What are some specific examples of workplace foot injuries? Injuries

Crushed or broken amputations of toes or feet feet,

Common Causes
Feet trapped between objects or caught in a crack, falls of heavy objects, moving vehicles (lift trucks, bulldozers, etc.), conveyor belts (feet drawn between belt and roller) Loose nails, sharp metal or glass objects Chain saws, rotary mowers, unguarded machinery Molten metal splashes, chemical splashes, contact with fire, flammable or explosive atmospheres Static electricity, contact with sources of electricity Slippery floors, littered walkways, incorrect footwear, poor lighting.

Punctures of the sole of the foot Cuts or severed lacerations Burns Electric shocks Sprained or twisted ankles, fractured or broken bones because of slips, trips or falls feet or toes,

Additional hazards for foot injury exist in outdoor jobs such as logging, hydro linework or fishing which involve freezing temperatures, or wetness in low temperature: frostbite and trench foot.

How can foot injuries be prevented?

There is no workplace where a worker is immune to foot injury. However, the hazards differ according to the workplace and the types of tasks the worker does. The first step in developing a strategy to reduce foot problems is to identify the relevant hazards at the workplace. Such hazards should be assessed in each workplace, no matter how safe or how dangerous it may seem. Aching, flat or tired feet are common among workers who spend most of their working time standing. The most important goal of job design is to avoid fixed positions especially fixed standing positions. Good job design includes varied tasks requiring changes in body position and using different muscles. Job rotation, job enlargement and team work are all ways to make work easier on the feet.

How can the job design improve foot safety?

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

Job rotation moves workers from one job to another. It distributes standing among a group of workers and shortens the time each individual spends standing. However, it must be a rotation where the worker does something completely different such as walking around or sitting at the next job. Job enlargement includes more and different tasks in a worker's duties. If it increases the variety of body positions and motions, the worker has less chance of developing foot problems. Team work gives the whole team more control and autonomy in planning and allocation of the work. Each team member carries a set of various operations to complete the whole product. Team work allows workers to alternate between tasks which, in turn, reduces the risk of overloading the feet. Rest breaks help to alleviate foot problems where redesigning jobs is impractical. Frequent short breaks are preferable to fewer long breaks.

How can the workplace design improve foot safety?

However, redesigning the job alone will not effectively reduce foot problems if it is not combined with the proper design of the workplace. For standing jobs, an adjustable work surface is the best choice. If the work surface is not adjustable, two solutions include installing a platform to raise the shorter worker or a pedestal to raise the object for a taller worker. Work station design should allow the worker room to change body position. A foot-rail or footrest enables the worker to shift weight from one leg to the other. This ability reduces the stress on the lower legs and feet. Where possible, a worker should be able to work sitting or standing at will. Even when work can only be done while standing, a seat should be provided for resting purposes.

How can one improve the foot safety in workplaces where foot injuries occur frequently?

Job and workplace designs also have the potential to increase foot safety in workplaces that are specifically hazardous. Here are some examples: Separating mobile equipment from pedestrian traffic and installing safety mirrors and warning signs can decrease the number of accidents that might result in cut or crushed feet or toes. Proper guarding of machines such as chain saws or rotary mowers can avoid cuts or severed feet or toes. Effective housekeeping reduces the number of accidents at workplaces. Fo r example, loose nails, other sharp objects, and littered walkways are hazards for foot injury. Using colour contrast and angular lighting to improve depth vision in complicated areas such as stairs, ramps and passageways reduces the hazard of tripping and falling.

Source:

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

OVERWORKING ISSUES ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON IN TODAY'S WORKPLACE.

