Training Makes it OK to ‘Play’ with Fire

Feeling a twinge in your lower back? Afraid of a slip on an icy surface?

From ergonomic advice to hands-on fire safety, faculty and staff can use a host of resources for free through Duke’s Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO). On its website, the office provides a variety of tips and tricks that can be found at any time and cover frequently asked questions to avoid injury during inclement weather, patient care, hazardous waste and even through a properly setup work station.

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“We believe that when we provide a safe environment for our staff, it extends to our patients, students and visitors as well,” said Tara Romano, education/training coordinator for OESO. “There are many safety practices mandated by federal, state or Duke policy, and annual safety training is one way to share these and best practices as well as new information. It’s important not to become complacent about the risks we may face on the job.”

Here are some practical ways to tap into OESO’s training for you and your department. 

Sit Straight, Learn to Stretch

Did you know there are standards for computer workstation areas at Duke? A collection of guidelines can be found on the OESO website to help employees set up a proper workstation on their own, complete with tips about how to best setup a work area, from how your foot rests to arm positioning and what height a screens should be. 

OESO also offers suggested stretches and exercises that are ideal when working in the same position for most of the workday. Reviving your body can be as easy as this 90-second workout break.

Find more information from the Duke Ergonomics Division.

Put Out Fires

In 2015, 1,100 faculty and staff across Duke received hands-on fire extinguisher training from OESO staff. The program is available to all employees and can be done outside with a real extinguisher and a controlled fire, or inside with a video game-like system.

“The training makes you think about how to react if this would happen to you because it takes the fear out of how to use a fire extinguisher,” said Bob Hickman, a safety specialist at the Duke Clinical Research Institute who organized trainings for almost 100 staff this fall. “The open forum and group discussions were most beneficial because of the real-life experiences learned and shared among the group.”

Extinguisher training is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A minimum of six employees must sign-up in order to have a class. Training typically takes no longer than 30 minutes. Contact Ty Clark (919) 668-4181 to register.

Visit the Fire & Safety Division website for more information.

Don’t Slip Up

As winter weather takes hold and temperatures hover around freezing overnight and into early morning, OESO recommends these steps employees can take to prevent injury:

• Avoid walking on ice and snow – Use cleared, priority paths instead
• Report icy stairs or sidewalks – University students and employees can call Facilities Management at (919) 684-2122. Health System members should contact Engineering & Operations at (919) 684-3232.
• Wear appropriate shoes – Avoid heeled shoes and also consider recommended products on this page to increase traction. 

More tips on staying safe in winter weather is available on the OESO website.