ERGONOMICS PLAN
POLICY & PURPOSE
It is Zoetis Union City policy to reduce the incidence and severity of ergonomic disorders by establishing a formal program that provides hazard identification, prevention and control, medical management, and training and education.
The goal of this policy is to improve the comfort and well-being of colleagues by evaluating complaints, to address concerns of pain or discomfort from tasks and workstations, and to provide the necessary tools for colleagues to work safely.
The purpose of Zoetis Union City Ergonomic (Ergo) Program is to prevent ergonomic-related injuries and to help colleagues understand how to avoid such injuries. This program is developed to effectively identify and prevent work-related musculo-skeletal disorders through engineering, equipment, proper work practices, and administrative controls. This Plan is also required under the Cal/OSHA Ergonomics Standard (Title 8 CCR, Section 5110) for workplaces that exceed the maximum number of ergonomic injuries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Zoetis Union City strives to prevent injuries by educating colleagues and providing the necessary information and tools for colleagues to work safely.
Supervisor’s Responsibility
Supervisors are key personnel in promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe local work environment. Supervisory responsibilities related to the Workplace Ergonomics Program are:
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Provide funding to implement corrective measures to identified ergonomic risk factor exposures.
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Set a departmental climate which encourages active colleague participation.
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Encourage early reporting of signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Notify EH&S of colleague musculo-skeletal signs and symptoms.
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Notify EH&S of changes in workplace processes or equipment that may change (increase or decrease) ergonomic risk factors.
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Ensure the proper level of ergonomics training is provided to colleagues.
Colleague's Responsibility
As the group most directly impacted by musculoskeletal disorders and their related discomfort and potentially disabling effects, workers are expected to:
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Report early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Follow work practice procedures related to their jobs that are intended to reduce ergonomic risks.
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Actively participate in the recognition, analysis, and abatement of ergonomic risks.
EH&S Responsibility
EH&S is responsible for:
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Educating supervisors and colleagues about ergonomic risk factors and potential harm to their bodies.
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Recommending and coordinating the development of ergonomic risk factor reporting and case tracking mechanisms, and early sign and symptoms reporting.
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Training colleagues and supervisors on the importance of early reporting of musculo-skeletal disorder signs and symptoms.
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Prioritizing ergonomic evaluations based on available severity, prevalence and incident rate data (e.g., OSHA logs, Injury Reporting, Workers' Compensation, discomfort surveys and worker evaluation reports).
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Performing ergonomic risk factor measurements and observations and communicating results to supervisors and colleagues.
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Establishing ways to evaluate controls to assure they are effective.
TRAINING
Ergonomic awareness training is conducted periodically to educate workers on the methods for controlling the variables and risk factors associated with the workstation. Separate training programs are conducted for office ergonomics and ergonomic risks in other work areas. Training is provided by professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of ergonomics; this may include Abaxis staff or consultants.
Ergonomic training may include the following topics, depending on the specific needs:
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Basic overview of ergonomics
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Overview of relevant anatomy and physiology
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Risk factors in the work setting
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Warning signs and symptoms of overuse and ergonomic stress
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Measures to prevent injury
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Exercises for different parts of the body
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Ergonomics and Human Factors
Ergonomics is a term that is widely used to define the study of the impact of work activities on the body, particularly as related to the effects of repetitive tasks and activities that pose a risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Ergonomic risk factors exist in many different work settings, including offices, laboratories, manufacturing areas, and support departments such as Shipping and Receiving, and Facilities.
The Zoetis Union City Ergonomics Program strives to establish a philosophy of injury prevention when evaluating worker complaints and individual workstations.
The Ergonomic Program is inclusive of all workers and utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to finding solutions to ergonomic risks across the different work areas represented at Zoetis Union City.
The following departments are involved in the planning and implementation of the program.
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Environmental Health and Safety administers the Ergonomic Program and provides support to the program, including ergonomic evaluations, access to occupational health experts, and help to identify the most appropriate corrective measures.
