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