Ch 13 Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

NOTES Important Points

Introduction to Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

Every workplace accident, illness or dispute is a cost to organization, as well as a cost

to injured individuals and their families. All the Employees have to take responsibility
for their own health and safety rather than relying solely on the "safety officer" or
management.

Health

Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being. Every
organisation must provide the following facilities to their employees.

1. Cleanliness at workplace.

2. A proper air conditioning to provide clean and cool air at workplace.

3. A properly filtered water facility.

4. A food cafeteria must provide fresh and good quality food.

5. The organisation should maintain a clean washroom facility for the employees.

Safety

The work environment of the organisation must be safe. It must be free from hazards
and risk.

A hazard is something that can cause harm to the people. A risk is a probability of
causing harm to the people.

Security

Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm. Security ensures the safety of
the people working in the organisation. Every organisation must have separate
security department. This department should be responsible for various security such
as personal safety, computer system safety, electrical safety, transport safety and
other equipment safety.

Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety and Security

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has prepared the policy to provide
employees with a healthy and safe work environment.

A health, safety and security policy is a written statement by an employer stating the
company's commitment for the protection of the health, safety and security of
employees and to the public. It is an endorsed commitment by management to its
employees regarding their health, safety and security.

Reasons for Health, Safety and Security Programs or Policies in Workplace

There are several reasons that can be specified for safety policy as given below.
 • It clearly indicates the company's commitment for their employee's health and
safety;

• It shows the performance of the business and the safety performance are
compatible with each other.

• It clearly state that the company is not only doing the business for profits but it is
taking care of all its stake holders.

• Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy.

A typical policy of an IT company may contain the following OH&S clauses.

1. Provide adequate resources to ensure continual improvement in its OH&S

performance.

2. Set appropriate OH&S objectives & targets and conduct periodic performance
reviews against these targets.

3. Adopt measures and processes that focus on the prevention of occupation related
accidents, injuries.

Workplace Safety Hazards

Hazard is 'a danger or risk' that is associated with something. Workplace hazards
poses potential harm to people at work.

An occupational hazard is the illness one may acquire due to his occupation. Some
types of occupational hazards are: Physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological
hazards,, behavioural hazards, radiological hazards, ergonomic hazards etc.

1. Physical Hazards

It is the risks arising from the physical work environment - floors, facilities, walls, and
ceilings. Physical hazards could also mean working with machinery and electricity-
operated machines.

Falling Off Heights, Slipping and Tripping

The reasons for falling are attributed to faulty scaffolding and ladders, as a result of
contact with
electricity, and
slipping or
crashing into
anything that
throws the
worker off
balance. On
the other
hand, trips and
slips occur
right on lower
levels,
particularly the
floor, on ramps
and any
uneven
surface in the workplace.

Falls and Slips Safety rules

1) Keep the moving area clean and clutter free.

2) Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.

3) Wear non slippery footwear.

4) Floors must be clean and dry

5) Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned

2. Electrical Hazards

There are many reasons why workers suffer from electric shock at work. For the most
part, it's due to coming in direct contact with live wires, or having indirect contact
through a conductor

Electrical Safety Rules:

1) Electrical equipment used should be approved by a recognised organization.

2) Workers should be trained to handle the electric equipment safely.

3) Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately replaced.

4) Heat emanating equipment should be kept away from the electrical equipment.

3. Fire Hazards

Each establishment must comply with housekeeping standards to ensure fire safety.
Those who do not follows such requirements, may leads to accidents resulting to fire.

Basic Fire safety rules in an organization are:

1) Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels

2) Conduct regular drills

3) Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals

4) Keep workplace a no-smoking zone

5) Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly

Health Hazards

Health refers to the physical well-being of the workers, and this includes the condition
of their skin, eyes, ears and all other body parts.
It also includes the health situation of which we cannot see upfront like their
respiratory and cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. Hazards are present
in most workplaces
For example, a noisy machine or factory environment could damage the sense of
hearing of the workers.

Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organisation

A. Bright light sources

Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems, making it
difficult to clearly see your work. Apply the following possible solutions to avoid this.

1. Use blinds or drapes on windows to eliminate bright light

2. Reorient the workstation so bright lights from open windows are at right angles with
the computer screen.

3. Furniture placement should be adjusted to allow light into the room, but not directly
into your field of view.

B. Hazards using Computers

Hazards while using computers include poor sitting postures or excessive duration of
sitting in one position.
These hazards may result in pain and strain. Glare from the computer screen can be
harmful to the eyes.

1. Stretching at regular intervals or doing some simple yoga in your seat can mitigate
such hazards.
C. Handling Office Equipment

Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. For example, sharp-edged
equipment if not handled properly, can cause cuts. Staff members should be trained to
handle equipment properly.

1. Lifting or moving heavy items without proper procedure or techniques can be a

source of potential hazard.

D. Stress at Work

In organisations, we may encounter various stress causing hazards. Long working

hours can be stressful. Have some relaxing hobbies for stress against long working
hours.

E. Working Environment

Potential hazards may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of inappropriate
height, hard furniture, poor lighting, staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor
housekeeping.
Hazards may also include physical or emotional intimidation, such as bullying.

Hazard Control

Hazard control measures are a crucial tool to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
They are taken to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with workplace hazards.

Control measures should follow the hierarchy with a strong emphasis on eliminating
hazards at the source, whenever possible.

1. Take all feasible measures to eliminate the hazard, for example, by substituting or
modifying the process.

2. If elimination is impractical, take all feasible measures to isolate the hazard.

3. If it is totally impossible to eliminate or isolate the hazard, its likelihood to cause

injury should be minimised.

Safety Guidelines Checklist

1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.

2. Throw garbage daily.

3. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.

4. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.

5. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some
machinery, tools or equipment.
6. Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks,
gloves, and hair nets.

7. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.

8. Do not play with electrical controls or switches.

9. Do not smoke in 'No Smoking' areas.