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If you detect a safety issue:
•	discuss the issue with your supervisor or manager
•	together with your supervisor or manager, identify the source or the nature of the hazard
•	management will then act to eliminate or minimise the hazard.

Postures and Positions 
Adopt a ‘low stress’ posture.  To do this:
•	Do not overload any part of the body (neck, lower back, etc) 
•	Ensure that your posture is comfortable
•	Use a chair that suits the person and the task
•	Ensure that desks used for reading and writing are just above elbow height.  Alternatively, use a desk top slope board, to promote better neck and back posture, and use of the back rest
•	Ensure that the computer keyboard is at elbow height
•	Ensure that desks or benches, used for collating and stapling, are just above elbow height.
•	Ensure that staff are trained in the correct use of equipment and furniture.
•	Ensure that adequate space is provided for activities such as collating, which usually requires a larger space than writing
•	Ensure that related work tasks are located near to each other.
•	To maintain a low stress posture, avoid:
o	Holding the body in one position for a long periods
o	Tilting the body or head for an extended period
o	Placing strain on joints
o	Holding loads in static positions
o	Repetitive movements.

Individual Working Techniques 
People vary in the amount and type of work that they are able to perform.  To allow for these differences, the employee should be able to:
•	shift or move around to avoid physical strain
•	vary tasks being done to relieve mental stress
•	make some decisions with respect to varying activities according to personal needs, work habits and the circumstances in the workplace
•	talk and be with other employees; productive work is still possible when employees can pass comments to each other
•	Take rest breaks; these do not have to be breaks from productive work.  A change of task for a few minutes is a very effective rest break for the body.  Check, however, that the ‘different’ task really is different for the parts of the body that are under stress.

Housekeeping
To ensure a safe work environment, regular maintenance is essential. These include:
•	Maintaining floors, furnishings and equipment in good condition.
•	Keeping aisles, exits and stairs free of clutter, clearly marked and well lit.
•	Controlling minor spills and responding quickly when they occur.
•	Use of non-slippery cleaning agents for floors and use signs to warn of slippery areas and restricted access. 
•	Correct installation and regular maintenance programs for equipment such as photocopiers.
•	Ensuring adequate, safe and appropriate storage areas.
•	Handling and disposal of waste, such as unwanted scrap paper.
•	Ensuring that the workplace is clean, hygienic and free of vermin.
•	Flexible leads, either electrical or telephone, should not be placed across traffic areas.  If such leads cannot be moved, a special cover strap anchored to the floor should be used, or the lead should be supported from a structural ceiling member.

Computing
Ensure:
•	Keyboards are just above elbow height
•	Keyboards are 60-70mm from the edge of the bench
•	Documents are placed in a level position, either beside the screen or directly below the screen
•	The top of the screen is at eye level and screen luminance and contrast is adjusted to prevent eye strain
•	Screens are positioned so glare from windows, etc does not cause discomfort and reflections on screen are minimised
•	Laptop or notebook computers are plugged into a regular screen and keyboard when used for a prolonged period
•	The mouse is located so the elbow can be held close to the side of the body and shoulders are relaxed and comfortable
•	Tasks are varied to avoid prolonged keyboarding.

Storage
Ensure:
•	Requirements for storage are regularly assessed
•	Space for storage allows for the use of manual handling equipment such as trolleys
•	Storage space allows for personnel to adopt an upright, forward facing posture
•	Storage facilities are provided according to the needs of personnel
•	Storage facilities are easily accessed
•	Cabinets above eye level are not used as storage space
•	Materials are not stacked excessively on low cabinets
•	Personnel are instructed to have only one drawer open on filing cabinets at any one time
•	Filing cabinets do not open onto walk ways
•	Shelves, etc are firmly fixed, braced and adequate for the intended load
•	Heavy or awkward objects are stored no lower than waist height
•	Trolleys and stepladders are provided, where necessary.
•	Ensure all areas are neat, tidy and well organised, with no articles stored in corridors or in front of shelves.

Lifting and Moving Materials 
DO NOT lift any object that you feel may be too heavy and avoid prolonged lifting and carrying of any heavy load.
•	Be aware that repeated lifting of, even moderately, heavy loads can injure muscles, joints and ligaments over a period of time.
•	Use a trolley to carry heavy loads, whenever possible.
•	Avoid over-reaching in order to pick up a load.
•	Plan your movements and ensure that the path and storage area is clear and free from obstructions.
•	Assess the weight, size and shape of the load before lifting it.  Small, compact loads may be easier to handle than bulky loads of the same weight.
•	Use team lifting.  An individual making a single lift is restricted to no more than 20 kg.
•	Wherever possible, lifting operations should be conducted between mid-thigh and shoulder height - loads over 10 kg should not be stored above waist height.

Making the lift:
•	assess the load for size and weight
•	position yourself close to the load and balance the body
•	spread your feet for balance and relax your knees
•	get a firm palm grip
•	bend your knees slightly 
•	bend forward at a 45° angle, let your back bend slightly if it wants to and drop your chin to your chest
•	Raise your head and straighten your legs
•	let your leg and buttock muscles do the work
•	lift smoothly without jerking or twisting
•	turn your feet in the direction you wish to go before you start to walk; do not twist your body first.

Carton and Crate Handling
Try to vary tasks in order to allow various postures.
•	Avoid double or multiple handling by placing incoming cartons on a trolley, mark and place straight onto shelves.
•	Store heavy cartons and articles between mid-thigh and waist heights, with only small and light articles above shoulder height.
•	Crates or containers should have easy-to-grip handles.  For large cartons, strapping can assist grip as do gloves with rubber grip pads.
•	Use steps and platforms.
•	Keep space in front of display stands clear, to enable heavy items to be lifted close to the body.

Repeated Bending or Twisting
•	Ensure the work level is at or about waist height.
•	Avoid the lowering of objects that must be lifted later.
•	Keep equipment and materials within easy reach without the need to bend or twist.
•	Adopt a balanced position when using office hand tools such as staplers; do not over reach.

Standing for a Long Time
•	Vary tasks as much as possible.  Alternate between standing, sitting and moving.
•	Make sure your footwear is comfortable.
•	Use a seat at an appropriate height, where possible.

Copying Equipment
Ensure that:
•	limits are set on the amount of time that any employee operates the photocopier, to minimise exposure to ozone
•	copiers that are used extensively are located away from work stations
•	personnel are instructed to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the handling of toner
•	the effects of light, noise and heat from photocopiers have been considered and addressed where necessary
•	photocopiers are regularly maintained and records are kept.

Conservation/Recycling
Ensure that:
•	procedures are in place for recycling paper and any other recyclable materials
•	recycled products are used where possible.