4 Managing Health and

Safety at Workplace
INTRODUCTION

.es is the best creation of God. The

significance of
Cad health,wellbeing and safety are most essential tohuman life is related to good health.
lead a better and productive life.
In Iune 2023, a fire broke out at a coaching
institute at Mukherjee Nagar in north-west
Dalhi As the fire spread, students stuck inside the
tom the windows using electrical wires. At least 61 institute were seen trying to escape
persons were reportedly injured, some
of them critically. The fire that started in the electric meter
and the injuries minimized, had there been even basic safety
could have been controlled
measures in
running the institute apparently turned a blind eye to fire safety normsplace. Buttothose
leading the
mishap.
This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of adhering to
safety
workplace, home, schools, colleges and even in shopping malls and markets.rules
at the
Most such
mishaps can be avoided if safety measures are in place.
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Safety is of utmost importance whether it is at the
workplace or elsewhere. Working in a safe and healthy
environment not only leads to higher output but also
reduces the risk of injuries/illnesses. Moreover, it also
brings down absenteeism and boosts
In fact, it is the employee morale.
responsibility of those at the helm to
ensure that the enterprise is well equipped to
Small accident from escalating into a major, prevent
life
threatening
The
one.
basic safety standards
types of industries. These to be maintained at the workplace is an important aspect for all
safety standards fall under the categories of fire safety, falls and
slips, electrical safety and use of first aid. It is the moral responsibility of an organization to
ensure the health, safety and wellness of all its employees. Any casualty at the workplace
isthe sole of the employers and should be avoided at all costs. Acasual
approach toresponsibility
fire safety may not only result in physical injury to an employee but also
mental agony to the whole family.
Some common accidents at the workplace and steps to prevent them include:
Fire Safety
It has been observed that fire incidents
mostly occur due
to carelessness, e.g., cooking done in
pantry or
with poor ventilation, improper electrical canteen fittings,
smoking, inflammable substances left uncovered,
etc. However, most fire accidents can be prevented if
adequate precautions are taken. Fire at the workplace
is a very serious hazard. It can not only lead to a
large
number of casualties but also cause huge financial loss
to the organisation. Thus, prevention is absolutely critical. Some key rules to be followed to
prevent mishaps and lower damages, should such a situation arise, are as under:
(a) Ensure a clear passage to all escape routes. Outline escape
and lead directly to the exit doors. pathways that are short
(b) Check smoke alarms regularly and install them along with
sprinklers at vital points.
(c) Ensure that emergency doors open
easily.
(d) Keep the workplace clean and ensure it is a
no-smoking zone.
(e) Carry out a Fire Safety Risk Assessment which includes fire
and sending warnings along with firefighting and proper prevention, fire detection
(f) Store chemicals and highly inflammable emergency escape.
materials safely.
(g) Conduct fire safety training and regular drills.
Falls and Slips
Slips occur when there is very less friction or traction between the
footwear and the
walking surface.

Slips Trips Falls

Tripsoccur when a person's foot collides (strikes/hits) with an object, thus causing them
to lose balance and eventually fall. To avoid slips, trips and
falls, the following measures
should be taken:
(a) Keep the passageway and moving area clean and free of debris, clutter and obstacles.
(b) Good cross-ventilation and provision for adequate lighting.
(c) Workers should be advised to wear anti-skid footwear.
(d) Clean up spills immediately and ensure that the floors are clean and dry.
(e) In case oil spills or dust can't be cleaned immediately, place 'Wet Floor'
warning signs.
() Keep the cords or cables safely covered.
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Electrical Safety
Employees should be trained to use electrical
equipment
any eventuality. One must take appropriate measures cautiously
and follow safetyand to to
rules dealprotect
with
themselves from electrical devices both at home and at the workplace.
Thefollowing
precautions should be taken in order to avoid
equipment:
accidents while using electrical
(a) Avoid using sub--standard electrical equipment.
(b) Avoid using water while working with electrical
equipment.
(c) Electrical wires should not be tangled or intertwined.
In case wires and electrical equipment are worn out
or have damaged insulation, they should be replaced
immediately.
(d) Always use insulated rubber gloves and goggles while
handling electricwires/cables or circuit.
(e) Ensure that the outlets/circuits are not overloaded.
() Before cleaning or relocating electrical appliances, switch them off and unplug them.

