Grade – X NCERT Solutions

Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment

Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

1. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace.

Answer:
Health, safety, and security in the workplace is a company's commitment to protecting its employees
and the public from harm it involves:
 Preventing injuries and illnesses: Employers should take steps to protect employees from hazards
that could cause injury or illness.
 Promoting wellbeing: The goal is to promote the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of
employees.
 Creating a safe workplace: The workplace should be secure from intruders.
 Having a safety plan: The company should have a written health, safety, and security policy that
outlines the company's commitment and objectives.
 Identifying hazards: The company should have a committee to identify hazards in the workplace.
 Controlling hazards: The company should specify control measures for the hazards it identifies.
 Training employees: Employers should ensure that employees are trained on how to use personal
protective equipment (PPE) and how to maintain it.
 Reporting concerns: Employees should report any injuries, illnesses, or other health and safety
concerns.
 Inspecting the workplace: The company should regularly inspect the workplace to ensure safety
standards are being followed.
 Consulting with employees: The company should consult with employees before making changes
to the workplace.

2. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security programs in workplace
Answer:
There are several important reasons for health, safety, and security programs in the workplace,
including:
 Reduce risk of injury, illness, or death: The primary goal of a workplace safety program is to reduce
the risk of injury, illness, or death to workers.
 Improve mental health: A safe work environment can lead to better mental health, less anxiety,
and stress for employees.
 Increase productivity: When workers feel safe and secure, they are more likely to be productive
and efficient in their jobs.
 Reduce absenteeism: Operations won't run smoothly if an employee isn't on the job because they
are recovering from an injury.
 Identify and remove hazards: Employers should identify and remove all potential hazards from the
workplace.
 Train employees: Properly trained and engaged employees are the number one defense against
injuries and illness.

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  Report unsafe conditions: It's important for workers to be aware of unsafe conditions in the
workplace and know how to report them.
 Promote corporate responsibility: Health, safety, and security programs can promote corporate
responsibility.

3. List out the various workplace safety hazards.

Answer:
Some common workplace safety hazards include:
 Chemical hazards: Exposure to chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation, breathing problems,
nausea, and vomiting. Employees should be trained on how to safely use chemicals and first aid in
case of an emergency.
 Ergonomic hazards: These hazards are caused by the design of the workstation and tools, and can
include fatigue, injury, discomfort, and pain.
 Physical hazards: These hazards can injure workers with or without contact, and include exposure
to extreme temperatures, loud noise, radiation, and spending hours in the sun.
 Biological hazards: These hazards can come from working with people, infectious animals, or plant
materials, and can include bacteria, viruses, insect bites, and animal droppings.
 Safety hazards: These hazards include slips, trips, falls, operating dangerous machinery, and
electrical hazards.
 Fire: Fires can cause serious injuries and death, and can also damage property and destroy
worksites.
 Psychosocial hazards: These hazards include the threat of workplace violence, and the presence of
high levels of negative stress on the job.

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

Answer:
Some potential sources of hazards in an organization include:
 Chemical hazards: These are substances that can cause health effects or harm, such as toxic gases,
radioactive materials, and dangerous chemicals. They are most common in industries like
construction, healthcare, cleaning, and manufacturing.
 Biological hazards: These come from working with people, plant materials, or infectious animals.
Examples include insect bites, animal droppings, bacteria, and viruses.
 Ergonomic hazards: These are caused by physical factors, such as the type of work, body positions,
and working conditions that can strain the body. Many ergonomic hazards can lead to
musculoskeletal injuries over time.
 Physical hazards: These are potential sources of harm or danger that are directly related to the
physical environment of a workplace. Examples include poor indoor air quality, hazardous
materials, and poor ergonomics.
 Psychosocial hazards: These are aspects of the work environment that negatively affect the mental
and emotional wellbeing of employees. Examples include workplace bullying, harassment,
excessive workload, and job insecurity.

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  Work organization hazards: These include lack of respect, lack of control, workplace violence,
workload demands, discrimination, and harassment.

5. List some of the IT workplace hazards.

Answer:
IT professionals can face a number of hazards in the workplace, including:
 Ergonomic injuries: Sitting at a computer for long periods can lead to strains and other posture
injuries.
 Eye strain and headaches: These can be caused by working with computers.
 Stress and anxiety: IT professionals may experience stress and anxiety in their jobs.
 Repetitive strain injury: This can be a hazard for IT professionals.
 Exposure to electromagnetic fields: IT professionals may be exposed to electromagnetic fields in
their work.
 Cyberbullying and harassment: IT professionals may experience cyberbullying and harassment in
their jobs.
 Work-life balance challenges: IT professionals may face challenges with work-life balance.

