Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

01. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace.
Ans : Health - Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being.
Every organisation must provide healthy and safety working environment for
their employees at the workplace. Health of an employee must be in a good condition so that
the employees of the organisation will not suffer from any diseases.
Safety - The work environment of the organisation must be safe. It must be free from
hazards and risk. A proper safety guidelines must be prepared by the company and it should
be strictly followed. At regular intervals of time, the safety procedures must be practiced by
employees.
Security - Every employee working in an organisation must feel that they are secured in the
company campus. 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.
02. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security programs in workplace
Ans : 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.
• The accountability of every one working for the company is outlined for the workplace
health, safety and security;
• Company can comply national policy on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) of
Government of India;
• Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy
03. List out the various workplace safety hazards.
Ans :
1. Physical Hazards
2. Electrical Hazards
3. Fire Hazards
4. Health Hazards

04. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organisation.

Ans : Potential sources of hazards in an organization are –
• Hazards using Computers
• Handling Office Equipment
• Stress at work
• Working Environment

05. List some of the IT workplace hazards.

Ans : Some of the IT workplace hazards are –
i) Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position. This hazards may result in pain
and strain.
ii) Making the same movement repetitively can also cause muscle fatigue.
iii) Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.
06. What are the examples of potential hazards?
Ans : Example of potential hazards are –
a) Hazards using Computers – Hazards while using computers include poor sitting postures or excessive
duration of sitting in one position.. This hazards may result in pain and strain.
b) Handling of office equipment – Improper handling of office equipment can result injuries . For
example, sharp edged equipment if not handed properly can cause cuts.
c) Stress at work – In an organizations, we may encounter various stress like long working hours can be
stressful and so can aggressive conflicts or arguments with colleagues
d) Working Environment - Potential hazards may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of
inappropriate height, hard furniture, poor chairs and tables of inappropriate height, hard furniture, poor lighting,
staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor housekeeping

07. Describe information technology workplace hazards.

Ans : Some of the information technology workplace hazards are –
* Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position.
* Making the same movement reopetitively can also cause muscle fatigue.
* Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.

08. What are the workplace safety rules?

Ans : Workplace safety rules are –
A) Basic Fire Safety in an organization are -
i) Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels
ii) Conduct regular grills.
ii) Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals.
iv) Keep workplace a no smoking zone.
v) Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly.
B) Falls and Slips Saftey rule ;-
i) Keep the moving area clean and clutter free.
ii) Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.
iii) Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately replaced.
iv) Heat emanating equipment should be kept away form the electrical equipment.

09. List out different safety guidelines?

ANS : Safety Guidelines
a) Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.
b) Throw garbage daily.
c). Make sure all areas have proper lighting.
d) Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.
e) Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some
machinery, tools or equipment.
f) Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks,
gloves, and hair nets.
g) Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.
h) Do not play with electrical controls or switches.
10. Describe type of emergency with example.
Ans : Various types of emergencies are there. An emergency management plan to handle the situation of
emergency. Some of the types emergencies are as follows –
• Chemical spills
• Extreme heat waves
• Droughts
• Pandemics
• Terrorist attack
• Fire
• Floods
• Thunderstorms
• Leakage of some hazardous gas or chemical.
A. Multiple choice questions
1. Workplace safety is essential in organisation ____________.
(a) to avoid the accident and injury (b) to increase the productivity
(c) to improve the work environment (d) All of the above
2. Which of the following is not mandatory to keep the good health of an employee?
(a) Cleanliness (b) Food court (c) Clean and fresh air (d) Clean washroom
3. The security department is not responsible for __________.
(a) personal safety (b) computer system and equipment safety
(c) electrical safety (d) personal belongings
4. The proper security procedures will increase ____________.
(a) liabilities (b) insurance (c) business revenue (d) operational charges of the company
5. Which kind of hazards can occur in IT industry?
(a) Biological (b) Chemical (c) Physical (d) Ergonomic
6. Which of the following can cause hazards while using computers?
(a) Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position
(b) Lifting heavy object
(c) Mishandling of tools and equipment
(d) Improper handling of office equipment
7. Which of the following statements 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 a tool with loose handles (d) Keeping cutting tools sharp
8. What are the potential cause of hazards at workplace?
(a) Poor ventilation (b) Poor lighting (c) Poor housekeeping (d) All of the above

