General Office Safety
Len Engel
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Safe Work Practices




Good housekeeping is essential.
Never store items under your desk.
Never store items on top of cabinets.
Never leave desk or cabinet drawers open.
Safe Work Practices




Never stand on the chair or
table to reach anything.
The top of your computer
should be at eye level to
avoid neck strain.
Keep aisles, hallways, and
corridors clear.
Use safe lifting practices.
Bend your knees!
Electrical Safety



Loose lying cables can cause:
– Tripping hazards
– Damage to equipment
Do not use frayed extension
cords!
Do not use temporary wiring
(extension cords) for permanent
equipment
Accident Reporting


Report all accidents to Human Resources!!!
Watch out for unsafe conditions, and report
them to Operations!
Preventing Slips, Trips,
and Falls





Do NOT allow cabling to create a
tripping hazard.
Clean up spills quickly
Do NOT block passageways
Keep office areas clean
Keep stacking and storage areas safe
Office Equipment Safety





Learn how to operate before using them.
Loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair should be
kept out of machines
Keep hands and fingers clear of paper inlet on
shredder
Switch machines off before trying to clear a
blockage.
Call Len Engel for a computer workstation
review if you are experiencing wrist, neck, or
back pain related to your work
Common Office Chemicals
These are several examples of
several common chemicals that
could be introduced into the
workplace.







Cleaning Agents
(Bleach/Ammonia)
Toners
Inks
Cleansers
Solvents
Paints
Adhesives
Hazard Communication
Standard (HazCom)



Because the “Right-to-Know” Law gives you the
right to know the hazards in your workplace, a
written Hazard Communication Plan is required by
29 CFR 1910.1200.
A written Hazard Communication Program for
laboratory areas at USCA can be found on the
Operations website at
www.usca.edu/operations/manuals.html.
A written Chemical Hygiene Plan for nonlaboratory areas at USCA can be found on the
Operations website at
www.usca.edu/operations/manuals.html.
Emergency Action Plans



The USCA Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been
developed to provide a carefully prepared guideline
of appropriate response actions for a wide array of
emergency scenarios on campus. The purpose of
this plan is to save lives, reduce the incidence of
personal injury, and prevent property damage.
Every Building has a Building Emergency Response
Plan identifying grassy area rally points, shelter-inplace and lock down areas for your building
Use the “flip-page” Pacer Alert Emergency and
Safety Procedures for immediate emergency
response. This is posted in every classroom and
given to every new employee
Bloodborne Pathogens



The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR
1910.1030) helps prevent exposure to HIV & HBV.
Use Universal Precautions to prevent the spread
of Bloodborne Infection.
Refer to the USCA Exposure Control Plan@
www.usca.edu/operations/manuals.html
First Aid



Make sure that you know the location of the
nearest First Aid Kit.
Information on locations and supplies for
First Aid Kits can be found in Appendix G of
the Emergency Action Plan @
www.usca.edu/operations.manuals.html
First Aid/CPR/AED training is offered
quarterly
Fire Procedures





Hear fire alarm in your building or are told to
evacuate by appropriate USCA personnel.
Evacuate the building to your designated rally
points (parking lot or Grassy area)
BECs can help you identify your designated
rally point.
At rally point, follow accountability procedures
given by BECs.
Use fire extinguisher only if you have been
trained.
Emergency Evacuations





Keep your head!
Know the exits!
Do not run to exits,
but walk to exits!
Ensure easy access
to the safest way
out!
Report to your
designated rally
point
Employee Safety
You are responsible for your own
safety!
 Safety is a right not a privilege!

Additional Information…

Training regarding any safety issue can be
provided by contacting the Environmental
Health and Safety Manager (EHSM) at
extension 3538 or the website @
http://www.usca.edu/operations/training.html

Should you have any questions regarding
health and safety on the USCA campus,
please contact the EHSM.