According to a number of recent studies, approximately half of all employed people feel that they are facing overworking issues, to the point where they are not as healthy as they could be. Health impacts related to overworking issues include headaches, fatigue, extreme tiredness, regular sleepiness, continuous irritability, and even panic attacks. People who believe that they are suffering from overworking issues are not simply whining about their jobs. In fact, the majority of people who feel that they are overworked, also claim that they do enjoy the challenges presented at their jobs, and many also claim to feel more fulfilled when they are busy than when they are more idle. However, even when a person enjoys his or her work, and feels fulfilled by being busy, the fact is that overworking issues must be taken very seriously due to their risk of causing work-related illnesses, a growing resentment about the long hours being worked, and sensations of losing control over their life. These overworking issues will only continue, and possibly grow, as the workload expected to be managed by employees continues to rise. However, finding the solution to overworking issues isn't as obvious as it may sound. It requires an entire reworking of many of the attitudes within workplace communities, with a new acceptance of a dynamic and changing work environment. Though larger staffs may be considered to be a part of the solution to overworking issues, there is more to it than that. Beating overworking issues is a wellbalanced combination of: Equipping your teams with the right number of staff Empowering team members by removing red tape where possible Concentrating on the efficacy of managers and team members to best manage time and use the right processes for getting things done. Improve communication among team members to make sure that work needs to be done only once with fewer changes and revisions. This process can take a lot of time to implement, especially in these times of cutbacks and an actual appreciation by society for the ability to overwork. In fact, of the most important overworking issues is the fact that such a compulsive style of working is actually leading to addictions that are cutting into other areas of worker's lives, and health. This addiction is becoming harmful on several levels of overworked employees' lives, and it is becoming extremely costly. The reason for this is that employees who suffer from overworking issues so deeply that they are addicted are not necessarily more productive workers. They do work long hours, seeking the "high" that the addiction requires from overworking, however, the exhaustion that it causes, and the damage to the employee's sense of self worth has only a negative impact on that person's abilities to achieve. Unfortunately, instead of helping such people, we more frequently applaud their dedication to the success of the business. Overcoming overworking issues begins with a recognition that it is indeed a problem in today's society. A gradual transition must then be implemented to allow employees the therapy they need to understand that they are still considered valuable and productive, even if they don't overwork.
Source: http://www.anonymousemployee.com/csssi te/sidelinks/overworking_issues.php

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

OSHE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Reduction In Workplace Stress Could Curb Health Care Costs

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on August 26, 2011

For many, job-related stress is on an upswing. In Canada, a new study shows that the increased stress is causing a growing number of workers to seek professional care for physical, mental and emotional ailments. In work published in the journal BMC Public Health, Concordia University researchers report that the number of visits to health care professionals is up to 26 percent for workers in high stress jobs. These results show that people in mediumto-high stress jobs visit family doctors and specialists more often than workers with low job stress, said first author Sunday Azagba. Concordia economists reviewed nationally representative data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey (NPHS). This survey includes statistics on the number of healthcare visits, chronic illnesses, marital status, income level, smoking and drinking habits for adults aged 18 to 65 years the bulk of the labor force. We believe an increasing number of workers are using medical services to cope with job stress, said co-author Mesbah Sharaf. There is medical evidence that stress can adversely affect an individuals immune system, thereby increasing the risk of disease, Sharaf said. Numerous studies have linked stress to back pain, colorectal cancer, infectious disease, heart problems, headaches and diabetes. Job stress may also heighten risky behaviors such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, discourage healthy behaviors such as physical activity, proper diet and increase consumption of fatty and sweet foods. Overall, health care costs are increasing worldwide with experts attributing the cost

escalation to aging prescription drugs.

populations

and

Canada controls the cost per episode of care through a nationalized system and a global budget for health care expenses paid to doctors or other providers. Nevertheless, health care costs continue to increase in Canada which, according to the authors, is a reflection of workplace stress. In the United States, recent polls found that 70 percent of American workers consider their workplace a significant source of stress, whereas 51 percent report job stress reduces their productivity. It is estimated that health care utilization induced by stress costs U.S. companies $68 billion annually and reduces their profits by 10 per cent, said Sharaf.

Total health care expenditures in the U.S. amount to $2.5 trillion, or $8,047 per person. That represents 17.3 percent of the 2009 gross domestic product a nine percent increase from 1980, said Azagba. The economists believe that easing workplace stress could help governments reduce soaring health budgets and bolster employee morale.
Improving stressful working conditions and educating workers on stress-coping mechanisms could help to reduce health care costs, said Azagba. Managing workplace stress can also foster other economic advantages, such as increased productivity among workers, reduce absenteeism and diminish employee turnover.
Source: http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/08/26 /reduction-in-workplace-stress-could-curbhealth-care-costs/28953.html

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

Taiwan: Almost 70% of office workers blame health issues on plasticizers: poll
Central News Agency 2011-07-07 11:28 AM

Around 70 percent of office workers in Taiwan blame their health problems on excessive levels of plasticizers in their food and drink, according to an online survey released by a job bank Wednesday.
The health survey conducted by 360d Tsai Ku Human Resources Management Co. showed that up to 90 percent of office workers eat out almost every day and 19 percent often buy drinks. As a result, many of them believe that banned plasticizers, recently found in food products in Taiwan, was the major cause of their health problems, according to the survey. However, 30 percent of the respondents suggested that long working hours was the main factor. In the wake of the recent food scare in Taiwan, more than 80 percent of office workers have changed their eating

habits and now prepare their own meals, the poll found.

