UNIT: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

UNIT OUTLINE
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION
Definition context of occupational safety and precautions
Fundamental objectives of occupational safety and precautions
Scope and purpose of policy guidelines
OSHA
Importance of OSHA policies
TOPIC: OBLIGATIONS OF MANAGERS/EMPLOYEES
Employer Responsibility
Employees’ responsibility
TOPIC 3: HAZARDS
Meaning of hazards
Definition of other terms
Classification of hazards
TOPIC 4: GENERAL REQUIRED LAYOUTS FOR FACILITIES
Ergonomics
Incorporating ergonomics at work
Occupational health and safety
TOPIC 5: RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT AT WORK
Risk management
Hazard Identification
Risk assessment
Risk control
TOPIC 6: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Meaning of safety precautions
Safety Precautions at work Place
Personal protective equipment
TOPIC 7: EMERGING TRENDS IN SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
COVID 19 measures
Definition
Occupational safety and precautions is a discipline involving many specialized fields.

 The protection and promotion of workers health by preventing and controlling occupational diseases and accidents;

 The development and promotion of healthy and safe work, work environments and work organizations;

 Enhancement of physical, mental and social well-being of workers; and

 Enabling workers to conduct socially and economically productive lives and to contribute positively to sustainable
development (WHO 2010).

Objectives
 To strengthen international and national policies for safety at work
 To develop healthy working environment
 To develop occupational safety standards based on risk assessment
 To strengthen research
 To establish support services for occupational health

OSHA POLICY
1.0 Scope and Purpose of the Policy guideline

1.0.1 Scope
The OSH policy guideline should primarily provide guidance to:

All employees within the health sector (National government, County governments, quasi-
government, private as well as NGOs);

Prospective employees of the health sector;

Clients, contractors, and visitors at any health facility in Kenya Health

institutions including training institutions

Purpose of OSHA Policy

1.0.2 Purpose:
The purpose for this guideline is to promote a safe and healthy work environment in Kenya’s
health sector.
1.1 Objectives
The objectives of this policy guideline are:
a. To provide a framework for implementing safe and healthy work practices in
the Kenya’s health sector
b. Promote a safe and healthy work environment, work practices and procedures for all
staff of the health sector in order to minimize work- related injuries and
occupational diseases.
c. Promote a culture of safe and healthy attitudes and practices

d. To provide a framework for implementing safe and healthy work practices in

the Kenya’s health sector
e. Promote a safe and healthy work environment, work practices and procedures for all
staff of the health sector in order to minimize work- related injuries and
occupational diseases.
f. Promote a culture of safe and healthy attitudes and practices
g. Ensure that health and safety management in the workplace constitutes
a core management function of health sector institutions that is on-going and promotes
a culture of co-operation between the major stakeholders.
h. Promote the incorporation of OSH educational programmes aimed at reducing
workplace hazards and risks into the work plans of health facilities.
i. Facilitate compliance to OSH policy and legislation by clients, contractors, and visitors
at any health facility in Kenya
j. Provide guidance for minimum OSH requirements for various tiers of health
facilities in Kenya.
k. Provide OSH risk assessments guidance and tools for use in the health sector.
l. Provide Guidance on OSH training and capacity building in the health sector.
a core management function of health sector institutions that is on-going and promotes
a culture of co-operation between the major stakeholders.
m. Promote the incorporation of OSH educational programmes aimed at reducing
workplace hazards and risks into the work plans of health facilities.
n. Facilitate compliance to OSH policy and legislation by clients, contractors, and visitors
at any health facility in Kenya
o. Provide guidance for minimum OSH requirements for various tiers of health
facilities in Kenya.
p. Provide OSH risk assessments guidance and tools for use in the health sector.
q. Provide Guidance on OSH training and capacity building in the health sector.
 TOPIC 2: RESPONSIBILTY OFMANAGERS AND EMPLOYEES

