The document summarizes a presentation on construction insurance and risk management for energy projects. It discusses topics like identifying stakeholders, developing an insurance plan, gathering technical data, conducting a placement process, and considering coverage issues. The presentation provides an overview of important steps in navigating insurance for large construction projects in the energy industry.
Building Contractors Lessons: Duties and Responsibilities of a Building Contr...
Rims Energy Session 2008
1. IND 911 – Energy Resources
“Navigating the Landscape
of Risk”
Speakers:
Gabriel Lugo Mike Amador
Mel Causer Cynthia Vickers
Bill Siebenaler
April 28, 2008
San Diego, CA
3. Q
Market
Insurer
Advantages
A
Program
Structure
4. Construction Contracts
Risk Allocation &
Insurance Issues
Risk Allocation & Insurance Issues
Bill Siebenaler
Bill Siebenaler
5. Risk Allocation & Insurance –
Contract Issues
Owner Issues
• Are there standard provisions?
• What are the fall back positions when
contractors cannot or will not comply?
• What are the delegations of authority?
• What effect will the requirements have on the
cost of the project?
• What are the local restrictions?
6. Risk Allocation & Insurance –
Contract Issues
Owner Issues
• What is the business climate?
• Is the language too long and complicated?
• What is expected of subcontractors?
• What type of additional training is available to
contract specialists?
• What resources are available to help with
difficult contracts?
9. Construction Contracts – Preparation
Key Stakeholders
• Local vs. Central
Authorities • Standardization
• Exceptions
Training
10. Construction Contracts –
Preparation / Execution
Key Stakeholders
Authorities
• Model Contracts
Training
• Consistency
11. Construction Contracts –
Risk Allocation Issues
Who Should Bear the Risk?
• The party providing the service/product ?
• The party in control of the work ?
• The party in the best position to prevent the
loss/accident ?
• The party in the best position to manage the
financial consequences ?
• A combination ?
12. Construction Contracts –
Risk Allocation Issues
• Take time to understand the risks
− Yours
− Theirs
− Others outside the contract
• Be consistent with underlying contracts
• Know your counterparties needs
• Be aware of enforceability issues
− Anti-Indemnity Statutes
13. Construction Contracts –
Risk Allocation Issues
• Typical Allocation Options
− Mutual Hold Harmless
− Negligence Based
− Combination
• First Party & Third Party
− People
− Property
− Consequential Loss
14. Construction Contracts –
Insurance Issues
• What types and amounts of insurance should be
required of contractors?
• What should subcontractors be required to carry?
• Are there company standard insurance provisions?
• What deductibles should be allowed?
• What level of self insurance should be allowed?
• Will and OCIP or CCIP be used?
• What are the options for solving an impasse?
15. Construction Contracts –
Insurance Issues
Purpose of Insurance Clauses
• Help ensure that transferee has funds available to pay liability
assumed under indemnity clause
• Can give the transferor some specific rights under transferee’s
policies
• Specify the types and limits of insurance transferee must buy -- a
measure of viability
• Can cover some liability not covered by the indemnity
• Do not always cover all obligations in the indemnity provisions
16. Construction Contracts –
Insurance Issues
• Project Risks & Indemnities – Review the particular
exposures and risks related to the contract and how they are
allocated in the indemnity and other sections. Make sure all
risks are accounted for.
• Financial Strength of Contractor - Appropriate limits are
determined case-by-case and are subject to compromise. Ask
for the higher-end of “reasonable.”
• Cost of Coverage – Each requirement carries a cost which in
many cases is passed back in the form of a higher contract
price.
17. Construction Contracts –
Insurance Issues
• Insurer financial strength - Determine what you are
comfortable with. If rated, ask for insurers with a high
rating from A.M. Best or Standard & Poors
• Terminology - Use current insurance terminology
rather than obscure legal terms or outdated insurance
terms.
• Retentions – Allow appropriate deductibles or self
insurance based on the financial strength of the
contractor and need to support indemnities in anti-
indemnity jurisdictions.
18. Contractor Insurance Limit Guidance
• Step 1 – For each type of insurance coverage listed in the
model, determine whether or not there are any risks in the
project which could be the subject of such coverage.
• Step 2 – For each type of coverage for which risks have been
identified, determine both the hazardous nature and the
potential size of those risks and classify them as High,
Medium or Low Risk taking geographical factors into
consideration.
