© S. Wilkins 19 March, 2006

Apply OH&S Procedures - Activities

Activity 0 - Concepts Overview

Read through Chapter 4, p112-116 of the Heinemann IT Text book then complete the exercises below.

• OH&S Principals and Regulations - JMatch Activity
• Workplace Hazards document
• Safety Check - online OH&S test
• Hunt for Hazards
• Virtual Office
• Get Certified - a safety test for high school students with a printable certificate upon completion. Make sure your printer is working before completing this test.

Activity 1 - Room Analysis

Examine the room in which you have access to computer(s) for your IT lessons.

Make notes about each of the following issues on this page and then type a report titled OH&S Report on Room XX (where XX is the room number of the room you have analysed).

Store the document in your “Class Work” Folder.

1. Lighting (adequacy for reading texts, natural vs electrical, type of electric lighting present, etc)
2. Ventilation
3. Dust and general cleanliness
4. Noise (any constant low level noise, as well as louder, more infrequent noises, inside and outside room)
5. Length of time computer users spend at terminals
6. Electrical hazards (cords and wires in exposed locations, number of items plugged into single power outlets, liquids in proximity to electrical equipment, etc)
7. Exposure of people to electromagnetic radiation
8. Physical hazards such as slippery floors, cords or worn carpet that people may trip on, hooks or nails in dangerous positions, things that may fall, etc.
9. The behaviour of people who use the room with regard to the safety of themselves and others
10. Procedures used for moving heavy items such as computer monitors and desks
11. Signs listing safe procedures to be followed, or warning of hazards
12. Location of toilets and First Aid facilities

Activity 2 - Research Activity

Use the Internet to research OH&S issues and answer these questions. You might like to refer to some of these websites as a starting point.

Workcover NSW | Ergonomics | National OH&S Commission
Aust. Chamber of Commerce & Industry | Comcare | Safety News
NSW Office of Industrial Relations | OH&S Consultants

1. Explain the following terms:-
   1. OH&S
   2. Legislation
   3. RSI (repetitive strain injury)
   4. Ergonomics
2. What is a hazard, and what are the five types of hazards that occur in the workplace?
3. List health problems that may occur from incorrect use of a computer.
4. Describe how a computer workstation should be set up, including the positioning of arms, feet, back, keyboard, screen height and distance, chair, table. You should include diagrams with your explanation.
5. What are the effects of an uncomfortable indoor climate?
6. If an office manager wished to purchase an ergonomic computer desk what features would it have?
7. “A person’s attitude to work is more important than their work routine.” What does this mean in relation to OH&S regulations and accidents?

Activity 3 - Workplace report

Choose a workplace. This may be a place where you have a part-time job, or you might ask family or friends about their workplace, or if all else fails, it could be your school.

Write a report on the following:-

1. A description of the workplace (type of business, number of employees, location)
2. Who is the Occupational Health and Safety supervisor in the workplace?
3. What is the role of the OH&S supervisor?
4. If there is a hazard or unsafe situation in the workplace, what procedure is followed to report the problem?
5. How does a reported problem get fixed?
6. What can happen (legally) if a problem is reported, but not fixed?
7. Does the workplace have an OH&S policy? If so, obtain a copy for your records. Is it in “Plain English” that all employees would understand?

Activity 4 - Workplace audit

Workers need to be involved in assessing their own workplace for Occupational Health and Safety. Checklists are used to make sure that all legal and policy requirements are met.

Search the Internet for a workplace assessment checklist, check that it is appropriate for you to complete, and print it out.

Choose a location within the school (eg. Library, Industrial Arts block) and conduct a workplace inspection using the workplace assessment checklist you have already printed out.

Report back to the class on any issues that you found need to be followed up.

Activity 5 - Workstation Poster (Ergonomics)

Consider the furniture design and layout of the computer workstations in the computer room at school.

Convert the animation in the Computer Workstation Ergonomics Presentation into a one page poster to be displayed at each workstation in the room. Use Publisher or Word to design your poster, and name the file Workstation Poster.

Your poster must contain the following information:-

• How to set up and sit on the chair
• Position of monitor, keyboard, table
• how users should sit at the workstation
• a definition of EGONOMICS somewhere on the poster
• Routine exercises and breaks that should be taken
• Your name and date produced

Print out your poster and display it near your workstation for ALL users to see.

Activity 6 - Lighting Homework

Think about where you do your homework at home (it does not have to be at a computer desk).

Use Microsoft Paint (or any other graphics package) to draw a diagram of the work area and your seated position and show or make notes about:-

• The source of the light
• The amount and quality of lighting
• Position of the lighting in regards to your work area
• Glare into your eyes from windows or lighting
• Reflections from other objects onto your screen
• Difference in brightness between your work area and the rest of the room

Activity 7 - Lighting Questions

Answer the following questions:-

1. What could result from bad lighting in a work area?
2. What is the main aim of working with adequate lighting?
3. What is GLARE and what can it be caused by?
4. What are some things you can do to control your lighting within your own work environment?

Activity 8 - OH&S Case Study

Click here and complete this worksheet