1.0 Management Responsibility

1.0.1 TheManager:
a. Will ensure that the Occupational Safety and Health Policy: General Statement,
Organizational Responsibilities and the detailed arrangements concerning the
health, safety and welfare of all members of staff, clients, contractors, visitors and
students are made known and implemented within their areas of responsibility;
review the written statement of the general policy with respect to safety and health
in the workplace;
b. Will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessment to safety and health of
members of staff students and others who within their area of responsibility may be
affected by activities in the health sector. Where hazards are identified which
cannot be eliminated, the manager will ensure that safe systems of work are
designed and implemented, recorded, monitored and reviewed as necessary and
results of the assessments are disseminated to the relevant persons;

c. Will ensure that members of staff undertaking secondments or work placements

activities are reminded of the need to observe health and safety organizational
arrangements of the secondment or placement provider;

d. Will ensure that all safety instructions, training and retraining is carried within their
areas of responsibility;

e. Will participate in consultation with members of staff or their Occupational Safety

and Health representatives on matters of health and safety in accordance with
agreed procedures;

f. Will ensure that, in all areas under their control, regular inspections and audits are
carried out;
g. Will investigate all accidents, incidents or near misses concerning health and safety
with the view to identifying the cause(s) and preventing a recurrence;
 Employees Responsibility
a. Ensure their own safety and health and that of persons who may be affected by
their act of commission or omission.

b. Cooperate with the employer and co-workers in their workplace to achieve safe and healthy
work environment by following OSH policy guidelines and standard operating procedures

c. Make themselves familiar with the OSH policy guidelines

d. Use PPE as provided by employer to prevent risk to his/her safety and health

e. Comply with safety and health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

f. Report to the supervisor of possible hazards

g. Report to supervisor on any accidents, injuries, or near misses that arise in the work place
by completing the appropriate form. If an urgent action is required the situation must be
reported and information forwarded to the appropriate department as soon as possible (24
hours). Report any serious and fatal accidents within 8 hours.

h. Facilitate the performance of duties given by the employer

i. Inform the supervisor of any personal condition that may increase vulnerability of
occupational hazards e.g. pregnancy in a radiology unit, immunocompromised person in a
TB Clinic. Refer to the OSHA 2007 Part 2 Section 13

j. Will make themselves aware of provision of First Aid treatment and emergency and major
incidence management procedures (only trained and qualified personnel may administer
first aid or manage emergency and major incidents)

k. Will not remove, interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of
health and safety

l. Whoever receives visitors and contractors will ensure that they comply with the health
and safety requirements while in health facilities.

m. Cooperate with the employer to fulfil all relevant statutory provisions e.g. pre-
employment and continuous medical exams.

TOPIC 3: HAZARDS
Hazard definition: An inherent property of a substance, agent, source of energy or situation having the potential of
causing undesirable consequences e.g. chemicals, slippery floor, work while standing on a ladder
Risk: The probability that damage to life, health, and/or the environment will occur as a result of a given hazard (such as
exposure to a toxic chemical). Some risks can be measured or estimated in numerical terms (e.g., one chance in a hundred).
The risk or probability of injury or ill-health resulting from a hazard(s) is a factor not only of the inherent nature of the
hazard, but also of the controls in place to mitigate the hazards
Fatal Accident: An accident that causes death
Accident: Any unplanned, sudden event which causes injury to people or damage to buildings, plant, material or the
environment
Occupational disease: Any disease or disorder that occurs as a result of work or working conditions.
3.1 Classification of OSH hazards and mitigation in the health sector
A hazard refers to any agent, situation or condition that can cause an occupational illness or
injury. It may produce serious and immediate (acute) effects or long- term (chronic) problems
that affect all or only part of the body. Someone with an occupational illness may not recognise
the symptoms immediately, for instance detection of noise- induced hearing loss is often
difficult for the victim, until it is advanced. Additionally some occupational diseases may take
long to manifest e.g. musculoskeletal disorders.

There are 6 types of health hazards:

3.1.1 Biological
Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, refer to biological substances that pose a threat
to the health of a worker in health care facilities and community. This can include medical
waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can affect
human health posing a significant risk to health care and community care workers if not
properly controlled.

3.1.2 Chemical
Health care environment can house a vast array of chemicals. Examples of hazardous
chemicals may include formaldehyde, used for preservation of specimens for pathology;
ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde, and paracetic acid used for sterilization; anaesthetics gases,
laboratory reagents and other numerous chemicals used in healthcare. Even some drugs
administered to patients can be harmful to staff if not properly handled e.g. cytotoxic drugs.