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being.
2. The work places must be cleaned in the morning before the people start working.
3. A proper air conditioning provide clean and cool air at the workplace.
4. A fresh food cafeteria helps to maintain the health of the employee.
5. The work environment of the organisation must be safe and free from hazards and risk.
6. The proper security procedures will increase the business revenue and will reduce the operational
charges of the company.
7. Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through national policy on Occupational Health
and Safety.
8. Physical hazards occurs due to physical work environment.
9. Electrical hazards mostly caused due to coming in direct contact with live wires, or indirect contact
through a conductor.
10. Hazards while using computers occurs due to sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in
one position.

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The employer and employees are responsible for workplace safety. - True
2. Any injury at work should be reported to the supervisor immediately. - True
3. No matter how big or small the injury; the injured person should receive medical attention. - True
4. While working with machines and equipment, employees must follow the safety guidelines set by
the company. - True
5. Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems. - True
6. Exposure to bright lights and toxic fumes and vapour could damage the mouth and ears. -False
7. The use of personal protective clothing and equipment can control the hazards at workplace. - True
8. Do not throw rubbish daily. - True
9. Proper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. - False
10. Stress at workplace can cause hazard in today’s organisation. - True
 Workplace Quality Measures
01. What causes the water pollution?
Ans : Main causes of water pollution are –
* Industrial waste
* Sewage and Waste water
* Oil Leaks and Spills
* Fertilizers from Agriculture field.
* Household waste

02. What is occupational overuse syndrome?

Ans : Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury is a collective term for a range of
conditions, characterized by discomfort or persistent pain in muscles, tendons and other sort tissues. It is
usually caused with repetitive movement, sustained or constrained postures and/or forceful movements.

03. What are musculoskeletal problems?

Ans : This problem include different areas of our body, such as neck, back, chests, arms shoulders and feet. It
occurs because of our wrong posture, uncomfortable chair for sitting that is not ergonomically correct while
working on the computer.

04. What cautions to be taken while working on the computer?

Ans : a) Keep your monitor at least 20 to 30 inch away from you.
b) Maximize contact of your against the backrest of the chair.
c) Always take small breaks while working on the computer.
d) Wear anti-glare glasses to work on computer.

05. Why there is no right way to use a laptop?

Ans : There is rally no right way to use a laptop because if you position the screen at the right height for your
back and neck., it will cause you to have to lift your arms and shoulder too high to use it and vice versa.

06. What causes eye strain and how to avoid it?

Ans : Computer’s bright light, glare and flickering images can cause eye strain and visual fatigue. It can be
avoided by –
* Adjusting the brightness of monitor
* Keeping a proper vision distance from computer.
* Blinking our eyes at regular interval.
* Warring anti glare glasses while working in computer

07. What type of display screen is suitable to work on computer?

Ans : We should use the modern LED monitors of legible size and with adequate spacing between the
characters and lines. The image on the screen should be stable, with no flickering. The screen must be free of
reflective glare..

08. What type of keyboard is suitable to work on computer?

Ans : The keyboard should tilt and separate from the screen so that w can find a comfortable working position
to avoid fatigue in the arms or hands. The keyboard have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare. Th symbols
on the keys must be adequately contrasted.

A. Multiple choice questions

1. To provide healthy and safety working environment, every organisation must have _________.
(a) Cleanliness (b) Filtered water (c) Clean wash-room (d) All of the above
2. Air pollution is mostly caused by production of the ________ in the surrounding air.
(a) dust (b) mixture of solid particles (c) gases (d) All of above
3. Repetitive use of muscle may feel pain in your ___________.
(a) neck (b) shoulder (c) wrist or fingers (d) All of the above