• Step 3 – Once the risk level, if any, has been determined,
select the appropriate base levels of coverage to be inserted
into the contract requirements. For large, financially stable
contractors, these limits may be changed.
19. Key Insurance Provisions
• Additional Insured Status
• Waivers of Subrogation
• Other Insurance – Primary vs. Excess
• Evidence – Certificates, Policies, etc.
• Option to Self-Insure
• Option to Purchase for Contractor (OCIP)
20. Risk Allocation & Insurance – Recap
Owner Issues
• Are there standard provisions?
• What are the fall back positions when contractors
cannot or will not comply?
• What are the delegations of authority?
• What effect will the requirements have on the cost of
the project?
• What are the local restrictions?
21. Risk Allocation & Insurance – Recap
Owner Issues
• What is the business climate?
• Is the language too long and complicated?
• What is expected of subcontractors?
• What type of additional training is available to
contract specialists?
• What resources are available to help with
difficult contracts?
24. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Topics Discussed Today…
I) Houston, We Have a Project
II) Insurance Planning & Technical Data Mania,
oops, Mining
III) Let the Placement Begin
IV) Selected Coverage Issues and Recent Placements
V) Energy Market Indicators
25. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
I) Houston, We Have a Project
26. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Houston, We Have a Project
• Headlines Headlines, Read All About It
Super, duper mega amazing zillion barrel discovery !!!!
27. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Houston, We Have a Project
– And inside the Risk Manager’s Head he begins to
ponder the profound project mysteries such as....
28. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Houston, We Have a Project
– Oops, let’s try again…and down the hall in the
savvy's Risk Manager’s office, he knows well what
may transpire:
A discovery is made, we’ll see if it is commercial to develop (A
new asset may be constructed or an add-on to an existing asset)
Studies and teams formed
Front-end engineering undertaken
A plan of development
Contracting
Long-lead items ordered
Permitting and licenses obtained
Approval process
Project Sanction received
Construction works begin
29. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Houston, We Have a Project
– Oops, let’s try again…and down the hall in the
savvy's Risk Manager’s office, he knows well what
may transpire:
A discovery is made, we’ll see if it is commercial to develop (A
new asset may be constructed or an add-on to an existing asset)
Studies and teams formed
Front-end engineering undertaken
A plan of development
Contracting
Long-lead items ordered
Permitting and licenses obtained
Approval process
Project Sanction received
Construction works begin
30. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Houston, We Have a Project
– The Risk Manager’s checklist early on….
Where could the development be located ?
Who may be the Operator ?
Is there a joint venture & a division of interest ?
Who are the stakeholders ?
Meet & cultivate relationships with key people
on the project team
Try to determine what type of physical asset
the project might be
31. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Houston, We Have a Project
– The Risk Manager’s checklist early on….(Continued)
Early Risk Assessment: form ideas of what risk
characteristics the project may have
Begin considering an appropriate risk transfer
program
Sourcing needed technical data
Possible insurance issues including local
insurance regulations and service providers
Develop a preliminary rough timeline
32. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
II) INSURANCE PLANNING &
TECHNICAL DATA MINING
33. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Insurance Planning
Critical Insurance Issues to Consider -
Size of project – Capacity Constraints ?
Project Location – Flood & Windstorm Exposure ?
Other Operations/Projects in the Area – Aggregation Issues ?
Local Insurance Regulations – Local Insurance Fronting Required ?
Loss History at the Project Site or Area – How to Market It ?
34. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Insurance Planning
Critical Insurance Issues to Consider -
Your Joint Venture – What is Their Appetite for Risk & Risk Philosophy ?
State of the Insurance Market – Is it in a Hard or Soft Cycle ?
Recent Energy Losses – Will they Impact Your Project ?
Project Capex Budget – How Much to Insure ?
Major Project Contractors - Are they in Good Standing with the Market ?
35. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Planning for Windstorm Coverage
in Your CAR Placement
36. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
The reinsurance market - the “great divide” ....
