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Safety News
Making California Workplaces Safer
N e w s
A b o u t
O c c u p a t i o n a l
S a f e t y
a n d
H e a l t h
i n
Find it at StateFundCA.com!
I
t can be a tremendous
undertaking for employers to keep up to date
on what’s happening in their
industry – familiarizing themselves with new legal requirements that pertain to their
work situation, find training
and educational materials to
keep their employees safe,
and access compliance documents or programs.
Visit our newly redesigned www.statefundca.com
to access a wide range of resources, information,
and services. Navigate to the “Employers” section,
then “Safety & Seminars”. Once there you will have to
access to:
Seminars & Employer Education Series – Employers can find a schedule of State Fund-sponsored,
year-round, informational and training seminars in
various locations throughout the state. Seminar topics
are timely and specifically selected to address the
safety and compliance concerns of employers and aid
them in keeping their employees safe on the job.
Programs and Forms – State Fund has available
two programs on its website that can be downloaded
and customized – the employer-required Injury and
Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and a Sample
Ergonomics Program. Also on the website for download are: the New Employee’s Guide to Workers’
Compensation brochure, the Notice to Employees
posting notice (which employers are required to
distribute to employees), the Cal/OSHA Injury
Summary (Log 300), and a copy
of the Employer’s Report of
Occupational Injury and Illness
(form 3067).
Safety Meeting Topics and
Loss Control Bulletins –
California law requires employers to provide periodic safety
training to their employees. And,
sometimes it’s difficult for employers to find topics
unique to their work site activities. On our website,
State Fund has listed over 320 different safety topics
in English with Spanish translations; downloadable articles include a convenient sign-in sheet for
recordkeeping. We also have Loss Control Bulletins
that keep employers informed of recent laws or new
safety and health issues.
ErgoMatters – Ergomatters are short articles written by State Fund’s team of ergonomics experts. Each
article is designed to provide technical or background information on a specific issue pertaining to
ergonomics in the workplace.
Safety Newsletters – State Fund quarterly publishes
a selection of industry-specific newsletters. Copies
of all newsletters appear on the website and can
be viewed and/or downloaded for safety and health
training and instructional purposes.
These are just a sampling of the wealth of information that can be found on State Fund’s website. Visit
www.statefundca.com today and see what other
products and professional services are available to
assist you. q
PUBLIC AGENCIES
Employee Safety
on the Job
Your employer is not the only one responsible for safety on the job. You as an employee
must also maintain a safe workplace and be
aware of your safety responsibilities.
Be knowledgeable of all your employer’s
health and safety work practices and standard operating procedures. Know and follow
all Cal/OSHA safety requirements for your industry. Also become familiar with emergency
and evacuation procedures and the location
of emergency equipment on the jobsite, clear
thinking and immediate actions during an
emergency can save lives.
Make sure to attend all the safety training that
your employer offers. Training is important
as it helps to identify job hazards and take
proper safety measures to protect yourself
and coworkers. Don’t operate equipment
that you haven’t been properly trained on.
Read and understand all material safety data
sheets (MSDS) and be aware of the hazards
and safe work practices for all the chemicals
that you work with. Don’t take any chances,
ask your supervisor if you are unsure or
have questions about equipment, chemicals,
or a process.
Conduct yourself in a professional manner
and remember you are responsible for your
Continued on next page
ISSUE TWO, 2011
Feature Articles
Find it at StateFundCA.com!
Employee Safety on the Job
From Our Expert – The Ergonomics of the Tablet Computer
Safety Topic – Where’s the Fire?
Your Gear Needs Care
In Each Issue
Employer Education Series
Reporting Injuries
S a f e t y
N e w s S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d I s s u e
T w o ,
2 0 1 1
FROM OUR EXPERT
The Ergonomics of the Tablet Computer
time without support can cause discomfort.
Additionally, the other fingers of the dominant
hand must be held out of the way so that they
do not accidently touch the screen.
T
hey are everywhere these days, tablet
computers that use a touch screen operated with a finger or stylus. Whether
they are used for web surfing or as input
devices for inspection, sales, customer service or healthcare; and whether they have 10”
screens or screens the size of a phone, tablet
computers have safety and health concerns
for the user.
The main issue is how these devices are held.
The non-dominant hand has to hold the device
while the dominant hand uses precise finger
movements to touch the screen. While tablets
are generally very light, holding even a 1.5 lb
weight in a fixed position for long periods of
Because there is no separate monitor, the
position of the user’s neck is bent forward in
order to see the screen. These issues can lead
to discomfort in the hands, arms and shoulders
holding the device and those interacting with
the screen as well as the user’s neck. All of
these issues can be amplified when the tablet is
used for extensive keying.