Use of First Aid

First aid is the emergency care that is provided to an injured
person immediately after a mishap takes place till proper
medical aid/facility arrives. First aid, provided effectively and
on time, can save lives. Its purpose is to minimize injury
disability.
and FIRST AID
First-Aid
It is essential for every organization to have a basic
Kit ready and available at all times. Also, it should be regularly
related
checked to ensure that all the medicines and other
items in the kit are well within their expiration date.
while
Mentioned below are some basic rules to be followed
providing first aid to an injured person:
la) Try to make the injured calm.
shock, try to keep them warm.
(0) In case the injured person is under some
(c) Hold the injured steady.
injured.
(a) In case of a neck/back injury, do not move the 15 minutes.
burns, run cool water over the affected area for up to
rOr °eating minor workplace. As the name suggests,
a worker at the
Occupational hazards may be faced by
one might receive while performingtheir
hazard refers to an illness or injury the people working
occupational chemical factory may affect
duty, e.g. certain harmful chemicals in a
there. workers are prone to include
chemical,
The that
different types of occupational hazards ergonomic, etc.
physical, biological, radiological, behavioural, 217

Health and Safety at Workolace

 Buddy System
There is no doubt that safety at workplace is of utmost
importance. Thus, to ensure the wellbeing and safety of
employees, many organizations have introduced "buddy
system as the perfect measure to combat accidents
and injuries at the workplace. As the name suggests, SAFETY
AT
this system pairs together twO co-Workers as partners,
WORKPLACE
entrusting them with the responsibility of mutual safety.
The pairing of two co-workers is done to ensure that each
employee is closely observed by another during situations
of emergency. And since emergencies often require
aid, the buddy system aims to offer the same, instant
thereby
considerably reducing the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
In fact, at workplaces involving higher risks, only one person is
of ensuring safety, barring them from performing the task at hand given the responsibility
by their partner or buddy However, at most which is performed
workplaces, both partners are equally
responsible for their tasks while simultaneously paying heed to each other's safety
an emergency. during
Also aiding significantly in the orientation of a new
system makes certain that they get proper guidanceemployee
to the team, the buddy
regarding the risks involved in the work environment.from an experienced employee
Not only does this offer the
opportunity to the newcomer to eventually become a safety buddy but it also tests the
skills of the experienced employees.
Enhanced Safety Awareness
Emergency Response
Reduced Risk of Accidents
Reduced Stress
and Injuries

Improved Communication 8
Enhanced Employee Confidence

Increased Accountability
Effective Risk Management
Boosted Morale and
Team Building Support for
New Employees
Fig. 4.1: Advantages of Buddy System at the
Workplace
Advantages of Buddy System at the Workplace
1. Providing safety assistance by reducing
risks at the workplace.
2. Identifying dangers and risks to keep them at bay.
3. Protecting employees from harmful
exposure to certain hazards.
4. Offering rescue-assistance during an
emergency.
5. Giving prompt respite like first aid or
evacuation to safety during an emergency.
6. Raising alarm to summon help in case of a major mishap.
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 PREVENTING ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES
The occurrence of unplanned and uncontrolled events resulting in personal injury is
defined as accident. Accidents may occur at the workplace or at any point of time in our
life, so their
prevention becomes necessary.
2 How to handle them
1 Major risks today
3 What safety measures 4 What if those controls
do we have at the fail
workplace