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Human Resources administers Worker’s Compensation claims and is the primary liaison with our insurance carrier and injured colleagues; they assist in managing injury claims.
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Purchasing helps to procure equipment and furniture identified from workstation evaluations or during the selection process, and to find the fairest prices.
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Facilities provides support in modifying workstations and installing accessories, where needed.
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Information Technology sets up new computer workstations.
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End users are responsible for reporting early signs of repetitive stresses and strains. The end user should also be familiar with chair adjustments, proper body mechanics, and the tools that can cause repetitive motions injuries.
The basic premise in preventing repetitive motion injuries is to match the task, workspace, or workstation to the colleague's needs. In general, ergonomic evaluations consider 3 important elements:
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Are the equipment and tools used to perform a job adequate in reducing risk factors?
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Does the relationship between a person to a piece of equipment or task increase risk factors?
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Do factors, such as posture, conditioning, rest, movements and personal habits compromise worker health and safety?
This Plan discusses the primary risk factors associated with each work area, as well as the evaluation process.
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Office Work Stations
Much of the office environment is related to the computer workstation; hence this is the focus of office ergonomics. The equipment most often associated with injuries includes the keyboard, mouse, chair, and desk configuration.
The foundation of preventing ergonomic injuries is to work in comfort. Workstations should be arranged so that workers work in “neutral” or “natural” positions. Neutral positions are those where the body is at rest and muscles and extremities are not strained or placed in awkward positions.
The first step in arranging the workstation is to align the monitor and keyboard in front of one another, with the mouse positioned at the same height, and immediately next to, the keyboard. The user should not reach for the mouse or keyboard, or raise the shoulders to use either device. The recommended position is to maintain a posture with arms and elbows close to the body, and relaxed shoulders, wrists, and neck. Articulation of the wrists and hands must be avoided as this can lead to injuries. Desk accessories and peripheral devices should be arranged so they are within arms’ reach.
Keyboard and Mouse
The workstation height is an important consideration when evaluating the placement of the keyboard. If the workstation cannot be adjusted, then a height adjustable keyboard tray should be installed so workers can work at a height where the feet are flat on the floor, which allows the user to work with elbows bent at approximately 100° – 110°, sitting comfortably in the chair. The keyboard should be adjusted so that the wrists are in a flat line with the hands, without any articulation at the wrists. The arms and wrists should not be touching surfaces when typing. Some workers find that tilting the keyboard tray on a slightly negative angle helps flatten out the wrists and provides for a more neutral position. The standard ergonomic keyboard tray at Zoetis Union City is sit/stand keyboard tray and can be ordered by contacting EH&S department.
It should be noted that most wooden desks (typically found in hard-walled offices), and even modular cubicles, are set at a height of approximately 28½” –29½,” which is suitable for a 6-foot tall person to work comfortably. This means that workers who are shorter or taller than 6 feet may require keyboard trays to work in neutral positions.
Workers who use laptop computers are best served by using a docking station while in the office. The laptop docking station should be set up with a standard keyboard, mouse, and monitor to avoid tedious hand movements for long periods of time. This is particularly important when the standard desk height does not accommodate the worker who may benefit from a keyboard tray.
Requests for workstations that adjust to allow workers to sit or stand are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The mouse, or cursor device (e.g., trackball, touchpad, joystick, etc.), can be a source of hand and wrist injuries for several reasons. All such devices are made with different attributes and for different sized hands. It is important that the mouse, or trackball, fits the size of the worker’s hand and does not cause articulation or deviation of the wrist. Workers who experience discomfort from using a mouse are advised to shop for a mouse at a commercial retail outlet in order to find the style that fits their hands best. The best-suited mouse can then be ordered through their department.
Monitor
The height of the monitor must also be set for comfort. The neutral posture for viewing the monitor is such that the top 1/3 of the display screen is at eye level; this can be achieved by aligning the top of the monitor to be at eye level of the user. The user should not turn or lift the head to view the monitor, but should be centered and looking directly at the screen.