The respondents complained mostly about muscle pains and soreness, said Su Yen-chien, the company's assistant marketing manager, adding that poor posture, long hours at a computer and insufficient rest could cause those kinds of problems.
While on the job, people should adopt a good sitting position, stretch their limbs regularly and maintain a healthy diet, Su said. The survey collected 1,554 valid responses from office workers 25-45 years of age, from June 20-July 4 . The margin of error was around 3 percentage points.

CalOSHA Cites Hyatt Andaz Hotel for Hazardous Conditions, Recommends Fitted Sheets and Tools for Housekeepers.
Hazard memo underscores value of proposed SB 432 to help prevent housekeeper injury.
LOS ANGELES - The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) has issued citations alleging that the Hyatt Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood has failed to comply with multiple state safety regulations. CalOSHA also highlighted concerns about repetitive motion injuries to housekeepers owing to potential hazards arising from the tasks of bed making and floor cleaning.
In an information memo issued to the Hyatt Andaz on May 20, CalOSHA identified instances of housekeepers who suffered medically-diagnosed repetitive motion injuries while making beds and cleaning bathroom floors on hands and knees. The agency said the hotel should consider using fitted sheets and tools, among other measures, to prevent repetitive motion injuries to housekeepers. CalOSHA put the Hyatt Andaz on notice, warning that if it fails to remedy these potentially hazardous conditions and workers 6
OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

become injured in the future, CalOSHA may issue citations. The agency advised that such citations could be classified as willful,' which is a more severe type of citation with potentially stiffer penalties. The hazard memo - the first of its kind for hotels in California and nationwide - comes as state legislators weigh a proposed bill requiring hotels to provide long-handled tools and fitted sheets to prevent housekeeper injuries. The full Senate will vote on the legislation, SB 432 (D-De Leon), next week.

"These recommendations, if taken seriously by Hyatt and the hotel industry, will make a housekeeper's job significantly safer on a daily basis," said Pamela Vossenas, UNITE HERE Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator. "After years of housekeepers telling employers of their workplace pain and injury, CalOSHA directs the Hyatt Andaz' and the hotel industry's attention to reasonable solutions that can protect against the lifechanging injuries that housekeepers are known to suffer." SB 432 is designed to eliminate the very hazards that are the subject of CalOSHA's information memo - injuries housekeepers endure from cleaning bathroom floors on their knees and lifting heavy mattresses repeatedly for lack of fitted sheets. The bill's sponsor, the California Applicants Attorneys Association, has said it intends to amend the bill in the Assembly to clarify that the law will be enforced with existing OSHA staff, meaning no additional costs to the state. Another amendment will make clear that if a hotel can introduce a better ergonomic remedy to reduce housekeeper injury, it will be allowed to apply for a variance from the bill's requirements.
Source: http://www.hotelworkersrising.org/News/press _release.php?press_id=147

"Working as a housekeeper for 14 years has taken a toll on my body. When I injured my back making a bed, I was on medication for months," said Morena Hernandez, a Hyatt Andaz housekeeper. "I hope CalOSHA's recommendation for fitted sheets and tools can help the hotel industry see that SB 432 can be a simple, positive way to make our jobs safer."
CalOSHA's citations are a result of investigations following injury complaints lodged by Hyatt housekeepers in November 2010. In total, CalOSHA proposed $7,000 in fines against the Hyatt Andaz for various alleged safety violations found in the hotel.

Maintaining an ergonomic office is more than just an excuse to buy cool looking furniture, it is actually the key to better health for everyone on the job. Work environments that are not properly thought out from an ergonomic perspective have been found to cause a variety of ailments, including: carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, headaches and back pain. There are a variety of ways to improve the ergonomic standing of an office, from positioning furniture correctly to improving the lighting and ventilation around the workspace. The following are ten tips and tricks for making your office ergonomically correct - whether youve got one employee or one thousand.
Source: http://www.ergoware.com/blog/10-tips-for-maintaining-an-ergonomicoffice 7
OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

