Working in a studio environment is much like working in an office. A lot of the equipment is the same therefore so are a lot of the hazards and risks associated with them. There are also added pieces of equipment which isn’t often found in an office so extra precaution should be taken.
- Regular Computer use – The main tool I can use to help me when completing my day to day work as a web design apprentice is the use of a computer. This means sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time. This is itself is a hazard because there is a risk of developing repetitive strain injury.
- Electricity – Another big hazard in the studio environment is electricity. If not careful electricity is very dangerous. There are lots of computers and equipment in the office that use electricity meaning that there is a greater risk but also wires and cables could be lying around the studio.
- Fire – There is a risk of fire anywhere with the creative industry not being an exception. Computers overheating, electricity plugs sparking and other hazards all contribute to the risk of fire.
- Manual Handling – When lifting any object big or small there is a risk associated with it. There are correct ways to pick up objects and move them around. If ignored then permanent damage could be done to parts of the body including your back.
- Slips, trips and falls – This is one of the most common hazards in any work place with most injuries being a result of a slip, trip or fall. Wires lying on the floor, carpets, office animals and many more factors about the studio environment make it possible to slip or trip.
- Stress – Stress is a big factor in the creative industry with varying workloads and tight deadlines. This can give your mood a big effect not only in the office but when you leave work. Being careful when driving while stressed is crucial because of the risk of an accident.
- Substances hazardous to health – Working within a studio environment there are substances which are not found in your average office. These are things such as glue, spray paint and solvents.
- Environmental comfort factors – This is the environment in which I am working in. In my case the studio is light and spacious where everyone is able to see out of a window so the studio doesn’t seem small. The door is often also open helping to create a nice environment to work in. The environment in which you work in can also affect the mood you’re in affecting how you react to other people and it greater circumstances affecting your health contributing to stress and/or depression if the environment isn’t very nice.
- Solo working – Working on your own can be a problem also if your stressed, working to tight deadlines and have no one for moral support or help with the work load. It could also be quite lonely when there isn’t a possibility to bounce ideas off other people. This could also affect the work you produce.
- Smoking – Smoking we know harms yourself and others around you so it is the same at the work place. Smoking will harm you and others near you.
- Hygiene and welfare – A clean studio will help contribute to the welfare of employees and the overall moral in the workplace. An untidy workplace adds an unnecessary risk to the studio.
- Visits to sites – There is certain content on the internet which will upset and/or disturb a lot of people. Taking care when browsing the internet and being careful of what sites you are directed to eliminates this risk.
- Visits to clients – When going to a meeting with a client there are many risks including the travelling to their workplace, the office and the client themselves. Verbal and/or physical abuse – Finally abuse in the work place is also a risk. If you don’t get on with a colleague or someone is aggressive towards you that can cause tension and risks are associated with it.
Safe working practises
At the workstation
- Take regular breaks from your workstation – at least every 30 minutes.
- Vary tasks so you are not keying for extended periods of time.
- Change your posture as frequently as practical.
- Avoid eye strain when using the computer: focus on an object in the distance at least 6 metres every 10-15 minutes.
- Take your lunch break away from your desk, preferably going for a walk outside for 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure your chair is adjusted to support your lower back – use safe sitting posture.
- Make sure that your chair is in good working order – do not use a chair that needs maintenance.
- Learn to touch type (less repetitive movement for your neck).
- Switch the computer mouse to the other hand regularly.
- Place frequently used items near you.
In general
- Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Reduce clutter in your work and storage areas – you’ll work in a more organised way, feel less pressured and avoid trips and falls.
- Switch tasks if possible to manage repetitive tasks. This will keep your body and your mind fresh.
- Change your method of doing repetitive by using a different body part or different muscles, such as switching hands.
Manual handling
- Eliminate manual handling tasks from your work processes as much as possible.
- Use suitable and well-maintained equipment as much as possible.
- Avoid repetitive movements and postures.
- Use safe manual handling methods when manual handling can’t be avoided.
Workplace stress
- Workplace stress is recognised as a contributing factor of injury. We are all vulnerable to workplace stress, influenced by personal issues, work/life balance, general health and relationships at work.
- Here are some general strategies to reduce workplace stress that team members can implement:
- Be aware of each other’s workload.
- Clarify priorities and deadlines.
- Clarify team roles and support flexibility.
- Discuss changes.
- Improve physical environment or comfort.
- Recognise and acknowledge each other’s efforts.
- Develop your communication, negotiation and conflict management skills.
Employers health and safety responsibilities
- To provide a safe working environment
- To prevent risks to health
- ensure that plant and machinery is safe to use, and that safe working practices are set up and followed
- To make sure that all materials are handled, stored and used safely
- To provide adequate first aid facilities.
- To inform you about any potential hazards from the work you do, chemicals and other substances used by the firm, and give you information, instructions, training and supervision as needed.
- To set up emergency plans.
- To make sure that ventilation, temperature, lighting, and toilet, washing and rest facilities all meet health, safety and welfare requirements.
- To check that the right work equipment is provided and is properly used and regularly maintained.
- To prevent or control exposure to substances that may damage your health.
- To take precautions against the risks caused by flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise and radiation.
- To avoid potentially dangerous work involving manual handling and if it can’t be avoided, take precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
- To provide health supervision as needed.
- To provide protective clothing or equipment free of charge if risks can’t be removed or adequately controlled by any other means.
- To ensure that the right warning signs are provided and looked after.
- To report certain accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to either the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the local authority, depending on the type of business.
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