6. What are the examples of potential hazards?

Answer:
Potential hazards can be found in various environments, including workplaces, homes, and public
spaces. Here are some common examples:

1. Physical Hazards
 Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways.
 Machinery: Moving parts or equipment that can cause injury.
 Noise: Excessive noise levels leading to hearing loss.

2. Chemical Hazards
 Toxic Substances: Exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals.
 Flammable Materials: Liquids or gases that can ignite easily.
 Corrosive Agents: Chemicals that can damage skin or materials upon contact.

3. Biological Hazards
 Bacteria and Viruses: Pathogens that can cause infections or illnesses.
 Mold and Fungi: Can cause respiratory issues or allergic reactions.
 Insects and Animals: Bites or stings from pests and wildlife.

4. Ergonomic Hazards
 Poorly Designed Workstations: Leading to repetitive strain injuries or musculoskeletal disorders.
 Inadequate Lifting Techniques: Can result in back injuries.

5. Psychosocial Hazards
 Workplace Stress: High demands, lack of control, or poor support can affect mental health.
 Harassment or Bullying: Creating a hostile work environment.

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6. Environmental Hazards
 Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes.
 Pollution: Air, water, or soil contamination affecting health.

7. Electrical Hazards
 Exposed Wiring: Risks of shock or fire.
 Overloaded Circuits: Can lead to overheating and fires.

8. Fire Hazards
 Flammable Materials: Improper storage of combustibles.
 Blocked Exits: Impeding evacuation during emergencies.

7. Describe information technology workplace hazards.

Answer:
Some hazards that can occur in an information technology workplace include:
 Ergonomic hazards: Poorly designed workstations, repetitive motions, manual handling, and long
hours without breaks can lead to discomfort, strain, or injury.
 Psychosocial hazards: New technologies like artificial intelligence and wearable sensors can
increase micromanagement, performance pressure, competitiveness, social isolation, and
decreased privacy and trust.
 Eye strain and headaches: These can be caused by working with computers.
 Musculoskeletal disorders: These can be caused by working with computers.
 Stress and anxiety: These can be caused by working in an information technology workplace.
 Sleep disruption: This can be caused by working in an information technology workplace.
 Repetitive strain injury: This can be caused by working with computers.
 Exposure to electromagnetic fields: This can be a hazard in an information technology workplace.
 Job insecurity: This can be a hazard in an information technology workplace.
 Cyberbullying and harassment: This can be a hazard in an information technology workplace.
 Work-life balance challenges: These can be a hazard in an information technology workplace.

8. What are the workplace safety rules?

Answer:
Workplace safety rules include:
 Using equipment correctly: Use tools and machines properly, and ensure emergency exits are clear
and accessible.
 Wearing safety equipment: Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), such as
clothing, helmets, and goggles, to protect against hazards like chemicals, electricity, and heat.
 Reporting hazards: Report any unsafe conditions or practices, such as faulty equipment, to your
supervisor.
 Maintaining a clean workplace: Keep your work area clean and free of junk piles to reduce the risk
of slips and falls.
 Taking breaks: Take regular breaks to allow your body and mind to recover so you can work more
safely.
 Maintaining proper posture: Maintain proper posture when sitting or lifting heavy loads to protect
your back and neck.

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  Staying updated: Stay updated on new safety procedures.
 Reducing stress: Take steps to reduce stress in the workplace.

9. List out different safety guidelines?

Answer:
Here are some safety guidelines you can follow:
 Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE is assigned to protect workers from injury or
illness. Make sure the PPE is in good working order and fits you.
 Report unsafe conditions: If you see an unsafe condition or practice, report it so that it can be
addressed.
 Take breaks: Regular breaks allow your body to rest and you to return to your task more focused.
 Maintain correct posture: Use correct posture to protect your back, especially if you sit at a desk.
 Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid speeding or taking turns
at high speeds.
 Use the right tools for the job: Use the right tools for the job and put them away after each use.
 Follow safety rules: Follow safety rules and protocols.
 Conduct regular safety audits: Conduct regular safety audits and keep track of incidents.
 Prepare for emergencies: Be prepared for emergencies, including evacuation and first aid.
 Empower safety committees: Empower safety committees and provide continuous safety training.

