Safety Frequently Asked Questions

Accident | Ergonomics | Electrical | Fire Safety | MSDS | OSHA

Accident

What do I do if I have an accident at work?

If emergency medical attention is required, the first thing you should do is call or have someone call 911. After that, your supervisor should be contacted. It is your supervisor’s responsibility to fill out and fax within 24 hours a “Worker’s Compensation - First Report of Injury or Illness” form. This form can be found in the Forms Repository at www.uni.edu. Depending on your Department at the University, the supervisor may be required to complete other accident investigation forms.

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Ergonomics

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of human work. The term ergonomics comes from the Greek word "ergos" meaning work and "nomos" meaning natural laws of. Ergonomics is concerned with the effective use of the physical and psychological capabilities of the human as they apply to work. It involves the worker's interaction with tools, equipment, environment, jobs, tasks, work methods, work rates and other systems.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome ?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the entrapment of the median nerve of the hand and wrist in the passageway (tunnel) through the carpal bones of the wrist. It results in symptoms such as pain, tingling and night numbness in the fingers and pain on gripping. Carpal tunnel may be caused by repetitive motion such as frequent keyboarding.

Will wearing a wrist splint prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

No. Although wrist splints help maintain a neutral wrist posture, there is some evidence that they do not change the pressures inside the carpal tunnel. Moreover, wearing a wrist splint in jobs with risk factors may transfer the stress to other parts of the body and cause injury. Wrist splints are not considered personal protective equipment, and should only be worn if prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Why are there so many more work-related carpal tunnel claims now than there were 20 years ago?

There have been work related musculoskeletal disorders for a long time. A physician by the name of Bernardino Ramazzini described them more than 250 years ago. There has been an increase in claims for these disorders over the last several decades. One reason for the increase is the increase in the amount of keyboarding done by workers. An increase in public awareness may also contribute to increased reporting.

I don’t think that my computer workstation is set up correctly. What should I do?

Go to http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/fs/healthsafety /documents/Ergonomics.pps and view the Ergonomics Workstation Power Point Slide Show. If after viewing this training you would like an in-depth ergonomic evaluation of your workstation, have your department head e-mail Dean Shoars at dean.shoars@uni.edu with the request.

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Electrical

Is there a University policy about the use of supplementary electrical heaters?

Under desk electrical heaters are not recommended for use, but if you must have one it needs to be UL approved and a mandatory feature is tip-over protection. The tip-over protection automatically shuts the heater off if it is accidentally knocked off its base. Combustibles must be kept at least three feet away from the heater, which must be plugged directly into the wall outlet and not into an extension cord or power strip.

When can I use extension (drop) cords?

Extension cords are for temporary use only (30 days or less) If an additional outlet is needed, please contact the Facilities Coordination Center at 273-4400 to request a work order to add an outlet or just relocate the item so that an extension cord is not needed. An electrician will assess whether another outlet can be installed. Approximately 20 percent of all home/office fires are attributed to improper use of extension cords.

What can I plug into a power strip?

Power strips are approved only for use with computers and electronic equipment. Under desk heaters, coffee pots, refrigerators, lamps, fans and electric pencil sharpeners are not allowed to be plugged into a power strip.

Can more than one power strip be used?

You can use two power strips, but each one has to be plugged directly into the wall outlet and not piggy-backed one into the other.

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Fire Safety

How do I get training on the proper use of a fire extinguisher?

Safety Office staff in Facilities Services offers fire extinguisher training every fall at the beginning of classes in conjunction with Department of Residence hall coordinator training . If your group (15 or more) would like fire extinguisher training, it can be arranged by calling 273-2004.

Where will I find the UNI fire safety procedures?

Access the UNI web page and in the A-Z index click on Environmental Health & Safety, then click on Fire Safety, then click on Fire Safety Video. If you have additional questions, you can contact the safety office at 273-2004.

Are candles allowed in my room?

The University Open Flame Policy (7.04) prohibits the burning of candles. Scented candles are allowed as long as they are not lit. One of the major causes of fires during the most recent 10 years is open flames.

Where can I find the University’s fire safety policy?

Access the UNI web page and in the A-Z index, click on Environmental Health & Safety, then click on Fire Safety, then click on UNI Fire Safety Policy 7.04 Support Guide.

What do I need to do to obtain approval to use pyrotechnics (fire works, sparklers or explosive devices) or an open flame ( candle, torch or bon fire) on campus or in a production?

Any use of open flames or pyrotechnics needs to be approved by the University Safety Officer or designee. The UNI Fire Safety Policy (7.04) and its Support Guide can be found under the Environmental Health & Safety web site. The UNI Safety Office can be contacted at 273-2004 to schedule an assessment.

Does the Safety Office conduct fire safety assessments?

You can call the Safety Office at 273-2004 to schedule a fire safety assessment.

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MSDS

What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDS's include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.

Who are MSDS's for?

MSDS's are meant for:

• Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at work.
• Employers who need to know the proper methods for storage etc.
• Emergency responders such as fire fighters, hazardous material crews, emergency medical technicians, and emergency room personnel.

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OSHA

What is OSHA?

Congress created OSHA under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was signed by President Richard M. Nixon on December 29, 1970.

OSHA's mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Since the agency was created in 1971, occupational deaths have been cut by 62% and injuries have declined by 42%.

What's the penalty for violating an OSHA standard?

OSHA penalties range from $0 to $70,000, depending upon how likely the violation is to result in serious harm to workers. Other-than-serious violations often carry no penalties but may result in penalties of up to $7,000. Serious violations may have penalties up to $7,000. Repeat and willful violations may have penalties as high as $70,000. Penalties may be discounted if an employer has a small number of employees, has demonstrated good faith, or has few or no previous violations.

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