b'GARYS CORNERWhenpossible,positionyour computer so windows are beside you, and not in front or behind you. Use options such as blinds or curtains to control glare and reduce risk for eyestrain.Makesuretofollowgood housekeeping practicesclean and clutter free surfaces, electrical cordsingoodconditionand properly positioned, safe storage of heavy or sharp itemsin orderAsk your employee to take photos of the injury toreducetheriskofcommon(cuts, bruises, swelling, etc.) and the injury site household and office injuries and illnesses. when possible (broken chair, dangling cord, As well as scheduled breaks, get up and moveetc.). The more information you can gather, aroundperiodically.Frequentmicro(verythe easier it will be to assess compensability.short) breaks throughout the day are importantRecordable injuries and illnesses that occur for both physical and mental health. at the employees home should be recorded Ifyouhaveanadjustablechair,adjustallon the OSHA Log of the establishment the features to support your back, thighs, and beemployee is linked to.at a comfortable height. If you do not have anA Special Note About OSHAadjustable chair, use folded towels or cushions as needed for extra padding and back support. AccordingtoOSHACPL2-0.125,effective Position monitor/laptop screen approximatelyFebruary 25, 2000:arms length away from you. If necessary,OSHAwillnotconductinspectionsof invest in equipment such as a laptop standemployees home offices.or monitor riser. These, too, can help with the alignment of eyes and neck in relation to theOSHA will not hold employers liable for computer monitor. employeeshomeofficesanddoesnot Use an external keyboard and mouse for betterexpectemployerstoinspectthehome positioning of the laptop monitor. This canoffices of their employees.help foster neutral neck posture and properIf OSHA receives a complaint about a home alignment of the arms and wrists.office, the complainant will be advised of Use a footrest, box, or something sturdy toOSHAs policy. If an employee makes a support your feet, so they are not stretchingspecific request, OSHA may informally let to reach the floor or causing you to perch onemployers know of complaints about home the front edge of your chair. office conditions, but will not follow-up with the employer or employee.To minimize external noise, use a headphoneHowever, injuries and illnesses that occur while with a microphone for teleconference calls. an employee is working at home, including work What to do if there is an injury while thein a home office, will be considered work-related employee is at home: if the injury or illness occurs while the employee is performing work for pay or compensation in the Take a detailed written statement from thehome, and the injury or illness is directly related to employee to understand what the employeethe performance of work rather than to the general was doing at the time of the injury and whenhome environment or setting. and where it happened.Continued on page 24www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 23'