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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
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.
– 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
i n
MANUFACTURING
Watch Your Step!
Falls are a leading cause of accidents and
deaths on the job. Falls include those on
the same level (floor or ground) or from
one level to another (stairs, ladders, roof,
etc.) Either of the reasons below can
cause falls:
• An unsafe action of an individual, such
as hurrying, overreaching, improper
use of equipment, etc.
• An unsafe condition of the situation,
such as poor housekeeping, unguarded
opening, surface condition etc.
Slip and fall injuries may not be as
traumatic as machinery entanglements;
but they are still a major cause of injuries
in the workplace and can result in a
serious or permanent disruption of a
worker’s ability to perform their job. The
causes may vary form slippery walkways,
platforms, or steps that can take their toll
in and around the work areas. Falls from
elevations or from standing on stepstools
or unapproved climbing devices are
causes for injury.
Makeshift ladders or using the incorrect type of ladder are common reasons
for falls. Ladders should be maintained,
securely placed, and appropriate for the
type of work being done. When extension
Continued on next page
ISSUE TWO, 2011
Feature Articles
Find it at StateFundCA.com!
Watch Your Step!
From Our Expert – The Ergonomics of the Tablet Computer
Safety Topic –
The Importance of Safety Audits
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,
Watch Your Step! continued from page 1
ladders are used to access roofs or overhead
platforms, they must overextend by a least three
feet and must be tied off. Workers should be
instructed in how to correctly choose, inspect,
climb, and descend a ladder, especially if carrying
a load.
Good housekeeping will also reduce the chances
of slips and falls. Keep work surfaces dry, walk
carefully in high-risk areas, and use slip-resistant
treads where moisture is present. Make sure
workers follow good housekeeping practices
in and around walking areas and on elevated
platforms. Good housekeeping is the best way to
ensure good footing, and good footing is the best
way to prevent falls. 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
Safety Topic / Temas de Seguridad
The Importance of Safety Audits
W
orkplace audits when conducted regularly help to
prevent injuries and accidents. Audits are essential
to effective safety management as a continuous
process of workplace safety planning, analysis, and correction when needed.
Workplace injuries typically arise due to an unsafe
behavior rather than an unsafe condition.
Safety audits focus on safety programs and behaviors while
safety inspections focus on the facility, equipment and
tools. Audits help in analyzing employee behavior and their
understanding and compliance with safety procedures and
programs. A safety audit team can include management, supervisors/
leads, project teams, and even employee committees. Audits
can be conducted wherever employees work, such as group/
team work areas, individual workspaces, in the office,
facility, or field locations. Safety audits may be scheduled or
unannounced. Auditors walk through the workplace focusing on given job
tasks and observe employee behaviors. Are safe work pro-
cedures being followed such as conducting grounding and
lockout/blockout? Are they wearing all required personal
protective equipment (PPE)? Are they lifting properly and
following good ergonomics? Include immediate feedback to
employees during your audit: praise safe work behaviors and
provide guidance and correction for unsafe ones.
Audits review safety programs, policies, and procedures
to ensure that they cover employee job tasks and hazards. If the policies are not adequate or too complex, new
procedures should be written. Audit the employee-training
program, ensuring that it prepares employees for their job
tasks by providing compliance training and specific training
for higher hazard or complex job tasks.
Include a way to document observations and recommended
corrective items in a safety audit. Assign follow up corrective
actions and present findings to a responsible individual or
management team. Communicate the results of your audit
to employees. This includes the positive observed behaviors,
observations that required improvement, and information on
what corrective actions were taken. q
La importancia de las auditorías de seguridad
Las auditorías en los lugares de trabajo, si se llevan a
cabo con regularidad, ayudan a prevenir las lesiones y los
accidentes. Las auditorías son esenciales para lograr un
control eficaz en materia de seguridad, como parte de un
proceso continuo de planificación y análisis de cuestiones
de seguridad laboral, así como de corrección de problemas
cuando resulte necesario.
Las lesiones laborales se producen normalmente debido a
conductas inseguras en lugar de a condiciones de trabajo
poco seguras. Las auditorías de seguridad se centran en
programas y conductas de seguridad mientras que las
inspecciones de seguridad se centran en las instalaciones,
equipos y herramientas. Las auditorías ayudan con el análisis
de la conducta de los empleados y con el entendimiento y
cumplimiento de éstos de los procedimientos y programas
de seguridad. El equipo de auditorías de seguridad puede incluir a miembros de la gerencia, supervisores/superiores, equipos de
proyectos e incluso a comités de empleados. Las auditorías
se pueden realizar en cualquier lugar en el que trabajen los
empleados, tal como áreas de trabajo de grupos/equipos,
espacios de trabajo individuales, en las oficinas, instalaciones o sobre el terreno. Las auditorías de seguridad pueden
programarse con anticipación o hacerse sin avisar. Los auditores recorren el lugar de trabajo, fijándose en
tareas laborales específicas y observan las conductas de los
empleados. ¿Se llevan a cabo procedimientos de trabajo
seguros, tales como la puesta a tierra y el trabado/bloqueo
de seguridad de la maquinaria? ¿Llevan puestos todos los
equipos de protección personal requeridos (PPE)? ¿Levantan
correctamente los objetos pesados y siguen buenas normas
de ergonomía? Se recomienda hacer comentarios inmediatos
a los empleados durante la auditoría: elogie las conductas de
trabajo seguro, y oriente y corrija a aquellos empleados cuya
conducta no sea segura.
Las auditorías examinan programas, normativas y procedimientos de seguridad para asegurarse de que cubran
los riesgos y tareas laborales de los empleados. Si las
normativas no son adecuadas o son demasiado complejas,
deberán redactarse nuevas normativas. Se debe hacer una
auditoría del programa de capacitación de empleados con
el fin de asegurarse de que se prepara a los empleados para
sus tareas laborales, proporcionando capacitación sobre
cumplimientos de normas y capacitación específica para
aquellas tareas laborales complejas o más arriesgadas.
Se debe incluir en las auditorías de seguridad un sistema
para documentar observaciones y recomendaciones sobre
asuntos a corregir. Asigne medidas correctivas de seguimiento y presente los resultados a una persona responsable
o al equipo de gerencia. Dé a conocer los resultados de la
auditoria a los empleados. Esto incluye las conductas positivas observadas, las observaciones que requieren mejora,
así como información acerca de las medidas correctivas
adoptadas. q
I s s u e
T w o ,
2 0 1 1
Topic Review/
Revisión del Tema
Instructor _________________________
Date / Fecha_______________________
Location / Ubicación_________________
Attended by / Asistente(s)
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Safety Recommendations /
Recomendaciones de seguridad
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
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Safety News
News About Occupational Safety and Health in
ISSUE TWO
2011
MANUFACTURING
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 Manufacturing 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 2010
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