Typically the tablets offer a backlit display
screen and while this makes reading in dark areas convenient a poorly adjusted backlit screen
can lead to eye discomfort and headaches.
Tips for Reducing Risk:
Despite these limitations tablets can offer
a powerful and mobile computing option
for gathering data, research and a myriad
of other uses. Keep in mind these tips for tablet
use and reduce the risk of pain and discomfort.
•Don’t buy a larger screen than necessary,
Employee Safety on the Job continued from page 1
own actions on the job. Keep your mind on your
own safety and the safety of others at all times;
the workplace is no place for horseplay or lack
of attention. Serve as a good role model to coworkers for safe work practices and behavior.
Maintain your personal work area and common areas in a clean and orderly manner; good
housekeeping means a safer workplace. Always
wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your job tasks.
Don’t hesitate to make a suggestion to your
supervisor that can make a process or equipment safer. Immediately warn your coworkers
and supervisor of hazardous conditions, malfunctioning equipment and any unsafe behavior
in the workplace. All accidents and even close
calls should be reported to your supervisor
because investigating these accidents will help to
make a safer environment. If you become ill or
injured on the job, report it to your supervisor
and seek treatment. q
smaller, lighter models may be all you need
while still providing the computer power
needed and be easier to hold.
•If using the tablet for reading, consider an
adjustable stand.
•If you must use the tablet for extensive keying, purchase an external keyboard. Many
tablets allow the use of wireless Bluetooth
keyboards.
•If you use a tablet in the field, use a case with
a strap which reduces the need to hold the
tablet.
•Ensure the brightness of the display is properly adjusted.
•If using a stylus purchase a model with a
larger grip which reduces the need for tight,
pinched fingers.
•Take plenty of hand and eye breaks. q
– Helen Chandler, CIE
State Fund Ergonomist
S a f e t y
N e w s
S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d
I s s u e
T w o,
2 0 1 1
Safety Topic / Temas de Seguridad
Topic Review/
Revisión Del Tema
Where’s the Fire?
Instructor _________________________
T
he possibility of a fire occurring is present in
any workplace. However, if you’re aware of the
causes and conditions, if you’re prepared, and if
you think before you act, the possibility of injuries and
property damage can be minimized, for you, your coworkers, and your company.
Make sure that all fire protection equipment (i.e.,
sprinklers, smoke/heat detectors, alarms, fire hoses,
fire extinguishers, and fire blankets) are maintained,
available for use, and not impaired or concealed. Ensure
that fire extinguishers correspond to the potential risk.
Know their location and how to properly use them.
Practicing good housekeeping is essential to fire
prevention. Keep heating and electrical equipment clean,
clear, and in good working order. Regularly clean ducts
and fume hood filters; keep ovens and ranges clean
and free of spilled fats, sugar, sauces, etc.; keep paper
products, aerosols, and other flammable materials away
from heating elements; and store flammable liquids away
from heat sources, exits or escape routes. To prevent
an electrically caused fire, check, replace or have
professionally fixed any appliance with frayed or loose
cords and wires or cords that become hot during use.
Avoid running cords or wires under rugs and carpets
or near a heat source; and keep them out of doorways
where they can become worn.
In addition to training in fire prevention and protection,
make sure you understand company emergency
communication policies and evacuation procedures.
Become familiar with the locations of fire alarms and the
telephone numbers for emergency response personnel.
Report a fire, even if it seems minor. Firefighters would
rather arrive and find there is nothing to do than be
called after it’s too late to save individuals or property.
Keep in mind that all workers are responsible for
preventing fires, but not everyone is expected to fight
major fires. Firefighting is best handled by the trained
Mantener un lugar de trabajo limpio y ordenado es
esencial para la prevención de incendios. Mantenga los
equipos eléctricos y de calefacción limpios, despejados
y en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento. Limpie con
regularidad los conductos y los filtros de las campanas
de extracción; mantenga los hornos y estufas limpios
y procure que no se derramen grasas, azúcar, salsas
etc.; mantenga los productos de papel, aerosoles y
otros materiales inflamables alejados de los elementos
de calefacción; y guarde los líquidos inflamables lejos
de las fuentes de calor, salidas y rutas de escape. Para
evitar incendios causados por la electricidad, revise,
reemplace o haga que un profesional arregle los cables
deshilachados o flojos, así como los alambres o cables
que se calienten durante su uso. Evite poner cables o
alambres por debajo de tapetes o alfombras, ni cerca
de una fuente de calor; y manténgalos lejos de las
puertas, donde podrían sufrir desgaste.