The recommended distance from the worker to the monitor is approximately arms’ length, though a large screen monitor can accommodate different distances, depending on the visual acuity of the individual colleague and the size of the monitor.
Office Chairs
The office chair is a critical component of the workstation because it carries the body. Most office chairs provide several adjustment “paddles” to accommodate users of different sizes and dimensions, and to suit an individual’s preferences. The recommended height will have the thighs parallel to the floor in order for the chair to support the worker without muscles working to provide part of the support. The armrests should be offset from the rest of the chair and at a height where they do not interfere with the arms when using the computer. The armrests should not be used as support while keying or using the mouse because this becomes the pivot point for the arms and forces all the work to be done by the wrists.
Office chairs should have the following standard adjustments.
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Seat pan height.
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Seat pan tilt adjusts from a level position to a reclining position.
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Backrest forward/backward position accommodates a variety of seated preferences.
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Backrest height provides lumbar support intended to fit snugly into the lower back. This reduces strain on the rest of the back and neck and allows the shoulders to relax.
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Seat pan slider accommodates different body types by sliding on a track that adjusts to the length of a worker’s legs.
Chairs are commonly sold in size small, medium, and large, which must be taken into consideration when ordering a chair for individual colleagues. A large seat pan is appropriate for a larger person because it allows a colleague to fill the seat cushion, whereas a person of smaller stature requires a seat pan designed for a smaller frame. One criterion for selecting the correct seat pan size is to establish a 2-3 inch gap between the edge of the seat pan and the back of the knee. This prevents the seat pan from pinching nerves in the back of the leg.
When selecting task chairs to replace old or inappropriate chairs, the selection should be based on:
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The size and stature of the colleague.
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The adjustable features of the task chair.
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The size of the chair.
Working While Standing
It is appropriate to work in a standing position for some tasks. There are a number of considerations regarding worker’s health and comfort. Our bodies are designed to work most efficiently and comfortably when we are able to change position on a regular basis. This can mean moving our whole body or large parts of it as when we walk, bend, and use our arms. To improve circulation in the lower part of the body, tiny movements within the leg muscles are also important.
These aims can be achieved in the following ways:
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Take frequent and sufficient rest breaks and sit during the breaks if possible.
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Change posture and walk around the immediate work area to reduce the duration of standing in a static position.
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Stand on anti-fatigue mats.
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Wear proper shoes and use footrests or foot bars to help change position while standing in one location for extended periods.
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Colleagues with pre-existing health conditions should be advised of the potential consequences of working in a standing position. Colleagues with symptoms of discomfort or fatigue are advised to contact their manager and follow up with EH&S department for an ergonomic evaluation.
Lab Stool Seating
A lab stool must provide the same adjustments as an office chair, offering seat height adjustment, backrest height and forward/backward adjustments, and an adjustable footrest or foot ring on the stool. Standard ergonomic lab stools can be ordered through EH&S. Just as in an office setting, workers must take some time to locate the controls for the lab stool and orient themselves to its attributes. The basic features to look for in ergonomic seating include:
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Backrest with lumbar (low back) support - Lumbar support helps maintain the back's natural S-curve and keeps the user from straining the lower back.
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Backrest height adjustability - Lumbar support needs to be adjustable in order to accommodate individual variations in body size and shape. The combination of lumbar support and height adjustability help maximize surface contact and weight distribution.
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Seat pan width and depth - The seat pan should be wide enough and deep or shallow enough that the user can sit with back against the backrest without reducing circulation to the lower legs. If the seat pan itself is not the correct size, pressure might be applied to the backs of the legs with the potential to cut off circulation.
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Waterfall front - A waterfall front (front edge that is well-rounded) on the seat pan aids comfort.