10. Describe type of emergency with example.

Answer:
There are many types of emergencies, including natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies.
An emergency is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation that requires immediate action.
Some examples include:
 Natural emergencies: Severe weather, such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hail
 Technological emergencies: Fires, hazardous materials accidents, and fuel and chemical spills
 Human-caused emergencies: Acts of terrorism, public health emergencies, and animal diseases
 Medical emergencies: A heart attack, a stroke, or other serious medical conditions
 Other emergencies: Lost child, Alzheimer family member, bomb threats, suspicious packages, and
evacuations

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Workplace Quality Measures

1. What causes the water pollution?

Answer:
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, reservoirs,
and groundwater, by contaminants. The main causes of water pollution are human activities, such as:
 Global warming.
 Deforestation.
 Industry, agriculture and livestock farming.
 Rubbish and faecal water dumping.
 Maritime traffic.
 Fuel spillages.

2. What is occupational overuse syndrome?

Answer:
Occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), is a general term for a
group of conditions that cause pain or discomfort in muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, or soft tissues. OOS is
often caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, or sustained or constrained postures. It can
also be aggravated by stress in the workplace.
Common symptoms of OOS include:
pain, swelling, weakness in the affected joints, stiffness, and headaches.

3. What are musculoskeletal problems?

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

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

Answer:
Here are some precautions to take while working on a computer:
 Protect your eyes: Don't sit too close to the screen, and lower the brightness if you're working in a
dark room.
 Protect your files: Use a UPS to protect your files from damage caused by power cuts.
 Protect your computer: Download software from trusted websites, and be careful of “bundling” of
unwanted programs with legitimate software.
 Protect your privacy: When using a public computer, don't save your login information, and don't
leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen.
 Protect your computer's internal components: Make sure the computer is turned off and
unplugged before working on its internal components. Handle the components with care to avoid
damage.
 Protect yourself from viruses: Keep antivirus software installed on your computer to scan for
viruses and malware.

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5. Why there is no right way to use a laptop?
Answer:
There is no right way to use a laptop because laptops are excluded from current ergonomic design
requirements. However, there are some tips you can follow to use your laptop more ergonomically:
 Use a solid, flat surface: Avoid using your laptop on your lap, which can cause overheating and
damage internal parts.
 Raise the screen: Position your laptop screen at eye level so you don't have to bend or rotate your
neck.
 Use an external keyboard and mouse: This can help you maintain good posture and reduce strain
on your hands and wrists.
 Take breaks: Set a reminder to take a short break every 30 minutes or so.
 Use a cooling pad: A cooling pad can help manage your laptop's temperature.
 Clean the vents: Regularly clean the vents to prevent heat buildup.
 Upgrade your screen: Make sure your screen is big enough for your needs.
 Avoid balancing your laptop with one hand: Carrying your laptop with one hand can cause strain
on your body.

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

Answer:
Eye strain is caused by prolonged use of your eyes, such as when you're reading, driving, or using a
computer.
 Bright lights: Bright lights, glare, or sunlight can strain your eyes.
 Dry eyes: Dry eyes can lead to eye strain.
 Stress: Stress can cause pressure on the eyes and blurred vision.
 Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, which can cause eye strain.
To avoid eye strain, you can try these tips:
 Take breaks: Take breaks from activities that require a lot of eye focus, such as reading or using a
computer.
 Adjust your lighting: Adjust the lighting so that it's not too bright or glaring. You can also try using
an adjustable desk lamp.
 Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something that's about 20 feet away for 20
seconds.
 Blink: Blinking redistributes tears that smooth the surface of your cornea and sharpen your vision.

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

Answer:
The best type of display screen for a computer depends on the type of work you'll be doing, the resolution
you need, and the size of the monitor:
 Resolution: The standard resolution for office work is Full HD, or 1920 x 1080 pixels. For more
advanced tasks, like working with graphics or video, you may need a higher resolution, such as 4K
(3840 x 2160 pixels).
 Monitor size: For everyday tasks, a 22–24 inch monitor is compact and suitable for most desks. A
24–27 inch monitor is a comfortable size for extended use, while a 27–32 inch monitor is ideal for
multitasking.

