Chapter 22: Importance of workplace safety

Every organization must follow a standard set of safety rules and procedures.

Basic safety rules to follow at workplace are

1. Fire safety

2. Falls and slips

3. Electrical safety

4. Use of first-aid

Basic Fire Safety Rules

Most of the time fire can be prevented using appropriate measures.

 Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels

 Conduct regular drills.

 Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals. Keep workplace a no-smoking zone.

 Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly.

Falls and Slips Safety Rules

 Keep the moving area clean and clutter free.

 Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.

 Wear non-slippery footwear.

 Floors must be clean and dry.

 Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned.

Electrical Safety Rules:

 Electrical equipment used should be approved by a recognised organisation.

 Workers should be trained to handle the electric equipment safely.

 Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately replaced. All old and workout
and frayed switches and wires should be changed.

 Heat emanating equipment should be kept away from the electrical equipment.

 Take care that the outlets/ circuits should not be overloaded.

 Switch off and unplug the electrical appliances before cleaning or relocating them.

Use of First Aid

First Aid is the immediate assistance or help provided to the injured to save life and minimize health loss till
the proper medical aid/ facility is provided.

Some rules of First Aid are:

 Assure the injured to remain calm and not to panic.

 Keep them warm if they are under shock.

 Do not move the victim in case of back/neck injury.

Occupational Hazards of Workplace

A worker may face Occupational hazards at workplace. : An occupational hazard is the illness one may
acquire due to his occupation. Like people working in a chemical factory may get affected due to presence
of certain chemicals. Some types of occupational hazards are : Physical hazards, chemical hazards,
biological hazards, behavioural hazards, radiological hazards, ergonomic hazards etc.

Chapter 23 Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

&
Chapter 24 Protecting Health and Safety at work
Accidents and Emergencies

An unplanned, uncontrollable, or unexpected event that causes property damage or human injury is
called an accident.

OR

Accident: is an unplanned event that may happen all of a sudden and may lead to unwanted or
unprecedented results/outcomes.

Any minor mistake or unexpected event within an organization has the potential to turn into an
emergency if it is not handled properly.

For example -

1. Person falling down and getting injured

An emergency is a dangerous or urgent situation that requires quick response.

For example -

1. Customer having a heart attack

2. Sudden outbreak of fire in organization

Every organization follows policies and procedures for managing, reporting, and handling emergencies as
well as accidents.

Notice and Correctly Identify Accidents and Emergencies

The most valuable source of guidance in this area will be the organization's policies and guidelines. These
kinds of incidents should be easy to recognize in your company, and you should know how to handle
every kind of emergency and disaster.

Get help Promptly and in the Most Suitable Way

Make sure that you will provide the kind of help and support that are given in the organization policies.
Even if you have the best of plans, you should still follow the rules and regulations given from the
organization. If the situation requires then professionals may be authorized to make decisions.
• Do not follow your feelings or emotions if someone is hurt. Follow the steps described in the injury
management policy of your company. • Provide help and support within the authorized limit. Only
offer the injured person medical assistance if you are qualified to do so.
• Take advice from senior employees who are qualified to deal with certain circumstances.

Types of Accidents

The following are a few incidents that frequently happen in organizations -

Trip and Fall at workplace - Consumers or staff members may trip on items left in aisles, unsecured
cables, or higher thresholds, causing them to fall.

2. Slip and Fall - Slips are mainly due to wet floors, spilling of liquids or throwing of other slip-
causing material on floors.

3. Injuries caused due to Escalators or Elevators - Injuries can be caused by falling on escalators
and getting hurt.

4. Accidents Caused by Falling Goods - People may get injuries when goods fall from shelves or
wall hangings onto them.

5. Accidents due to Moving Objects - Moving objects, such as trolleys, can also injure people in
the organization.

6. Industrial disease/illness

7. Road traffic accidents

8. Clinical Accidents

9. Sports related accidents

Handling Accidents:

Accidents must be handled carefully. The accident should be handled compassionately without assigning
blame on others.

