Higher Education ESP --
Building a Quality Workforce

Health And Safety: Protecting the Individual Employee

Ergonomics and Repetitive Stress Injuries 

The jobs Higher Ed ESP perform often involve repetition, prolonged and awkward postures in non-adjustable and unforgiving work stations, inadequate rest between tasks, static muscle loading, temperature changes, noise, and vibration. These factors can cause an array of musculoskeletal injuries resulting in cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs).

Ergonomics is the study of the interaction of employees and the equipment and tools with which they work. Of the many different kinds of equipment used by Higher Ed ESP, the computer is ergonomically the worst offender. Improper posture and hand and wrist placement when using a computer keyboard can injure many parts of the body. Injuries, especially carpal tunnel syndrome, are approaching epidemic levels.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused when hand and wrist movements are repeated day in and day out. The strain causes tendons to swell and press on the main nerve of the hand and can result in pain, numbness, and dysfunction not only in the hands and wrists, but up to the forearm and elbows as well. This problem can be minimized if employees are provided with adjustable equipment. The keyboard, monitor, chair, and document holders should all be able to be modified to suit individual needs.

Back problems can be caused by sitting for long periods of time or by inadequate training in proper lifting techniques. The stress of leaning over paperwork, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and lifting heavy and odd-sized objects can leave many employees with aching, tired or injured backs. Employees should be able to move around and rest their hands and wrists. Short breaks throughout the day can vary the pace of the work and help prevent injuries. Proper training in lifting techniques and appropriate equipment with which to lift heavy objects should be provided.

Eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches can be caused when computer monitors are incorrectly positioned. Monitors should be at eye level and at least 28 inches away from the user.

It is relatively easy to prevent these injuries, and appropriate treatment and care is cost-effective. Disorders neglected year after year can too often spiral into chronic illness or permanent disability. Administrators must pay much more attention to these problems to insure the health and well-being of all Higher Ed ESP.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Higher Ed ESP sometimes come into contact with blood and body fluids in their work environment. These materials may contain pathogens, organisms that can cause serious disease. The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard was developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1991 to protect private employees with anticipated occupational exposure to these organisms. Of major concern are the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS. Since 1991, many states have adopted laws to protect public employees as well.

Much more information is available each year as the medical community gains greater understanding of each of these pathogen risks and how to prevent and treat them. Higher Ed ESP need current and complete information and training in order to effectively protect themselves and those for whom they are responsible.

Violence on Campus

Higher Ed ESP have the right at all times to both protect themselves and to maintain order and discipline as much as possible. Several basic steps should be observed in case of student or intruder violence:

• Call for assistance, send someone for help, or call 911 if an altercation is out of control or violence is directed against you.
• Disperse any crowd in the area -- by removing the audience, the motivation to fight may be reduced.
• Try to remove or push aside items from the area -- this reduces the risk of further injury or harm and helps to eliminate their use as a weapon.
• Try to require that supervisors and administrators support actions you have taken while on the scene.

Aside from the obvious, the difficulties that arise with violence can be extensive. Tremendous stress is created for employees who are subject to violence or are responsible for controlling violence in their work environment. Professional development programs are desperately needed to provide specific skills so that employees can respond to violence appropriately in order to protect themselves on the job.

In addition to meaningful professional development, a joint employee-management health and safety committee with the administration could provide needed attention to a difficult and dangerous problem for all Higher Ed ESP. Often these committees gather information, work to develop more meaningful training programs, and provide a psychological outlet for individuals exposed to violence.

If you are a victim of violence while on the job:

• Call for help immediately! (911, campus security, police, fire, etc.)
• Seek medical attention immediately. Insist on immediate medical diagnosis (emergency room) and treatment.
• Report all injuries to the campus medical personnel and the local police when necessary, and complete an accident report and/or file charges where appropriate.
• Contact your Local Association representative (State or NEA UniServ Rep) immediately. They can help you document your case in order to file for appropriate medical coverage and compensation.
• Always record the time and date of the incident and document all of the facts. Immediately complete an incident report with your supervisor.

Given the existing environment, every adult employee on a college campus plays a part in maintaining security. Any plan designed to protect students and staff must include Higher Ed ESP. It must also provide for individual security at all times for all personnel working on campus. Locals might ask the following questions on behalf of members:

• Has the administration provided security training for all Higher Ed ESP?
• Has the administration appropriately included Higher Ed ESP in an "Intruder Response Plan?"
• Has the administration provided the proper equipment for individuals working alone or in isolated areas of the campus?

Appropriate equipment might include: cell phones, CBs, walkie-talkies, secure land lines, emergency and medical contacts 24/7, and an escape plan for every employee should it become necessary. In addition, professional development for Higher Ed ESP should include meaningful training in the following areas:

• Local police and fire liaison
• Professionally developed Intruder Response Plan
• Physical defense in order to interact safely with disruptive students or visitors
• Individual employee liability information
• District policy regarding weapons confiscation

To next section: Meaningful Professional Development = A Quality Workforce