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  Display technology: Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors are the most common type of monitor
and are affordable, energy-efficient, and provide good image quality. LED monitors, especially
those with full-array backlighting, may offer better picture quality than LCD monitors. IPS panels
are recommended for home office work because they offer a good balance of color reproduction
and viewing angle stability.

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

Answer:
There are several types of keyboards that are suitable for working on a computer, including ergonomic
keyboards, membrane keyboards, and QWERTY keyboards:
 Ergonomic keyboards: These keyboards are comfortable to type on and can keep your hands in a
more natural position.
 Membrane keyboards: These keyboards have a simple design with fewer moving parts, making
them suitable for people who travel with their computers.
 QWERTY keyboards: These keyboards are a good choice for basic operations and functions, and
come with a range of shortcuts.

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Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

1. What is a workplace emergency?

Answer:
A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that can threaten the safety of employees, customers,
or the public, or cause damage to the workplace or environment:
Examples:
Chemical spills, gas leaks, electrical hazards, machinery malfunctions, fire, and biological and nuclear
incidents
Impact:
Workplace emergencies can disrupt or shut down operations, or cause physical or environmental damage

2. How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?

Answer:
There is no hard rule that can provide 100% protection. However, we have to be careful from the process
of hiring itself by carefully verifying the documents, past experience and signing Non -disclosure
Agreements with limits to access to information and equipment, with every employee. The activities of
employees should be monitored regularly and sometimes randomly during tea breaks, lunch. Advise
employees for using very strong password with unique combinations. Backup is also a very useful
technique to handle the customer database, as it will not be possible to delete the entire database.
Consequences should be clearly mentioned in Employment letters, Non-disclosure agreements as to
lesser the instances of malafide intentions.

3. What is an emergency action plan?

Answer:
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document that outlines the steps to take in the event of an
emergency. It's an essential component of an organization's safety procedures. An EAP can help reduce
employee injuries, property damage, and ensure the safety of visitors
Here are some things that an EAP might include:
 Evacuation plans: Consider different locations and situations, and include exit routes and
designated safe areas
 Emergency reporting: Include procedures for reporting emergencies, and building-specific
information
 Fire extinguisher instructions: Include types of fire extinguishers and instructions for use
 Shelter in place procedures: Include procedures for sheltering in place
 Emergency communications: Include emergency communications procedures
 Contact details: Include contact details for people to contact in case of an emergency
 Post-incident plans: Include plans for what to do after an incident
 Rescue and medical duties: Include rescue and medical duties for employees, and names or job
titles of people to contact for more information

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4. What should your emergency action plan include?
Answer:
An emergency action plan (EAP) should include:
 Evacuation plans: Include multiple escape routes and backup aids, and designate a meeting place
for employees to gather after evacuation.
 Emergency reporting: Outline how to report emergencies, and where and how to notify others.
 Communication: Real-time collaboration helps emergency personnel respond faster and with the
most accurate information.
 Contact details: Include who to contact in case of an emergency.
 Emergency procedures: Include how to safely evacuate employees, and how to extinguish a fire as
soon as possible.
 Plans for after an incident: Include what to do after an incident.
 Procedures for employees who remain: Include procedures for employees who remain to operate
critical operations before evacuating.
 Safety areas: Include safety areas, and security and law enforcement information.
 Local hospitals: Include information on local hospitals.

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

Answer:
To develop an evacuation policy and procedures, you can consider the following:
 Identify exits: Designate primary and secondary exits, and indicate wheelchair accessible exits.
Avoid using elevators to reach emergency exits, and don't have emergency exits in restrooms or
narrow passages.
 Designate an assembly area: Designate a place for people to meet after an evacuation.
 Plan for special needs: Consider the needs of people with disabilities, medical problems, or who
are elderly.
 Prepare for pets: Include routes, transportation needs, and a host site for pets.
 Have a system for emergency notifications: Ensure the workplace has a system for receiving
emergency notifications from local and national authorities.
 Test the plan: Conduct practice evacuation drills to help employees become familiar with the plan.
After each drill, evaluate the plan's effectiveness and make improvements.
 Update the plan regularly: Review the plan and update it when there are changes to the facility,
equipment, or processes.
 Provide go bags: Provide employees with go bags that contain a light snack, water, flashlight, and
whistle.
 Have a plan for employees who stay behind: Designate who will remain to shut down critical
operations or perform other duties.
 Have contact information: Have emergency contact information for employees, including their
home phone number, next of kin, and medical information.

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