US windstorm Remainder of portfolio
Reinsurers have required
Gulf of Mexico cover to be
a separate “tower” of
coverage, with the rest of
the account split…
US windstorm
37. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Named Windstorm ActivityAs of April 9, 2008; next forecast May 31, 2008)
Forecast by Colorado State University
Forecast Parameter 1950- 2005 2006 2007 2008
2000 Ave Act Act Act FC
Named Storms 9.6 23 9 14 15
Named Storm Days 49.1 103 50 70 80
Hurricanes 5.9 13 5 7 8
Hurricane Days 24.5 45 20 35 40
Intense Hurricanes 2.3 7 2 3 4
Intense Hurricane Days 5 17 3 8 9
Net Tropical Cyclone 100% 249% 85% 140 160%
Activity (NTCA)* %
38. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Named Windstorm Coverage
When Considering Wind Risk Transfer -
– Do you need it ?
– Requesting it will place capacity constraints on your placement
– How much do you need ?
– Value at risk deductibles: % of value at risk
– Coverage trigger: Review definition of Named Windstorm
– Major exclusions: Is flooding covered ?
– Stand Alone Placement Premium: 2% - 5% of sum insured
39. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Technical Data Preparation
40. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Technical Data Preparation
Begin by accepting that gathering a high volume of
quality technical data is no longer optional but
mandatory to successfully place construction insurance
for large projects - especially at the best terms and
conditions.
41. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Technical Data Preparation
Critical Data Which Will Be Requested -
– Latest project budget statement
– Insurance application
– Hurricane preparedness procedures specific to the project
– Fire prevention (hot works procedures, fire brigade training, etc.)
– General company overview information
– Explanation of how your companies property conservation
programs
with tie into your contractor’s
– Major contractor’s loss experience on large projects
– Maximum wind design for the asset
42. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Technical Data Preparation
Critical Data Which Will Be Requested (Continued) -
– Flood and hurricane action plans specific to the project
– Construction Underwriting Report
– EML calculations
– Detail on the construction process
– Delay and Start-Up data if DSU quote desired
– Cargo transits
– Major Contract (EPC, etc.) Wording
– Company & contractor QA/QC procedures and management
44. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
III) Let the Placement Begin
45. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Placement Planning
General Considerations -
– How will the placement be managed ?
– Will you conduct a Call For Tender ?
– Who will be invited ?
– What is your placement strategy? Limits, Coverages, Buybacks
– How can you best generate competition ? Brokers, Markets, Placement
Structure
46. Number of energy insurers world-wide
120
100
80
Offshore
60 Onshore
40
20
…no significant changes since 2002
0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Source:Aon Limited
47. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Placement Planning
The Call For Tender -
– Develop a Calendar To Attach Cover at the Appropriate Time
– Cover Letter Inviting Brokers
– Scope of Work
– Basic Project Information
– Broker Deliverability Instructions
– Qualifications – Response on the basis of a desk quotation only…
– Form of Proposal – Details Risk Manager expectations of what information
Broker will provide related to the policy placement, Broker personnel &
experience and the Broker fee.
– Broker Award
– Confidentiality Agreement
– Broker Engagement Letter – Service agreement including indemnities and
insurance requirements
48. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Insurable Limits
49. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Placement Strategy - Insuring Limits – Full ECV Versus A Loss Limit
The Daddy Big Bucks Project
Full Estimated Contract Value (ECV) $ 1,500,000,000
Estimated Premium Calculation 2.5% $ 37,500,000
50. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Placement Strategy - Insuring Limits – Full ECV Versus A Loss Limit
The Daddy Big Bucks Project
Full Estimated Contract Value (ECV) $ 1,500,000,000
Estimated Premium Calculation 2.5% $ 37,500,000
Risk Manager's Option: Insure a Loss Limit CFT $ 750,000,000
Technical Report Estimated Maximum Loss (EML) $ 500,000,000
Delta Between Loss Limit Option & EML $ (250,000,000)
Credits Hoped For - Loss Limit Option 2.5% $ (6,250,000)
51. Placement Strategy - Insuring Limits – Full ECV Versus A Loss Limit
The Daddy Big Bucks Project
Full Estimated Contract Value (ECV) $ 1,500,000,000
Estimated Premium Calculation 2.5% $ 37,500,000
Risk Manager's Option: Insure a Loss Limit CFT $ 750,000,000
Technical Report Estimated Maximum Loss (EML) $ 500,000,000
Delta Between Loss Limit Option & EML $ (250,000,000)
Credits Hoped For - Loss Limit Option 2.5% $ (6,250,000)
Underwriting Response to Risk Manager's Loss Limit Option
Option 1: Loss Limit Option $ 750,000,000
Underwriter Loss Modelling EML $ 800,000,000
Delta Between UWR EML & Loss Limit Option $ 50,000,000
Credits Quoted For Loss Limit Option 2.5% NIL
52. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Placement Strategy - Insuring Limits – Full ECV Versus A Loss Limit
Decision: Insure Full ECV
53. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Presentation Site Map
54. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
IV) Selected Coverage Issues and
Recent Placements
55. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Selected Coverage Issues……
56. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Coverage Issues - Offshore
WELCAR - Special Conditions for Other Assureds
It is a condition precedent for any party identified in Other Assureds definition
clause iii. and iv. above to benefit from the Other Assureds status under the
Policy that they perform their operations according to Quality Assurance/Quality
Control systems(s) which comply with the Quality Assurance/Quality Control
provisions passed on by the Principal Assureds through each and every written
contract awarded within the scope of insured works as scheduled under the
Policy.