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Seat height adjustability - This feature helps the user to work at the proper level and thereby avoid awkward postures of the spine and upper extremities. For example, a microscope user's real work level is where the hands are working at the microscope, not the height of the lab bench that supports the microscope.
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Footrest or foot ring - The primary reason for adjusting seat height is to work at the proper level and using a footrest or foot ring helps achieve proper foot support to accommodate the work height.
Rotor Inspection Ergonomics
Inspecting rotors on the assembly line is fast paced and highly repetitive and both of these elements can present risk factors to hand injury. Due to the inherent risks of this task, workers are asked to do this for 1-hour increments before changing to another station. Colleagues who perform this task more than 3 hours per work shift can have a higher incidence of injury, so one method of resolving the inherent risks is to rotate colleagues to different workstations every hour.
Increased risks of injury can occur when the workload increases, the line speed increases, staffing levels are reduced, and when some colleagues are restricted from performing tasks due to an occupational injury. The following measures are intended to prevent injuries at this workstation:
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Rotating personnel across different work stations.
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Training and education of affected colleagues and their supervisors.
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Controls:
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Engineering
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Administrative
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PPE
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Stretching
Because of the increased risk of injury in these roles, Rotor Manufacturing and EH&S have collaborated on a specifically designed rotor inspection safety program
Back Safety
Eliminating and/or minimizing back injuries can promote the well-being of colleagues and result in lower workers' compensation costs, pain, and suffering.
This Plan emphasizes the program management aspects of preventing back injuries by using proper lifting techniques, augmented by appropriate mechanical aids to prevent back injuries. It includes training provisions for worker lifting techniques and discussion on work-related risk factors for back injury. Additionally, to assist managers, techniques are listed to help identify jobs with risk factors and tools are provided to help analyze lifting tasks.
Back injuries are a potential risk in the Shipping and Receiving Department due to the nature of the work performed in these areas, and may be a risk in other departments when manual lifting is required. All colleagues are trained on back safety during New Hire Orientation and colleagues whose jobs require regular lifting are trained in back safety.
The Manager of Shipping and Receiving conducts back safety training and encourages safe lifting with the staff. The basis for back safety involves preventing awkward postures and positions when lifting or moving material.
Following are the basics steps of safe lifting and handling:
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Size up the load and check overall conditions. Don't attempt to lift by yourself if the load appears to be too heavy or awkward; use appropriate equipment or ask for help. Make sure there is enough space for movement and that the footing is good.
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"Good housekeeping" in the immediate work area helps prevent workers from tripping or stumbling over obstacles while carrying a load.
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Make certain that your balance is good. Feet should be shoulder width apart, with one foot beside and the other foot behind the object that is to be lifted.
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Bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep the back straight but not vertical. One tip is to tuck in the chin, which straightens the back.
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Grip the load with the palms of your hands and your fingers. Tuck in the chin again to make certain your back is straight before starting to lift. Keep the arms and elbows close to the body while lifting. Carry the load close to the body.
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Don't twist your body while carrying the load. To change direction, shift your foot position and turn your whole body.
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Watch where you are going.
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To lower the object, bend the knees. Don't stoop. To deposit the load on a bench or shelf, place it on the edge and push it into position. Make sure your hands and feet are clear when placing the load.
Make it a habit to follow these steps when lifting anything, even a relatively light load.
Stretching Exercises
Most ergonomists and safety professionals recommend frequent stretching breaks throughout the day in order to remain limber and in order to prepare your body to perform assigned tasks. Stretching for 5 minutes prior to beginning work helps deliver blood to the muscles and tendons that will perform most of the work, and loosens these muscles before beginning work.
The body performs better as blood delivers oxygen to tissue; therefore colleagues are encouraged to break up repetitive tasks whenever possible and to move about the work setting to help break up routine postures and to rest the muscles that are working the hardest. If work demands that workers remain at the workstation for long periods, they should take a break every hour or when time permits to stretch and relieve stress to those muscles.