Accidentsat Workplace
work. Contact with an Sprains, strains and
One may get involved in an accident while at object or equipment back injuries
as
Some common types of workplace accidents are
follows:
" Fire, slip and fall accidents
Contact with a harmful object or equipment
Exposure to harmful substances Respiratory illness, Slips, Trips and Falls
Industrial illnesses or diseases chemical burns or
blindness
Road accidents
Accidents involving animals
Clinical negligence
Sports-related injuries
" Over-exertion
accidents at the workplace. Slip and fall
Falls, slips and trips are the main causes of environment. Injuries inflicted due to
occur any time and in any working
dccldents can may
accidents may range from minor aches to severe fractures. Slip and fall accidents
nese
accompanied with fractures, knee or elbow sprain, major wrist or head injury, etc.
De
Handling Accidents accidents at all costs is imperative.
better than cure. Avoiding
vention is always each other. The following are some ways to
avoid blaming
However,
if happens,
a mishap
handle accidents sympathetically:
Operating Procedure) must be followed by organizations for handling
(Standard
accidents. be put in place.
10prevent workplace accidents, safety measures must
the ambulance and medical teamn in case of any mishappenirng
umediately call for worker for any
regular intervals to prepare
drills must be observed at
Emergency
eventuality. 219

Managing Health and Safety at Workplace

Emergency Situations
An emergency situation at a workplace refers to an event that occurs and Creates risks
for employees and clients. It may result in a sudden risk to life, property, health, etc.
Such situations must be handled promptly, ensuring all necessary precaution is taken.
Emergencies fall into three categories, i.e.. natural, work-related and external.
In an emergency situation:
Employees, customers or the public are threatened.
Operations are disrupted or shut down.
" Environmental or physical damage occurs.
To prevent further damage, an emergency must be handled without
this, one must stay alert at all times. Emergencies are of wasting time. To do
various types and can occur at
schools, workplace or home. Having an emnergency plan not only minimizes
also results in quick recovery. damage but
Types of Emergencies
Emergencies are of various types and there should be an emergency
handle them. The various types of emergencies include: management plan to
" Flood
Explosion
Fire
Tornado
Hurricane
Earthquake
Civil disturbance
e Toxic material release
Workplace violence
HUMAN FOLLIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
Here are some real-life examples where safety was
ignored, resulting in major tragedies.
Tamil Nadu School Fire
In 2004, a bone-chilling incident took place at
Kumbanad in
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. On July 16, 2004, 94 students fromn
the primary section of the Krishna English Medium School
lost their lives after the school's thatched roof
caught fire.
A minor fire broke out at the
midday-meal kitchen which
had a thatched roof and soon spread to the upper
level. The
narrow staircase, the only exit point, was located close to the
kitchen and was stuffed with sundry material. This
children trying to escape the razing fire. The fire logsproved
stored
to be a major obstacle for the
in the kitchen only made the
situation worse, resulting in severe injuries to many hapless children.
The tragic incident could have been avoided had
the highly irresponsible school
management put in place some basic fire safety standards.
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Kolkata Hospital Fire
A major fire broke out at a private hospital in Dhakuria,
Kolkata, in the early hours of December 9, 2011.
The leaping flames, allegedly caused by a short circuit in
the basement of the hospital claimed 89 innocent lives.
The illegal storage of highly inflammable material in the
basement made the situation worse and beyond control.
The investigation later revealed that this disastrous incident took place as the hospital was
blatantly violating fire safety and civic rules.
Fire at Gujarat Coaching Institute
At least 22 students lost their lives when a fire broke out in
afour-storeyed building at Sarthana in Surat, Gujarat in 2019.
The students were studying at the coaching institute on the
third and fourth floors of the building. The fire which started
on the ground floor rapidly spread to the upper floors forcing
the students to take cover on the roof. In the melee that
followed, a number of students died either due to suffocation
or by falling off the windows in an attempt to escape the fire.
The situation worsened as there was no fire safety equipment installed and the building
had no emergency exit. The incident, which could have been avoided, claimed innocent
lives besides maiming many others.
Biker has a narrow escape
This incident emphasizes how ignoring road safety rules has the potential to putthe lives
of others at grave risk.
While driving on a busy road, a man tried to stop his car near a vegetable vendor. Without
even glancing at the rear-view mirror, he suddenly opened the car door. Unfortunately.
there was a motorcyclist behind the car and a truck coming from the opposite direction. No
sooner did the car door open than the motorcyclist was flung across, landing very close to
the incoming truck. He suffered multiple injuries including a serious head injury.
The investigation later concluded that had the car driver been alert and looked in the
rear-víew miror before opening the door, this accident could have been averted.
Hazards of Fuel
An auto-rickshaw driver carrying a passenger halted at a CNG
station for refuelling. Since it is mandatory to get down from the
vehicle at the time of refuelling, the driver asked the passenger
to do so. However, busy on his mobile phone, the passenger paid
no heed to the driver's request. The worker at the CNG station,
instead of asking the passenger to step out, simply plugged the
nozzle and moved on to the next vehicle.