The interest of the Other Assured(s) shall be covered throughout the entire
Policy Period for their direct participation in the venture, unless specific
contract(s) contain provisions to the contrary. The rights of any Assured under
this insurance shall only be exercised through the Principal Assureds. Where
the benefits of this insurance have been passed to an Assured by contract, the
benefits passed to that Assured shall be no greater than such contract allows
and in no case greater than the benefits provided under the insuring agreements,
terms, conditions and exclusions in the Policy.
57. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Coverage Issues - Offshore
WELCAR - Waiver of Subrogation
Underwriters agree to waive rights of subrogation against any Principal
Assured(s) and/or Other Assured(s). The Assureds shall not grant any waiver
of subrogation to drilling contractors and/or their sub-contractors without
obtaining Underwriters’ agreement to a specific endorsement to this Policy
prior to the commencement of operations.
As a condition precedent to their benefiting from the automatic waiver of
subrogation in this clause, Other Assureds must perform their operations
according to Quality Assurance/Quality Control system(s) that comply with
the Quality Assurance/Quality Control provisions passed on by the Principal
Assureds through each and every written contract awarded within the scope
of insured works as scheduled under the Policy.
Note: should be modified to reflect deletion of QA/QC and waiver of
subrogation to drilling contractors.
58. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Coverage Issues - Offshore
WELCAR - Policy Limit
Underwriters’ total liability under Section I for all claims arising out of any one
Occurrence shall not exceed 125% of the latest agreed Schedule “B” values,
including payments made under the sue and labour clause, the additional work
clause and the removal of wreckage and/or debris clause (each of which is
separately limited under the appropriate coverage clauses).
In the event of escalation as provided under clause 5 of Section I,
Underwriters’ total liability under Section I for all claims arising out of any one
Occurrence shall not exceed 150% of the initial Schedule “B” values, including
payments made under the sue and labour clause, the additional work clause
and the removal of wreckage and/or debris clause, and the Escalation Clause
(each of which is separately limited under the appropriate coverage clauses).
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, Underwriters’ maximum limit of
liability in respect of Section I shall not exceed the Schedule “A” value in the
aggregate.
59. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Coverage Issues - Onshore
Onshore Construction Hot Buttons
• Contractor Requirements – Design Error, Extended Maintenance,
Contractor Soft Costs: Each of these items often are contractually
required by contractors in the current market and can be critical in
the final costs for a Builders Risk policy. Although LEG 3/96 (faulty
part coverage) is available, it does have an impact on cost. Extended
Maintenance coverage as required by many contractors is often not
commercially available in the US. Many underwriters take the position
that after a Builders Risk policy expires following hand-over, new
occurrences become a 3rd party liability issue and not insurable
under the Builders Risk (which is a property policy.)
• Delay in Start-Up: This coverage is often heavily scrutinized by
underwriters with burdensome documentation and a long waiting
period that sometimes makes the coverage not very cost effective for
owners.
60. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Coverage Issues - Onshore
Onshore Construction Hot Buttons – continued
• Inland Transit: This coverage extension although traditionally covered
without many questions is coming under increased scrutiny by some
underwriters. Owners should be prepared to provide details similar to
what one would normally expect on an Ocean Marine placement. This is
a critical coverage and owners should carefully evaluate contracts to
determine the level of inland transit coverage actual needed under a CAR
/ EAR policy.