Location / Ubicación_________________
Attended by / Asistente(s)
__________________________________
__________________________________
professionals. q
¿Incendios laborales?
En todos los lugares de trabajo existe la posibilidad de
que se produzca un incendio. Sin embargo, si usted
está consciente de sus causas y condiciones, si está
preparado y si piensa antes de actuar, se puede reducir
al mínimo la posibilidad de que se ocasionen lesiones y
daños a la propiedad que le afecten a usted, sus compañeros de trabajo y su compañía.
Date / Fecha_______________________
Asegúrese de que todos los equipos antiincendios
(p. ej., rociadores, detectores de humo/incendios,
alarmas, mangueras, extintores de incendios y cobijas
apagafuegos) se mantengan en buenas condiciones,
disponibles para su uso y que no estén deteriorados ni
ocultos. Asegúrese de que los extintores sean los adecuados para los riesgos potenciales. Sepa dónde están
situados y cómo usarlos adecuadamente.
Además de estar capacitado para prevenir y protegerse
contra los incendios, asegúrese de entender las normativas de comunicación de emergencia de la compañía,
así como sus procedimientos de evacuación. Sepa
dónde están las alarmas de incendios y los números de
teléfono del personal de respuesta de emergencia. Dé
aviso de todos los incendios, aunque parezcan leves.
Los bomberos prefieren llegar a un lugar y ver que no
tienen nada que hacer a ser avisados demasiado tarde
y no poder salvar a personas o propiedad. Tenga en
cuenta que todos los trabajadores son responsables de
prevenir incendios, pero no se espera que todas las personas puedan combatir incendios serios. Es preferible
que los incendios los apaguen profesionales capacitados
para ello. q
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Safety Recommendations /
Recomendaciones de seguridad
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
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Safety News
News About Occupational Safety and Health in
ISSUE TWO
2011
PUBLIC AGENCIES
Prsrt Std
US Postage Paid
Permit 803
Zip Code 92887
Loss Control Services
P.O. BOX 420807
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94142-0807
Please forward to the person responsible for your safety program
Your Gear Needs Care
It is important to make sure personal protective equipment (PPE) ensures the maximum level of protection
for the job while also being aware of its limitations. It
is vital to keep and maintain the PPE in good working
condition.
Hard hats should be subject to periodic cleaning and
daily inspection for holes, cracks, tears, and other
damage. They should be kept out of the heat, and
replaced if any perforation or cracking is found.
Eye protection should fit properly, be comfortable,
and provide unrestricted vision and movement. Eye
protection should be durable and cleanable and must
be disinfected each time if the device is being shared
among workers.
Protective gloves should be visually inspected for any
tears, or punctures. Filling the gloves with air and
tightly rolling the cuff towards the fingers will reveal
any pinhole-sized leaks. Discolored or stiff gloves may
be sign of excessive use or degradation.
Safety footwear must be inspected prior to each use.
Check for cracks, holes, broken buckles, and the soles
for any embedded materials.
For an in depth breakdown on the use and care of PPE,
visit www.dir.ca.gov/title8/sb7g2a10.html q
Remember To Recycle
This Newsletter
Employer Education Series
State Fund continues to promote community educational outreach by increasing the quantity and frequency of employer seminars. These seminars are produced and sponsored by State Fund and are open to State Fund policyholders.
The seminar topics cover all aspects of worker’s compensation and are offered statewide.
As part of State Fund’s Employer Education Series, the local State Fund Loss Control departments offer safety seminars
dedicated to loss prevention. They feature safety training targeted to specific industries and safety topics of interest to
California employers. Various programs in the series are developed in conjunction with State Fund insured GroupPrograms and external affiliates and partners. Some of these partners are occupational safety and health providers such as
Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, the Department of Health Services, and the University of California.
The goal of State Fund’s Employer Education Series is to present valuable information from recognized safety and
health experts to enable employers to reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, facilitate regulatory
compliance, and increase business profits.
The program venues provide the opportunity for attendees to have their workplace safety questions immediately and
personally answered by industry experts. The typically half-day seminars are usually held at regional State Fund offices.
To learn what programs are scheduled in your area, visit www.statefundca.com and click on Seminars. q
Reporting Work-Related Injuries
State Fund’s Claims Reporting Center (1-888-222-3211) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders
to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the
injured to the designated physician or provider.
Within 8 hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection
with employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. q
This Public Agencies Safety News is produced by the Safety and Health Services Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or
recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not
presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Safety and Health Services Department. Editor: Sunil Sharma; Managing Editor: Gennenia Gordon
© State Compensation Insurance Fund 2011
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