Moments later, a blast was heard and people saw a man in flames being pulled out or
the burning auto-rickshaw. He was immediately covered with a fire blanket and rushed to
hospital.
221
Managing Health and Safety at Workplace
It was later revealed that there were multiple lapses, starting from the casual behaviour
of the passenger, followed by the reluctance of the driver to force the passenger to step
out and the careless behaviour of the CNG station worker for refuelling the auto-rickshaw
while the passenger was still sitting inside. Had the auto -rickshaw driver, the CNG station
worker and the passenger followed basic rules and been careful, the passenger, who
suffered severe injuries, could have been saved from the trauma and injury and the vehicle
would not have been destroyed in the fire.
WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND SAFETY MEASURES
Sometimes, employees may encounter several challenges and hazardous situations at the
workplace. Every employee expects an accident-proof work environment. If safety at the
workplace is overlooked, it might result in acute mental and physical complications for the
employees. Safety measures must be properly implemented to protect the equipment and
to ensure the safety of employees.
Types of Hazards
Some serious health hazards at the workplace endanger the lives of the workers. Any hazard
can create a situation of extreme risk, leading to damage, harm or a potential loss of life.
Depending on the environment or industry, the workers may encounter certain hazards.
The different types of hazards include chemical, physical, biological, mechanical, etc.
Sources of Hazards
Hazards at the workplace can emerge from various sources such as:
1. Physical Hazards: Physical hazards include risk from
machinery and equipment.
Machine noise can damage hearing, extreme temperatures can lead to stress or burns,
and ergonomics such as poor setup or heavy lifting can cause severe injuries.
2. Chemical Hazards: Chemicals such as acids and pesticides can
cause skin iritation,
burns, respiratory issues, etc. Moreover, inhalation of dust particles for a long period of
time can lead to respiratory diseases.
3. Biological Hazards: Infectious agents such as
bacteria, virus and fungi can cause
diseases like influenza and tuberculosis. Outdoor and agricultural workers may face
bites or stings, leading to allergic reactions or infections.
4. Environmental Hazards: Slip, trip and fall due to wet
floor, uneven surface or improper
use of electrical equipment can result in electric shocks, burns or fire. Improper storage
of inflammable material can increase the risk of fire and
even explosion.
How toprevent workplace mishaps
The following is a checklist for workstations:
At the workstation
" Sufficient space should be provided to the user to work comfortably.
There should be adequate lightíng.
Windows should have adjustable coverings to alter the intensity of sunlight.
In case the workstation is shared by two or more
people, adequate sitting space should
be provided for allof them.
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 display screen should
The Display well-defined characters of adequate size and spacing.
.Contain astable image.
"
Have easily adjustable brightness and contrast.
Easily tilt and swivel to suit the requirements of the user.
reflections.
Be free from glare and
base or should be kept on an adjustable table.
Have a separate
The keyboard should
Be easily adjustable as per the preference of the user.
Have provision for hand or arm support.
Have a matte surface.
. Have easily identifiable symbols on keys.
The work surface should
Have adequate space for the user.
Have a non-reflective surface.
. Be spacious enough to permit the screen, keyboard and other peripherals to be arranged
comfortably.
Include an adjustable and stable document holder at the same level and at the same
viewing distance as the screen.
Provision for Evacuation
Every workplace must have an evacuation provision in case of an emergency. Evacuation
refers to the process of vacating a place in case of an emergency.
Every organization must adhere to the following to handle an emergency situation:
There must be an evacuation policy and all employees should be aware of it.
Adesignated assembly point should be assigned and every employee should know how
to access it in case of an
emergency.
An organization must ensure that the evacuation routes are simple and well kept. It is
eSsential for workers to understand the floor plans and evacuation routes that are to be
used in dire situations.
Ssembly
and clean. areas where employees are required to collect after evacuation should be open
Organization must have a 'buddy system' toensure that the differently abled workers
are lent a helping hand and are guided out carefully during an emergency.
Periodic safety drills should be conducted to familiarize the employees with the steps to
be taken in an
emergency.
HEALTHY LIVING
Living ahealthy life is the first and foremost principle of asuccessful life. Healthy living is
imperatactive
more ive asandit aligns with ahealthy environment both at home and at the workplace. Being
energized, healthy employees are not only more productive but also exude
optimismn. Ahealthy employee is one whois also happy.
Managing Health and Safety at Workplace
223
Healthy living implies people following healthy habits to have a sound body and mind.
Such healthy habits may incude exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, getting
adequate sleep and inculcating positive thinking and atitude. A healthy mind is
emotionally, psychologically and socially well balanced. It is very important to keep your
mind and body healthy as this will help you handle your day-to-day stress better at work
and at home. This will further aid you in making the right choices and walking own
the right path. Thus, healthy living plays a major role in improving a person's health and
wellbeing.
A healthy lifestyle includes:
Good eating habits such as consuming nutritious Increased
Increased