• Liquidated Damages: Although very challenging and expensive to place
(generally not considered economically practical), many contracts have a
provision for owners to insure LD’s. Underwriters sometimes may agree
to write a limited LD cover, there are usually many questions around the
issue of moral hazards when contractors know there is insurance for
LD’s provided to them.
61. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Some Recent Placements……
62. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Ultra Deep Offshore Placement
Construction "All Risks" / Liability Insurance
Lead Quote on Welcar Form
Description Limits Cost
CAR - Includes Windstorm $ 444,146,376 ECV $ 8,200,000 1.8%
$ 150,000,000 CSL 5.5%
Sub-Limits
Cancellation $ 5,000,000
Standby $ 10,000,000 $ 70,000
Forwarding $ 2,500,000
Testing $ 2,500,000
Buyback: Faulty Part Coverage $ 20,000,000 $ 445,000
Third Party Liability $ 100,000,000 $ 470,000
Sub-Total Insurance Cost $ 9,185,000
Deductibles - Staged from $1,000,000 - $5,000,000
63. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
LARGE ONSHORE PROJECT
Description Market Quote Description 2
Coverage Full Project Value
Design Error Provision LEG2/96
12 Months Maintenance Yes
DSU & Extra Expense No Cover
Windstorm Limit $100,000,000 In the aggregate for the term of the policy
Flood limit $100,000,000 In the aggregate for the term of the policy
Earth Movement $250,000,000 Annual aggregate
Inland Transit No Cover
Deductibles
Works $500,000
Hot Test and Commissioning $1,000,000
Named Windstorm 3% VARATOL min
Rate 0.40%
64. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
V) Energy Market Indicators
65. $bn
20
So how did 2006 turn out?
18
16
14 Source:Willis/Aon Energy Loss Database
12
10
8
Losses excess US$1m
6
Estimated Worldwide Premium (US$)
4
2
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
66. Energy insurer capacities & average rating levels
The “Supply & demand” curve
US$m % of 2001 rates
6,000 120
5,000 100
4,000 80
3,000 Offshore
60
Capacities
2,000 40
Onshore
Capacities
1,000 20
0 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Source: Aon Limited
67. RIMS 2008 – Construction Placements
Capacities of Major Reinsurers
Reinsurer 2006 2008
AIG $150m $200m
Swiss $120m $100m +
Zurich $75m $100m
ACE $80m $150m
ARCH $75m $100m
Liberty $100m $150m
76. What is Ergonomics?
From the National Safety Council:
“Ergonomics is the study of human
characteristics for the appropriate
design of the living and working
environment.”
77. What is Ergonomics?
Solutions to ensure safety and productivity
of workers
Involves changing tools, equipment, materials,
work methods, work place:
Engineering controls
Safe work practices
PPE
78. What is Ergonomics?
Reduce Work- Related Use principles of
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Ergonomics:
– Gripping – Redesign tools, equipment,
– Kneeling materials, or work
– Lifting processes
– Repetitive movements
– Bending
– Twisting
– Using vibrating equipment
– Squatting
– Overreaching
79. Musculoskeletal Disorders
(MSDs)
• Involve nerves, tendons, muscles, and
supporting structures such as
intervertebral discs
• Represent wide range of disorders from
mild to severe chronic and debilitating
conditions
80. Common MSDs
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Low back pain
• Eyestrain
• Tendonitis
• Trigger finger
• De Quervain’s disease
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Herniated disk
• Hand-arm vibration syndrome
81. MSD Characteristics
• Severe and debilitating symptoms
• Reduced worker productivity
• Lost time
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Inability to perform job tasks