Ergonomic Injury Reporting
Ergonomic injuries can sometimes be difficult to identify as work related because the early symptoms of overuse and musculo-skeletal fatigue can often be subtle and occur after the colleagues leaves work. Colleagues are encouraged to report early symptoms to their supervisor, the EH&S department, or to Human Resources immediately for an evaluation of the workstation or of the task. Early intervention can prevent further injury or exacerbation of existing injuries. It can also identify control measures and accessories that will help remove the risk factors to ergonomic injury. Treating early warning signs and symptoms is easier for the injured colleagues than to wait until a medical condition arises from not treating an injury early enough.
RECORD KEEPING
Medical records shall be kept for the length of employment plus 30 years.
REFERENCES/RESOURCES
VIDEOS
eLEARNING
DOCUMENTS/LINKS
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General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1) [includes ergonomic hazards]
SUPERVISORS & SAFETY LEADERS - DEEPER DIVES
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Article - ISO 45001: A Model for Managing Workplace Ergonomics
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Article - Take it Easy, Your Body Will Thank You
GLOSSARY
EH&S
PPE, Chemical, Tools, Electrical, Biosafety, PIT, IIPP, Fire, Emergency, ERT, STF, Vehicle, Violence, Ergo
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has the responsibility of maintaining safety for all workers at Abaxis as outlined in the Health & Safety Policy. Additionally EH&S acts as the conduit for compliance with laws of state & federal regulatory agencies regarding environmental protection, waste disposal, hazard control, and reporting of accidents/incidents at Abaxis.
Ergonomics
Ergo
the study of the impact of work activities on the body, particularly as related to the effects of repetitive tasks and activities that pose a risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Ergonomic risk factors exist in many different work settings, including offices, laboratories, manufacturing areas, and support departments such as Shipping and Receiving, and Facilities.
Extremity
IIPP, Ergo
Hand, elbow, arm below the elbow, foot, knee, or leg below the knee.
Health care provider
Chemical Hygiene, BBP, Biosafety, HazCom, Ergo
A physician and surgeon, a veterinarian, a podiatrist, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, a registered nurse, a nurse midwife, a school nurse, an infection control practitioner, a medical examiner, a coroner, or a dentist
I2P2
IIPP, Ergo, ERT
An acronym for an Injury & Illness Prevention Program
Physical Disability
Violence, Ergo
Having any physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss that (1) affects one or more of several body systems and (2) limits a major life activity. The body systems listed include the neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine systems. A physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss limits a major life activity, such as working, if it makes the achievement of the major life activity difficult. When determining whether a person has a disability, an employer cannot take into consideration any medication or assistive device, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids, that an employee may use to accommodate the disability. However, if these devices or mitigating measures “limit a major life activity,” they should be taken into consideration. Physical disability also includes any other health impairment that requires special education or related services; having a record or history of a disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, anatomical loss, or health impairment which is known to the employer; and being perceived or treated by the employer as having any of the aforementioned conditions.
Reasonable Accommodation
Violence, Ergo
any appropriate measure that would allow the applicant or employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. It can include making facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities or restructuring jobs, modifying work schedules, buying or modifying equipment, modifying examinations and policies, or other accommodations
Safety Committee
IIPP, Emergency Response, Fire, PPEPPE, Chemical, Tools, Electrical, Biosafety, PIT, IIPP, Fire, Emergency, ERT, STF, Vehicle, Violence, Ergo
An organization of Abaxis managers and staff who meet regularly for the purpose of: reviewing investigations of accidents and exposures and makes suggestions to management for the prevention of future incidents; reviewing investigations of alleged hazardous conditions; reviewing results of the periodic scheduled inspections; submitting recommendations to assist in the evaluation of worker safety suggestions. These meetings are documented and minutes from the meetings are posted throughout the facility for review.
Work Practice Controls
BBP, Biosafety, IIPP, Ergo
Controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by defining the manner in which a task is performed (e.g., prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique and use of patient-handling techniques).