3.1.3 Physical
Physical hazards comprise of extremes of temperatures, extremes of pressures, noise, vibration
and radiation. All can be found in health care settings. Other physical agents such as ionizing
and non-ionizing radiation, or other forms of radiation used on patients can be harmful to
workers if not properly controlled.

3.1.4 Ergonomic
Healthcare personnel are also exposed to many ergonomics risk factors due to the nature of
their work. Common examples of ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive,
forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or
carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. Vibration and cold may add risk
to these work conditions. Jobs or working conditions presenting multiple risk factors will have
a higher probability of causing a musculoskeletal problem. Environmental work conditions that
affect risk include intensity, frequency and duration of activities.

TOPIC 4: GENERAL REQUIRED LAYOUT FOR FACILITIES AND ORGAISATIONS

 The following general requirements should be observed as a minimum:

Cleanliness -Every work place should be kept in a clean state with good drainage,
convenient sanitary facilities and without nuisance.
Overcrowding – Health care workers and patients should not be overcrowded in a
room where there is risk of disease transmission through contact or respiratory route.
Effort should be made to separate people with suspected infectious diseases. Some
of the efforts include cough
monitoring, and triaging so that such patients are attended to first.

Ventilation – Each workstation should have circulation of fresh air with adequate
ventilation such as cross and through ventilation. In specialized units you can have
engineered ventilation systems e.g. Negative pressure and Vacuum air conditioning.
The facility has to comply with OSHA 2007
ventilation guidelines

Lighting - There should be sufficient and suitable lighting whether natural or artificial
in every part of the workplace.
Drainage of Floors – Floors should be drained to ensure they are dry to avoid slips and
falls. Floors should be easily washable.
Sanitary convenience - There should be a sufficient number of clean sanitary facilities
with sufficient lighting for both sexes. Sanitary facilities should have hand washing
areas with running water, soap/ detergent and changing rooms with accommodation
for clothing not worn during
working hours.

Fire Prevention – All work rooms should be provided with appropriate fire fighting
appliances and adequate means of escape, in case of fire for employees.

1.1 Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and
environment for human use. The aim is to ensure that the job must fit the person in all respects and the work
situation should not compromise human capabilities and limitations. So, ergonomics comes into everything that
involves people. Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety should all embody ergonomic principles, if
well designed.

The term “ergonomics” is derived from two Greek words: “ergon”, meaning work and “nomoi”, meaning natural
laws. Ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands. It is 'the science of making the job
fit the worker'; or in other words is 'the application of human sciences to the optimisation of people's working
environment`.

In broader terms, ergonomics seeks to improve the match between the job and the worker‟s physical abilities,
information handling and workload capacities. The subject is synonymous with 'human factors engineering', a
term used in North America. Its fundamental importance is recognised in the International Labour Organisation,
which defines ergonomics as:

“The application of the human biological sciences in conjunction with the engineering sciences to the worker
and his working environment, so as to obtain maximum satisfaction for the worker which at the same time
enhances productivity.”
 Comfort

Health Productivity

Fig.2 Triad of Ergonomic

Elements

Ergonomics seeks to adapt work to human physical and psychological capabilities and
limitations. In seeking this goal, it draws on many disciplines including anatomy,
physiology, psychology, sociology, physics, and engineering.

The multi-disciplinary nature of ergonomics (sometimes called „human factors‟) is very

obvious. The ergonomist works in teams that may involve a variety of other professions,
design engineers, production engineers, industrial designers, computer specialists, industrial
physicians, health and safety practitioners, and specialists in human resources. The overall
aim is to ensure that our knowledge of human characteristics is brought to bear on the
practical problems of people at work and in leisure. We know that, in many cases, humans
can adapt to unsuitable conditions, but such adaptation often leads to inefficiency, errors,
unacceptable stress, and physical or mental cost.

Using Ergonomics

How do you use ergonomics? Ergonomics incorporates elements from many subjects
including anatomy, physiology, psychology and design. Ergonomists apply their diverse
knowledge to ensure that products and environments are comfortable, safe and efficient for
people to use.
Knowledge of ergonomics is of great value in preventing ill-health and injury from work, as
well as in rehabilitating people (e.g. someone with back pain). For example, personal
protective equipment will generally not be used unless it is acceptable to employees, ( it
should fit well be comfortable and not interfere unduly with the task for which it is needed).