Every organisation must follow SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for accident handling.

Identify all possible dangers in your company and take steps to eliminate them in order to try to
prevent accidents. In the event that an accident results in a colleague's injury, take the following action.

1. 1. Attend to the Injured Person Immediately

2. 2. Inform your Supervisor
3. 3. Assist your Supervisor

Types of Emergencies

You should know how to handle emergencies and what are basic procedures. Here are some general
emergency procedures -

1. First Aid - Must have every essential first aid item necessary to handle common issues.

2. Electrical Safety - Electrical safety, such as keeping food and drink items away from electrical
equipment, routine inspections, fire

extinguisher, fire alarm system etc.

3. Evacuation - Employees must be aware of who has the coordination or decision-making authority in
an emergency. The coordinator needs to be responsible for all of the evacuation procedures.
1. Fire Hazards in the Workplace

Unsafe storage of combustible dust or flammable materials is another prevalent cause of workplace fires.
Since both are hazardous, they need to be handled and stored carefully.
1. Each worker needs to be aware of the locations of the fire e xtinguishers.

2. Fire extinguishers and First Aid stations should be marked with signs.

3. Do not use flammable material near electrical panels, switches or near any electrical
equipment.

4. All equipment is properly grounded where needed.

5. Fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly.

6. No flammable material is to be placed near the exit door.

Identification of Material and Ignition Sources

Materials are arranged in accordance with these fire classes, which are based on risk -

• Class A Material: materials such as wood, cloth, and paper, which won't ignite on their own but
will continue to burn once exposed to a heat source.

• Class B Material: all liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when exposed to ignition sources.

• Class C Material: electrical materials and equipment. These materials provide a significant risk of arc
flash and start fires very quickly.

• Class D Material: any materials that are volatile and able to quickly ignite, such as
magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a tool for protection that shuts off flames. It is a pressure vessel that is cylindrical in
shape and holds an agent that can be released to put out a fire.

First Aid for Electrical Emergencies

Electrical accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. One of the main concerns is the quick response
and care of victims. A victim of an electrical accident is frequently unable to move or release the
electrical conductor as a result of muscle cramps.

Electrical Rescue Techniques

Approaching the accident

1. Never rush into an accident situation.
2. Call 108 as soon as possible.
3. Approach the accident place cautiously

Examining the scene

• Examine the victim visually and check whether they have come into contact

with any electrical wire.

• Do not touch the victim or conductive surface.

• Switch off the electrical circuits if possible.

Hazards and solutions

• Be alert from heated surfaces and fire

 • Take precaution if you are not able to switch off the power supply.

• Make sure the hands and feet are dry.

• Wear gloves and shoes and stand of dry surface

• User non conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.

High voltage rescue

Special training is required for how to rescue from high voltage.

• Protective equipment like gloves and shoes must be worn

First Aid

 Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be necessary for the victim.

• Provide first aid for injuries and treat shock if the victim is conscious and breathing.

• Make sure the victim receives medical attention as quickly as you can.

• The attending physician needs complete data in order to diagnose and treat the victim correctly.

General Evacuation Procedures

Every organization has its own evacuation procedures and policies every one has to be aware of
these policies. Here are some general evacuation policies -
1. Immediately move towards the nearest emergency exit.
2. Guide others to the emergency exits.
3. Help the disabled person make their way to the emergency exit.
4. You may carry your hand held belongings as you move towards the emergency exit.
5. Avoid escalators or elevators and avoid overcrowding.
6. Immediately go to the emergency assembly area.

HEALTHY LIVING
A healthy body has a healthy mind' - a very popular saying is true. 'Healthy Lifestyle leads to a healthy being.
A healthy living has a lasting impact on an individual which ultimately yields a healthy environment at home
as well as at work place. A happy and healthy worker will always perform best to his ability. A healthy
lifestyle includes:
 healthy eating habits
 stress management
 sound sleep
 goal setting
 physical activities
 healthy mind

A healthy lifestyle takes needs practice, commitment and sincere efforts.