4. The security department organisation is not responsible for __________________.

(a) other safety (b) computer system safety (c) electrical safety (d) transport safety
5. For an organisation, the proper security procedures will reduce ________________.
(a) liabilities (b) insurance (c) business revenue (d) operational charges of the company
6. Do not wear ________ when working with machines.
(a) jewellery (b) safety glasses (c) masks (d) gloves
7. Sore lower back is caused due to _________________.
(a) reaching forward frequently (b) no lumbar support
(c) no upper back support from chair (d) reaching forward for long periods
8. What should you do with the problem of dry eyes?
(a) Forget to blink (b) Rest eyes periodically and do simple eye exercises
(c) Do exercise (d) Blink the eyes
9. If light is coming directly behind or in front of you then you may suffer from _________________.
(a) eye strain (b) sore eyes (c) dry eyes (d) eye strain and sore eyes

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Air and water pollution can be analyzed by using – physical, chemical and biological analysis.
2. The PH value of the water can be measured through chemical analysis.
3. The microbial indicators are used to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
4. Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things.
5. Working with wrists extended too much repetition can cause arching wrists.
6. The repetition of a seemingly innocuous task over a period of time can cause an injury.
7. If a cord or wire will cross a pathway safety it should be mark it with hazard tape.
8. Loose cords and wires can cause electrical hazards.
9. Glare and reflections on the screen should be prevented.
10. The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare.

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The work environment of the organisation must be free from hazards and risk. - True
2. Practice a no vehicle day in every week to avoid air pollution. - True
3. Applying ergonomics can improve performance and productivity. - True
4. Wear rings, watches and necklaces while working on the computer. - False
5. Never touch or try repairing any electrical equipment or circuits with wet hands. - True
6. Unplug all power sources and cables from computer while working on computer. - False
7. Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury. - True
8. The work chair must be stable and allow the user to move easily. - True
9. Artificial lighting from computer screens can cause sleeping problems. - True
10. The keyboard and mouse should not be kept at the same level. – False
Prevent Accidents and Emergencies
01. What is a workplace emergency?
Ans : A Workplace emergency refers to any unexpected situation that needs immediate attention and action in
workplace that may poses a risk to the safety and security of employees.

02. How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?
Ans : The best way to protect yourself and tour organization is to develop a well thought out emergency action
plan to guide the employees in the event of an emergency.

03. What is an emergency action plan?

Ans : An emergency Action Plan is a written document that states how to react in different types of
emergencies. Action plans of organization should adhere to safety standards set by the occupational Safety and
Health Administration.

04. What should your emergency action plan include?

Ans : An emergency action plan should include the following –
a) Evacuation plans – It should have at least two escape routes from every area, and a designed meeting
place for employees to gather after evacuating.
b) Accounting for employees – Take a headcount after an evacuation.
c) Reporting and altering authorities.
d) Altering staff and visitors about emergency.

05. How do you develop an evacuation policy and procedures?

Ans : Steps to develop an evacuation policy and procedures are –
a) Evaluate the emergency.
b) Identify place where people can go in an emergency.
c) Identify the best ways to get out of the building.
d) Rehearse evacuation procedures.
e) Regularly review and update the plan as needed.

06. How do you establish evacuation routes and exits?

Ans : To establish evacuation routes and exits. You should –
a) Know the nearest exit from your location and the route to get there.
b) Know the assembly point.
c) Know an alternate route in case your first route is blocked.
d) Know where to find first aid supplies and fire extinguishers.

07. What are the various types of fire extinguisher and their extinguishing material?
Ans : Various types of fire extinguishers are –
a) Water – Water fire extinguishers are good for tackling fires involving burning paper, wood and soft
furnishing, as the water soaks into the materials and cools them.
b) Foam – Foam fire extinguishers are suitable on Class A fires and fires involving flammable liquids (Class
B)
c) Dry powder - Dry powder fire extinguishers are incredibly versatile and can be used for almost every
kind of fire (Class A, Class B and Class C).
d) CO2 - CO2 fire extinguishes also known as carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are the mainly used for
electrical fires.
e) Wet Chemical - Wet chemical fire extinguishers also known as Class F fire extinguishers are the
extinguisher that can safety be used for fires involving cooking oil.