• Increase in workers’ compensation costs
82. MSD Signs
• Less strength for gripping
• Less range of motion
• Loss of muscle function
• Inability to do everyday tasks
83. Outward MSD Signs
• Swelling or inflammation of joints
• Vigorously shaking hands
• Massaging hands, wrists, or arms
• Cradling arms
• Limping
• Stiff back
84. MSD Symptoms
• Back and neck – shooting pain, stiffness
• Shoulders – pain, stiffness, loss of
mobility
• Arms and legs – shooting pains,
numbness
• Elbow and knee joints – pain, swelling,
stiffness, soreness
85. MSD Symptoms (cont.)
• Hands and wrists – swelling, numbness,
loss of strength
• Fingers – jerking movements, or loss of
strength, mobility, and feeling
• Thumbs – pain at the base
• Feet and toes – numbness, tingling,
stiffness, burning sensation
86. Risk Factors
• Repetitive motion – Stress on muscles, nerves,
and tendons
• Forceful exertion – Inflammation of tendons,
nerves, joints
• Awkward posture – Stress on muscles and
tendons
• Contact stress (pressure points) – Pressing
against or grabbing a hard object
• Vibration – Affects tendons, muscles, joints,
nerves
87. Risk Factor - Repetitive
Motion
• Stress on muscles, nerves, and tendons
• Contributing factors:
Frequency of repetition
Duration and speed of the repetitious movement
Number of muscles involved
Required force
88. Risk Factor - Forceful Exertions
• Inflammation of tendons, nerves, and joints
• Contributing factors:
Type of grip
Weight of object
Body posture
Type and duration of the task
Presence of vibration
89. Risk Factor – Awkward Postures
• Stress on muscles and tendons
• Contributing factors:
Overhead reaching
Maintaining awkward position
• Lifting while twisting, turning, or reaching
90. Risk Factor – Contact Stress
• Pressing against or grabbing a hard object
Pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood
vessels
• Contributing factors
Repetition
Duration of contact
Strength of grip required
91. Risk Factor – Vibration
• Affects tendons, muscles, nerves, and joints
• Contributing factors:
Restriction of blood supply to hands and
fingers
Prolonged grip
No dampening device on tool
93. No mouth - can’t complain
about the constant pain from Long flexible neck - to see
over work poorly placed machine controls
Built-in computer - easily Steel cable in back - can’t be
programmed for boring injured by heavy lifting
repetitive work
Super strong arm - when Extra long arm - can
quality assurance requires easily reach supplies on
brute force to make parts fit the highest shelves
Easily replaceable wrist unit -
Wrist Springs- never needs expensive carpal
absorb the shock of tunnel surgery
vibrating power
Telescoping legs - no need
for adjustable height
workstations
94. Identifying Hazards and
Controlling Through Ergonomics
• Identify potential hazards and degree of risk
• Devise control strategy
• Implement control measures
• Train employees
95. Workstation Design
• Workspace layout
• Work surfaces
• Standing and walking surfaces
• Seating
• Storage
• Work fixtures
• Work environment
96. Workstations
Computer Workstations
• Keyboard
Thin and detachable • Monitor
Positioned low Slightly below eye level
Viewing angle 30 degrees
• Mouse or trackball Viewing distance 18-24”
Within easy reach
Same height as keyboard
97. Workstations
Computer Workstations (cont’d.)
• Seating
Adjustable back support, seat and
padded arms
Adequate support for back and legs
Rolling, five-pronged base for stability
• Workspace Layout
Adjustable
Worker should be able to maintain neutral position
Adequate leg room
Adequate space for tools and equipment
98. Workstations
• Work Surfaces
Proper height and angle
Permit neutral postures
Adjustable
• Walking and standing surfaces
Designed to prevent slipping
Provide adequate traction and comfort
99. Workstations
• Storage
Organized
Heavy items stored between knee and shoulder
height
Frequently used items close to worker
• Work Fixtures
Use mechanical devices
Hand tools should fit employees’ hands
Use pneumatics tools with vibration dampening
Provide personal protective equipment (PPEs)
100. Workstations
• Work Environment
Isolate equipment or operations that produce loud
or distracting noise
Proper lighting
Isolate hands and feet from cold
Reduce whole-body vibration while riding in
vehicles or standing near equipment
Isolate workers from excessive heat
101. Workstations
• Management Controls
Safe procedures
Broadening or varying job content
Training in recognition of risk factors
Requiring use of PPEs
Reducing shift length or curtailing overtime
Rotating workers
Scheduling frequent breaks
102. Key Points – Basic Ergonomic
Principles
• Examine work conditions on case-by-
case basis
• Minor ergonomic changes can make
significant improvements
• Involve workers in discussions before
changes are made
103. References
• National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health
www.niosh.gov
• Occupational Safety & Health
Administration
www.osha.gov
• National Safety Council
www.nsc.org