food in proper quantity and at proper intervals. Productivity

StaRefduc
Employee

Morale
Level
Physical activities like Yoga, going for long walks
or regularly exercising. Turnover Reduced

CoImImmagpperaonvyed
Absenteeism
Exercises or techniques to manage stress Benefits of
effectively. Healthy
Workplace
Meditation, spending quality time with family
and friends or going out on vacations.
Adequate amount of sleep (at least 7 hours) and adhering to an effective sleep pattern by
going to bed early and waking up early in the morning.
Keeping your mind healthy with positive thoughts.
Planning and setting short-term and long-term goals in life.
It requires practice, commitment and sincere efforts to live a healthy life.
Stay Healthy! Stay Happy!

AcTIVITY 1
Make a list of the safety measures to be taken to avoid hazards or accidents in various situations at
workplace and in your school.

MEMORY BYTES
Safety at the workplace is of utmost importance to maintain social, mental and physical wellbeing of
workers or employees.
Ahazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects to people at home or at the
workplace.
To save the life of an injured, first aid is the immediate assistance provided.
An emergency situation refers to a sudden risk to life, property, health, etc. To prevent sucha situation
from becoming critical, some kind of intervention is required.
 EXERCISES
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Workplace safety is essential in organizations
(a) To avoid accidents and injuries (b) To increase productivity
(c) To improve work environment (d) All of these
2. Which of the following is not mandatory to maintain the good health of an employee?
(a) Cleanliness (b) Food court
(c) Clean and fresh air (d) Clean washroom
3. Which kind of hazard is more common in the IT industry?
(a) Biological (b) Chemical
(c) Physical (d) Ergonomic
4. Which of the following is a hazard of using computers?
(a) Poor sitting postures or excessive sitting in one position
(b) Lifting heavy objects
(c) Mishandling of tools and equipment
(d) Improper handling of office equipment
5. Which of the following is likely to result in an injury to the operator?
(a) Selecting the right tool for the job (b) Wearing safety goggles or glasses
(c) Using tools with loose handles (d) Keeping sharp cutting tools
6. What is the potential cause of hazards at the workplace?
(a) Poor ventilation (b) Poor lighting
(c) Poor housekeeping (d) All of these
7. Which safety equipment is recommended for handlingelectric wires, cables or circuits?
(a) Insulated rubber gloves (b) Goggles
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
8. What is first aid?
(a) Emergency care provided to an injured person immediately
(b) Routine medical check-ups for individuals
(c) Long-term medical treatment for minor injuries
(d) Repairing damaged equipment in the workplace
9. include risk from machinery and equipment.
(a) Chemical Hazards (b) Biological Hazards
(c) Environmental Hazards (d) Physical Hazards
10. The should be free from glare and reflections to prevent workplace mishaps.
(a) keyboard (b) display screen
(c) work surface (d) Both (b) and (c)
11. What are the main causes of accidents at the workplace?
(a) Slips (b) Falls
(c) Trips (d) Allof these