08. What are the steps for operating a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency.
Ans : a) Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher present in its handle.
b) Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle.
c) Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever.
d) Sweep it from side to side.
09. Compare the different type of fire extinguisher.
Ans : Different types of fire extinguishers are –
a) Water
b) Foam
c) Dry Powder
d) CO2
e) Wet Chemical

Water Foam Dry Powder CO2 Wet Chemical

Fire Class A A&B A, B & C B&C A

10. List the different class of fire.

Ans : There ar several classes of fire, including
Class A – Fire that involve materials such as wood, cloth and paper.

Class B - Fire that involve flammable liquid, grease and gas materials that burn when exposed to ignition
sources.

Class C – Fire that involve electrical materials and equipment. These materials cause fires very quickly and
present a serious risk of arc flash.

Class D – Fire that involve any materials that are volatile and able to quickly ignite, such as magnesium,
potassium and sodium.

11. List out electrical rescue techniques.

Ans : Electrical Rescue Techniques are –
Approaching the accident
a) Never rush into an accident situation.
b) Call 108 as soon as possible.
Examining the scene
a) Visually examine victims to determine if they are in contact with energized conductors.
b) Metal surfaces, objects near the victim itself may be energized.
c) Do not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they are energized.
d) Switch off the electrical circuits if possible.
Hazards and solutions
a) In case you cannot switch off the power source, take extreme care.
b) Ensure that your hands and feet are dry
c) Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. Stand on a clean dry surface.
d) Use non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.

12. What is the first aid for electrical emergencies?

Ans : If someone has been shocked by electricity, we should
a) Unplug the appliance or turn of the power. If we can’t turn off the power, use a piece of wood, to
separate the victim from the power source.
b) Do not try to move a victim touching a high voltage wire.
c) Call for emergency help.
d) If the person is not breathing and doesn’t have a pulse, begin CPR.

A. Multiple choice questions

1. What are the steps necessary for operating a fire extinguisher?
(a) Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher which is generally present in its handle
(b) Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle
(c) Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever
(d) All of the above
2. Which of the following is an examples of ignition sources of open flames?
(a) Gas ovens (b) Lighters in smoking areas (c) Welding torches (d) All of the above
3. In fire classification, all liquid, grease, and gas material comes under __________________.
(a) Class A material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class A material
4. In fire classification, material magnesium, potassium, and sodium comes under _______________.
(a) Class A material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material
 5. In fire classification, material wood, cloth, and paper comes under ________________.
(a) Class A material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material
6. In fire classification, electrical material and equipment comes under ____________________.
(a) Class A material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material
7. When do we use a fire extinguisher?
(a) In case of flood (b) In case of electric shock (c) In case of fire (d) In case of burn injury
8. What is the primary fire emergency telephone number is?
(a) 011 (b) 101 (c) 108 (d) 111
9. Which of the following contains everything you need to know about evacuating your facility safely?
(a) Evacuation Diagram (b) Emergency Action Plan (c) Employee Directory (d) Both (a) and (b)
10. The best course of action to take during a medical emergency is to ________________.
(a) Begin first aid immediately (b) Activate the emergency plan for reporting injuries
(c) Notify the person's family about the situation (d) Both (a) and (b)

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Emergency is a serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action.
2. A wet floor sign will warn people to walk carefully on freshly mopped floors.
3. watch your steps signs can prevent accidents on a staircase with a sharp bent or warn against a
loose floor tile.
4. The coordinator should be responsible to handle evacuation process.
5. Workplace fires are commonly caused by improper storage of flammable material or combustible
dust.
6. There should always be an emergency response plan for scheduled electrical maintenance or
work.
7. If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give first aid for injuries and treat for shock.
8. A fire extinguisher is a cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to .
extinguish a fire.

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1 . The organisation’s policies and guidelines is the best guide to handle emergency. - - True
2. If someone is injured, act as per your impulse or gut feeling. - False
3. Keep water and food items away from electrical equipment. - True
4. Always switch off the electrical circuits. - False
5. Always wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. - False
6. A fire extinguisher is a protection device used to extinguish fires. - True
7. Flammable materials can be placed around an door exit. - False
8. You can determine possible evacuation routes from floor plan diagrams posted in your facility. - True