Focal areas for ergonomists in any organisation are:

Size and shape: Anthropometry is the branch of ergonomics that deals with human
variability in size, shape and strength. Tables of anthropometric data are used by the
ergonomists to ensure that places and items they are designing fit the user.

Vision: Vision being the prime channel for information, designers should ensure that the
users see the workplace clearly. Many workers using computers cannot see their screens
because of the glare or reflection. Similarly, those doing precise assembly tasks under
insufficient lighting suffer eyestrain.

Sound: Sound can be a useful way to provide information, especially for warning signals.
However, care should be taken not to overload this sensory channel.

Job design: One goal of ergonomics is to design jobs to fit people. This means taking
account of differences such as size, strength and ability to handle information for a wide
range of users. Then the tasks, the workplace and tools are designed around these differences.
This leads to improved efficiency, quality and job satisfaction.
 Human error: Human errors in nuclear and chemical industries, rail and sea transport,
aviation, etc. could be catastrophic. However, when disasters occur, the blame is often laid
with the operators, pilots or drivers concerned, and labelled as „human error‟. Often though,
these errors are caused by poor equipment and system design. Here ergonomists pay
particular attention to the mental demands on the operators, designing tasks and equipment to
minimise the chances of misreading information or operating the wrong controls, for
example.

Ergonomic design is a way of considering design options to ensure that people's capabilities
and limitations are taken into account. This helps to ensure that the product is fit for use by
the target users. The various aspects that should be stressed upon for an ideal ergonomic
design can be product design, age-related design (accounting for older and disabled people),
and design of information (signs and symbols).

(Please refer to the extra reading provided for a better and complete understanding of the
practical principles of ergonomics.)

The value of ergonomics is easily understood by anyone who has tried to do a job using the
wrong tools. The increased difficulty causes the job to take longer, leading to frustration and
loss of temper. This in turn leads to use of excessive force and increases the risk of a slip of
the hand and injury. In the wider world of industry and commerce, such problems arising
from poor design of jobs, machines or workplaces may lead to large-scale inefficiencies, risk
taking, increase in accidents and 'near-misses', and increases in absenteeism related to
dissatisfaction with the job.
Think Tank:

 „Ergonomics is the science of making the job fit the worker.‟ Explain.

TOPIC 5: RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

6.1 Risk assessment, evaluation and management.

6.1.1 Risk
management
Risk means the probability of occurrence of an adverse effect from a
substance on people or the environment combined with the magnitude of
the consequence of that adverse effect (OSHA 2007 section 2). The
purpose of risk management is to bring the risk to acceptable levels
(Acceptable risk).

The process of risk management includes hazard identification, risk assessment

and risk control.

6.1.1.1Hazard Identification
There are many methods of hazard identification. For the purpose of these
guidelines the following approach is recommended:

 Inspection of the workplace using a workplace inspection

checklist and conducting a walk-through survey;
 Job hazard analysis;
 Reviewing the accident, incident and ill-health records;
 Asking the workers or their representatives on the hazards they
encounter
 Following the manufacturers’ instruction/ materials/ safety data
sheets, and decide who might be harmed and how: Pay particular
attention to young persons; persons with disabilities; inexperienced
workers and lone workers.
 Develop hazard / risk register

6.1.1.2 Risk assessment

Risk assessment is a process of making a determination of how safe a
situation is and then making judgement of the acceptability of a risk. The
following guidelines are recommended:

When is risk assessment done?

Any time there is new or redeployed / transfer of staff/

equipment/method

Any time there is an accident/ incident or near miss

 How does one carry out risk assessment?

f. Use risk assessment tools

g. Consider whether to carry out the assessment for the whole facility/
department/ machinery or specific procedure
h. Identify the gaps
i. Analyze the data generated
j. Determine if the risk is high, moderate or low.
k. Develop mitigation plans and budget

Who conducts the risk assessment?

l. OSH committee at different facility level

m. COSH Focal person
n. Sub County OSH representative
o. DOSHS approved auditors
p. Constitute a risk assessment team which should include the user
in specific cases.

6.1.2 Risk
control
Determine the nature and severity of the risk, who is affected and the frequency of the risk. The
following methods are recommended to mitigate the risks identified:

q. Eliminate the hazard.

r. Substitute the hazard
s. Isolation
t. Use engineering controls
u. Use administrative controls
v. Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY GUIDELINES

TOPIC 6: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
What are safety precautions?
Safety meaning
The condition or feeling of being safe; security; certainty
Precautions
Previous caution or care; caution previously employed to prevent mischief or secure good; as, his life was saved by
precaution.