Managing Health and Safety at Workplace 225

 II. Fill in the blanks:
1. Healthy living is the state of physical, and .wellbeing.
2. Workstations must be cleaned in the before the employees start working.
3. Proper ... .... provides clean and cool air at the workplace.
4. A cafeteria helps to maintain the .of the employees.
5. The work environment of an organization must be free from and

0. The implementation of proper security procedures in offices reduces the chances of

and improves
7. Injuries and illnesses of employees can be prevented through a national policy on

8. Hazards while using computers occur due to or excessive sitting in

9. Two co-workers being paired at the workplace as part of safety management practice is known as
system.

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

I. Solved Questions:
1. Write any four primary fire safety rules to be followed by an organization.
Ans. The four basic fire safety rules to be followed are:
(0) Installing fire escape signs at proper intervals
(ii) Conducting regular safety drills
(ii) Install smoke alarms
(iv) Making workplace a no-smoking zone
2. Write four slip and fall safety rules in an organization.
Ans. Four slipand fall safety rules are:
() Keeping the passageway clutter-free
(ii) Wearing non-slippery footwear
(iii) Keeping the floors dry
(iv) Immediately cleaning oil spills
3. How can an organization improve safety and security of its employees?
Ans. Everyorganization must followa standardset of safety rules and procedures. These rules must be
stated and displayed clearly at important spots in the organisation. All the employees must be given
demonstrations and training to follow safety rules.
4. llustrate the basic safety rules to be followed at workplace or at home.
Ans. Some basicsafety rules to be followed at the workplace as well as at home are:
() Ensuring fire safety like installing smoke alarms
(ii) Preventing falls and slips by keeping the floors clean and dry
(ii) Ensuring that the electrical wires are not damaged
(iv) First-aid kit should be handy
() Timely repairs should be carried out at the workplace/home to avoid or minimize any
hazards

226 SUPPLEMENT-Essentials of Information Technology-X

 E Give any two basic safety rules for ensuring fall and slip safety.
Ans. Two basic rules for ensuring fall and slip safety are:
(i) Keep the passageway clean and clutter-free.
(Hi) Workplace must be properly ventilated and get
adequate light.
E Give any two electical satety rules that organizations must follow.
Ans.
Twoelectrical safety rules that organizations must followare:
() Using good quality electrical equipment
(i) Workers should be trained to handle electrical equipment.
7. Explain any twofirst aid rules.
Ans. Two first aid rules are:
(0) Ensure that the injured remains calm
(ii) Keep the injured warm if they are under shock
8. What do you mean by occupational hazards?
Ans An occupational hazard reters to injuries one may receive due to their
occupation, e.g., people
working in a chemical factory may get affected due to the presence of certain chemicals.
9. List any three types of occupational hazards.
Ans. Three types of occupational hazards are physical hazards,chemical hazards and biological hazards.
10. Explain the terms 'accident' and 'emergency'.
Ans. An accident is an unplanned event that may happen all of a sudden and may lead to unwanted or
unprecedented results/outcomes.
Any unexpected situation that needs immediate attention and action is known as emergency.
11. Enlist any four types of accidents.
Ans. Four types of accidents are slip and fall accidents, fire accidents, road accidents and sports-related
accidents.
12. Give any three situations of emergency that require evacuation.
Ans. Three situations of emergency that require evacuation are earthquakes, explosions and workplace
violence.
13. Give any two ways to handle accidents.
Ans. Two ways to handle accidents are:
) Every organization must follow astandard operating procedure (SOP) for handling accidents.
(") In case of injury, a medical team should be immediately summoned.
II. Unsolved Questions:
1. List out the various workplace safety
hazards.
4. LIst out the potential sources of hazards in an organization.
1. What are some workplace hazards that can occur in the IT industry?
*wnat do youunderstand by workplace safety rules? List out different safety guidelines.
D. Describe the various types of
6. emergencies with examples.
Distinguish between an emergency and an accident.
7.
8.
Differentiate between slips, trips and falls.
What is an emergency action plan? What does it involve?
9. Write the steps to be followed by an organization while developing an evacuation policy.
* How do you establish evacuation routes and exits?
Managing Health and Safety at Workplace 227