10 Tips for maintaining an ergonomic office.

1. If your feet dont touch the floor, always use a foot rest. Providing a simple, adjustable foot rest at every workstation will help employees maintain a strong back and avoid leg cramps or stiffness. 2. Keep all PC monitors straight ahead and at eye level. If you have to crane your neck up, down or to the side in order to get a good look at your monitor, you will pay the price over time. Keep the viewing screen level with the direct field of vision to help erase unwanted movements that can cause long-term injury. 3. Use large-barrel pens and pencils. It may sound silly, but trying to grip thin writing instruments all day can lead to cramping and even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Stock your office supply cabinets with pens and pencils that sport a half-inch diameter or greater. 4. Reduce glare throughout the office. Align your desks and workstations so that the office lighting system does not emit heavy glare on computer screens. Proper lighting is an often overlooked aspect of ergonomic design, yet can improve worker health significantly. 5. Dont sit under a vent. Proper ventilation plays an important role in ergonomics and good health. Never place desks or workstations directly in the path of a heating or air-conditioning ventilation system. 6. Design with good air circulation in mind. If there is an opportunity to place workstations close to a natural breeze or well-circulated area, do it! This can improve worker health and well-being significantly. The more fresh air that is available in the workplace, the lesser the impact of dust mites, mold and other potentially dangerous allergens. 7. Take short breaks throughout the day. Many studies have shown that shifting position or changing tasks occasionally throughout the day will lessen the discomfort associated with repetitive tasks. Something as simple as a two or three minute micro-break every hour can be a boon to the ergonomic health of the staff. 8. Exercise during your micro-breaks. Make sure that the time you spend in between tasks is put to good use with proper office exercises. These simple stretching exercises are designed to reduce to the chance of carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress disorders. 9. Use adjustable chairs. For individuals who work on the PC for many hours at a time, chairs with an adjustable arm rest are recommended. Reaching for the mouse thousands of time throughout the day can cause great arm and wrist strain if the height of the chair is not properly optimized. 10. Get the proper back support for every chair. Finally, the most important element in ergonomic seating is proper back support. It is highly recommended that you purchase only ergonomically-approved chairs for your office, or if you are on a tight budget, add back supports to existing office chairs.

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

OSH RELATED COURSES FOR YOUR ORGANISATION. (presented/organised by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor)
ERGONOMICS & WORK STRESS MANAGEMENT.
Understand how to conduct a simple ergonomics survey and evaluation process, Apply ergonomics principles and integrate these into existing work activities, Learn and appreciate the factors that lead to the development of MSDs and manage MSDs. Work as part of an ergonomics action team to ensure valueadded improvements on occupational safety, health and environmental (OHSE). After completing this course, participants will be able to: Identify potential root-causes of workplace accidents and injuries Develop an understanding on the techniques for accident investigation at workplace Evaluate the existing work practices and work environment that may be the sources of accidents Use ergonomics principles to assess work areas and work equipment Complete a checklist to prioritise levels of risk of injuries and accidents

Course Overview: The Ergonomics & Work Stress Management workshop is about optimizing th e relationship between people and the whole work environment. The topics consider the people themselves, the jobs they do, the tools they use and the environment they use them in. It is expected that the workshop will help delegates understand ergonomics and provide them with a range of tools that can used to promote safe working. The workshop provides delegates with a practical insight as to how ergonomic should be applied in their place of work. The workshop is highly practical and is based around exercises or group projects, requiring delegates to participate and to apply what they have learned. Aims: To introduce the theoretical concepts of ergonomics To introduce practical ergonomics tools and checklists To give delegates, through a programme of structured practical exercises, the opportunity to try-out and evaluate ergonomic issues and requirements To understand and appreciate the relationship between ergonomics and workplace stress. To learn the sources and causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) as well as occupational stress. Learning Objectives: After the workshop, delegates will be able to:

Course Overview: This valuable course presents a practical approach to investigating workplace accidents by emphasizing how to find the root cause(s) - in an effort to prevent similar occurrences from ever happening again. This course provides participants with a basic understanding of what is required to prepare for workplace emergencies, how they can be ready to respond as well as what they should know about their employer's emergency response plan. This program outlines the role of accident-incident investigations in workplace safety programs and accident prevention. Participants explore the who, what, where, why, and how of the investigation process along with the steps involved in the process. What skills and information will the participants learn? Learning Objectives:

WORK ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION & OSH INSPECTION

Course Overview: Office Ergonomics and WSMD session is specifically organized for educating and highlighting the importance of proper and correct body postures and preventing bodily pains while performing jobs. These issues are highly relevance to administrative staff, ICTs staff, and those who spent most of the working hours in front of computers. Benefits of attending and participating in this session include: Understanding the ergonomics principles through actual case studies How to recognize and evaluate ergonomics risks factors at the office Correcting errors and weaknesses due to poor workstation design Improving workers productivity and increase in $$$ savings Enhancing quality outputs and healthy working environment

OFFICE ERGONOMICS & WMSD

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT FIRE EXTINGUISHER.

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OSHE Bulletin JULY 2011 is a knowledge sharing initiative created by Assoc. Prof. Abdul Shukor. He can be contacted at prof.shukor@gmail.com and H/P: +60122731434. Your feedback is welcome.