Telephone
On this page:
Telephone Use
Learn and use the functions of your telephone, such as redial and the storage of commonly used phone numbers.
Note: Do not cradle the phone between the shoulder and ear.
Telephone Placement
When making a lot of calls, it may be best to place the telephone on the same side as the dominant hand so that this hand can comfortably operate the numeric and function buttons. When mostly receiving calls, it may be more comfortable to place it on the non-dominant side.
Headsets
When the phone is used very often or for prolonged periods, a headset should be used. A telephone headset is particularly recommended if the user is also required to access the computer during a phone call.
Problems and Solutions
Telephone problems and solutions
| Item |
Hazard/s |
Solutions |
Equipment and maintenance |
- User conducts telephone calls and uses the keyboard and mouse to access and record information. This can result in user cradling telephone handset between ear and shoulder causing neck, shoulder and back discomfort.
- User often participates in telephone conferences.
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- The phone can be picked up in the non-dominant hand and notes taken with dominant hand.
- Provide headset to permit ‘hands free’ use of the telephone when the telephone is used frequently and/or for prolonged periods.
- Provide a hands-free phone for the user. This is not suitable for an open plan office in which case a hands-free phone should be installed in a meeting room.
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Telephone position |
- Telephone location involves reaching, twisting or stretching.
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- Place the telephone within easy reach of the user without stretching, reaching or twisting. See: Workstation.
- Provide a long enough cord to allow flexible positioning of the telephone to suit the user.
- Relocate the phone socket.
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Background noise |
- Conducting telephone conversations in an unacceptably noisy environment.
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- Provide appropriate sound proofing to shield the user from the source of noise.
- Provide headset with earpieces designed to minimise the intrusion of external sounds.
- Orient workstations to minimise noise from other workstations.
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