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Tips to prevent computer-related ergonomic injuries:

Evidence shows that when supervisors have regular ergonomic discussions with staff, those staff report discomfort more readily; early reporting is vital to preventing ergonomic injuries. Supervisors can use this discussion resource, which outlines tips for engaging staff about their ergonomic wellness.

Tips to prevent slip/trip/fall injuries:�The Lab’s geography requires being extra careful when navigating the Lab on foot. Most slips, trips, and falls are the result of being distracted while walking. Staying alert, using handrails, and paying attention to your surroundings can help prevent injury.

Tips to prevent hand injuries:

Lab staff often experience injuries from razor cuts, needle sticks, and pinch points. The best prevention is to find safer alternatives (when available) and to ensure staff wear appropriate hand protection.

Tips for Avoiding Common Injuries

1 Minute 4 Safety

The three most common injuries at Berkeley Lab are computer ergonomic injuries, slips/trips/falls, and hand injuries involving sharps and pinch points. In FY24, these three injuries account for 74% of all OSHA Recordable Injuries. Follow the tips below to prevent injury, and refer to the second slide for discussion questions for your next safety meeting.

If you see something unsafe, contact your leadership or call x6999 if the situation needs to be addressed immediately. If you would like support in developing injury prevention strategies, please reach out injury-review@lbl.gov.

Environment, Health & Safety

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Discussion Questions on Avoiding

Common Injuries

1 Minute 4 Safety

When is the appropriate time to notify your supervisor of pain or discomfort you believe could be related to your physical working situation? �
What is meant by “mindful” walking?

What can we specifically do to reduce hand injuries in our group?

Environment, Health & Safety

Question 1: It has been found that early reporting at the onset of symptoms positively impact the severity and speed of the recovery process. Oftentimes if you wait weeks and months to take actions about your discomfort it will likely be too late and may require more aggressive interventions such as medical treatment or lost time. Report any discomfort to your supervisor as soon as possible. If you are a supervisor, please have regular conversations with your employees about their comfort, safety and workload to help facilitate an ‘open door’ for employees to discuss comfort and safety.

Question 2: Mindful walking can include pocketing your phone, holding handrails, being aware of your surroundings, paying attention to uneven terrain on walkways and paths, and avoiding rushing.

Question 3: Interventions such as alternative safer cutting tools, protective gear for hands and integrating discussion about these types of hazards into pre-work planning may prevent reoccurrence

Include into work planning and pre-work discussions considerations of how items are safely transported to work areas including potential pinch points such as narrow walkways while moving carts/equipment. Identify safe alternatives that will keep hands ‘out of the line of fire’ when using sharp objects. Here are some other great One Minute for Safety slides specifically for Sharps and Syringe use: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sY1rO11RDZoh7LMfSsYS7zQThe5xJD21/edit#slide=id.g27778e75e63_0_56 and https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1A27x5HeGM7uEvElhgu0yw4DKzRIg2rnl/edit#slide=id.g23eb1cc8279_0_2