General safety precautions at work

Your safety is your personal responsibility.

Always follow the correct procedures.
Never take shortcuts.
Take responsibility and clean up if you made a mess.
Clean and organize your workspace.
Ensure a clear and easy route to emergency exits and equipment.
Be alert and awake on the job.
Be attentive at all times to your work surroundings.
When in doubt, contact your supervisor or manager for instruction, guidance, or training.
Never take risks when it comes to safety.
Obey safety signs, stickers, and tags.
Take short breaks when you keep up a repetitive motion for a long period of time, and sit, stand, or walk with good
posture.
Report serious injuries immediately to a supervisor and get emergency assistance.
Keep things in perspective. Hazards may be limitless, so focus on the most likely risks first.

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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY GUIDELINES

Safety Precautions at work

1. Preventing workplace incidents is everyone’s job, and your personal safety is your responsibility.
Everyone has a role in making sure a workplace is safe, from the administrative assistant who gets the boxes of newly
delivered office supplies unpacked promptly to the warehouse foreman who makes sure every person on the line gets a
break. When you take charge of your own safety, it creates a safer place for all employees.

2. Dress appropriately, from clothing to footwear.

Keeping arms and legs covered, avoiding dangling jewelry or ties, and wearing closed-toe shoes can go a long way in
minimizing common workplace injuries and accidents. When and where applicable, always wear personal protective
equipment (PPE), and inspect it for damage before and after use, so that it can be repaired or replaced promptly.

3. Keep work areas neat and tidy.

At the beginning and end of each shift, clear away trash, pick up cords and cables, and put office supplies away. Gather
any materials you’ll need to complete your work. This will avoid losing things as well as having to bend or stretch
unnecessarily, trying to reach objects that are misplaced or out of reach.

4. Follow the rules.

Don’t cut corners or take unnecessary risks. Workplace safety rules are often developed in response to hazard and risk
assessments. They are by nature designed to minimize the chances that an employee will be injured while carrying out
assigned tasks.

5. Report workplace accidents or safety incidents.

Always report incidents to your supervisor promptly so that the appropriate steps can be taken. These can include getting
care for an injured employee, fixing the problem that caused the injury, or ensuring regulatory, state or federal reporting
compliance.

6. Know and follow emergency procedures.

In order to safely and effectively manage emergencies, it’s imperative that all employees are trained in and follow
emergency procedures. This helps safety coordinators and emergency services get a handle on a situation and determine
the best way to bring it under control.

7. Lift, bend, and stretch with care to avoid injury.

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Musculoskeletal problems caused by poor technique when picking up boxes or stretching to reach objects is a common
cause of workplace injury. If you’re not sure how to best lift, bend or stretch at work, ask your supervisor or company
safety officer. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY GUIDELINES

8. Don’t operate tools or machinery that you haven’t been trained for.
While some tools or equipment may seem pretty intuitive, it’s always best to avoid using items unless you’ve been trained
in proper handling. This is for your safety as well as the safety of those around you.

9. Avoid drugs and alcohol at work.

Not only can drugs and alcohol affect your motor skills, they can also impair your judgment and ability to communicate.
Even prescription drugs can have a serious effect on your ability to handle machinery and tools safely.

10. Take breaks appropriately.

Being well-rested helps employees maintain the focus and situational safety awareness that contribute to workplace safety.
In some places, work breaks may be established according to contract; in others, it’s on the employees to work out breaks
among themselves.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment refers to protective barriers/ device or clothing that is worn by a worker in order to prevent
any part of his or her body and that of the clients from coming into contact with a hazard (s) present at the place of work.
Selection of PPE’s will be done according to the risk assessment for specific work areas.

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 Hard Hats. ...
 Leggings, Foot Guards, and Safety Shoes. ...
 Earplugs andOCCUPATIONAL
Earmuffs. ...
SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY GUIDELINES
 Gloves. ...
 Eye Protection. ...
 Surgical Face Masks. ...
 Respirators. ...
 Face Shields

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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY GUIDELINES