Technical Services ESP --
Building a Quality Workforce

Health and Safety -- Protecting the Individual Employee

 Ergonomics & Repetitive Stress Injuries

Ergonomics is the study of the interaction of employees and the equipment and tools with which they work. Over time and without attention, the risk factors and stressors in many tasks performed by Technical Services ESP can cause a vast array of musculo- skeletal injuries or cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Some of the causes of these conditions are repetition, prolonged and awkward postures in non-adjustable and unforgiving workstations, inadequate rest between tasks, static muscle loading, temperature changes, noise, and vibration.

Computers are ergonomically the worst offender in the workplace. 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. Sight degeneration is another area of concern among Technical Services ESP.

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 elbow as well. This problem can be minimized if technical services employees are provided with adjustable equipment. The keyboard, visual display unit, chair, and document holders should all be able to be modified to suit individual needs.

Back problems -- The stress of leaning over printouts and paperwork, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and spending long hours in one position leaves many Technical Services employees with aching, tired backs. Providing employees a chance to move around and rest their hands, arms and backs can help to minimize these problems.

Short breaks throughout the day can vary the pace of the work and prevent strain injuries. Employees should be rotated among tasks that require different motions or muscles, and their jobs can be reorganized in ways that create more rest and variety.

Eyestrains, fatigue, and headaches can be caused when computer monitors are incorrectly positioned. Monitors should be at least 28 inches away from the user. The top of the monitor should be at eye level. Mounting adjustable arms to the wall or using adjustable stands can achieve this.

Prevention of these ergonomic problems is essential, and appropriate treatment and care is certainly cost-effective for Boards of Education. Early disorders left untreated, aggravated, and neglected year after year can too often spiral into chronic illness, which can result in permanent disability. Much more attention must be paid to these problems by administrations in order to insure the health and well-being of all Technical Services ESP.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Technical Services ESP risk 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 employees with anticipated occupational exposure to these organisms. Of major concern are the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV), the cause of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Most recently Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus (SARS) has been added to the list. Since 1991, many states have adopted laws to protect public employees as well. Check with your UniServ Office or State Affiliate for application in your state.

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. Technical Services ESP need current and complete information and training to effectively protect themselves and those they are responsible.

Student-on-Staff Violence

Employees who are subject to violence or responsible for controlling violence in their work environment are subject to tremendous stress. Because every adult is a figure of authority in a school system, Technical Services ESP are not immune from student-on-staff violence. Professional development programs are desperately needed to provide specific training so employees can respond to violence appropriately and protect themselves on the job.

Technical Services ESP should be aware that parents who attack school employees can be prosecuted to the full extent of the criminal law. You should report any such attack to your local police immediately. You also may sue parents/guardians in civil court to recover money for the physical and/or mental injuries they may have inflicted on you. Parents' liability for the reckless acts of their children is limited under the law and differs from state to state.

There is no such limitation on parent liability for their own violent acts. Clarification on the particulars of liability should be verified through your local police department, your UniServ Office, and your State Association.

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

• Call for help immediately. (911, police, fire, etc.)
• Seek medical attention immediately. Insist on immediate medical diagnosis (emergency room) and treatment.
• Report all injuries to the school medical personnel (school nurse, EMT, etc.), the local police when necessary, and complete an accident report and/or file charges where appropriate.
• Contact your Local Association representative (your State 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 the facts. Immediately complete an incident report with your supervisor.

HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE

The Local Association in every school district should develop a Health & Safety Committee for its members. This Committee could provide current information, more meaningful training programs, and a psychological outlet for individuals exposed to violence. A joint committee with the administration would be an ideal situation and certainly provide needed attention and support to a difficult and dangerous problem for school employees.

The Local Association Health & Safety Committee should develop Action Plans -- one for ongoing action to protect employees and one for crisis action.

The Continuous Action Plan should address school management, including discipline codes, crime and violence reporting, off-campus crime, student involvement, and alternative educational environment for incorrigible students. It should also address curriculum relating to school safety policies, peer mediation, conflict resolution, and multicultural education. And it should consider the physical environment, including whether or not to use metal detectors and other surveillance devices, eliminate lockers, improve lighting, oversee areas where students congregate, and reduce class size.

The Crisis Management Plan should comply with all federal and state laws under the Homeland Security Act and the National Alert System, and should specify who does what, when, and with whom in the event of a crisis. It should address communications with the media, parents, staff and community police; assistance to be provided to victims, offenders, and staff; and counseling for anyone involved, including students, staff, or bystanders.

The Local Association Health & Safety Committee will provide member/employee security, information, and action separate from job function regulations. It will liaison with the employer, other staff, and the community in the employees' best interests and should function from a framework that includes:

• Violence and incident assessment
• Cooperation, liaison, outreach
• Member protection
• Individual employee school safety measures
• Enhanced awareness by administrations and school boards
• Safety and security training and professional development
• Public and community relations
• Evaluation of effectiveness and progress for Local members

To Section 9: Meaningful Professional Development = A Quality Workforce