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Demonstrate Occupational Safety and Health Practices CPM
Demonstrate Occupational Safety and Health Practices CPM
LECTURE NOTES:
By Josphat Juma
INTRODUCTION
Occupational safety and health – it’s a cross disciplinary area concerned with
protecting the safety, healthand welfare of people engaged in work or employment.
The goal of occupational safety and health programs include to foster a safe and
healthy workenvironment
Osh may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers and many
others who might beaffected by the work place environment.
Health – the state of being free from illness or injury is called health. Or the protection of
the bodies andminds of people from illness resulting from materials and the processes
used in the work place.
Safety – the protection of people against physical injuries/ illnesses, the health and safety
is normally usedtogether to indicate concern for the physical and mental wellbeing of the
individual at the work place.
Accident – any unpleasant event that results in injury or illness of people or damage or loss
Risk – this is the product of a hazard and exposure; risk can be reduced by controlling or
eliminating thehazard
Ha£ards: It is anything (e.g. condition, situation practice or behavior) that has
potential to cause harm, including injury, disease, death, environmental,
property and equipmentdamage. It can be a thing or a situation.
Ha£ard identification: It is the process of examining each work area and
working task forthe purpose of identifying hazardous inherent in the job.
Risk: The likelihood or possibility that a risk will occur e.g. injury, illness,
death, damage,may occur from exposure to hazard.
Risk control: It is taking actions to eliminate health and safety risks as far as
is reasonablypracticable.
Monitoring and review: These involve ongoing monitoring the hazard
identified, risksassessed, risk control processes and reviewing them to make
sure that they are working.
Identifying hazards in the workplace is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being
of employees.
Here are some common hazards found in various workplaces along with indicators of
their presence:
1. Physical Hazards:
- Slippery or uneven surfaces: Wet 昀氀 oors, spills, loose rugs or mats.
- Falling objects: Unsecured items on shelves or overhead storage.
- Noise: Loud machinery, equipment, or construction work.
- Temperature extremes: Extremely hot or cold working environments.
2. Chemical Hazards:
- Strong odors: Presence of chemicals such as solvents, cleaning agents, or paints.
- Improperly labeled containers: Lack of clear identi 昀椀 cation and warning labels on
chemical containers.
- Poor ventilation: Lack of fresh air circulation in areas where chemicals are used or stored.
3. Biological Hazards:
- Presence of pests: Insects, rodents, or birds in the workplace.
- Mold growth: Damp areas with visible mold patches or musty odor.
- Sick employees: Frequent illness among workers due to exposure to infectious agents.
4. Ergonomic Hazards:
- Poorly designed workstations: Uncomfortable seating arrangements, inadequate
lighting, improper desk height.
- Repetitive tasks: Employees performing the same motion repeatedly without breaks.
- Awkward postures: Employees bending, twisting, or reaching excessively during work.
5. Psychosocial Hazards:
- High stress levels: Frequent con 昀氀 icts among employees, excessive workload,
unrealistic deadlines.
- Bullying or harassment: Verbal abuse, intimidation, discrimination in the workplace.
- Lack of support systems: Inadequate employee assistance programs for mental health
issues.
6. Electrical Hazards:
- Damaged cords and plugs: Frayed wires or exposed conductors on electrical equipment.
- Overloaded circuits: Multiple devices plugged into a single outlet using extension cords.
- Malfunctioning equipment: Flickering lights, overheating appliances.
7. Fire Hazards:
- Blocked 昀椀 re exits: Obstructed pathways leading to emergency exits.
- Lack of 昀椀 re extinguishers or alarms: Missing or non-functional 昀椀 re safety equipment.
- Accumulation of 昀氀 ammable materials: Piles of paper, chemicals, or other combustible
substances.
that occur. These records can serve as evidence of compliance with regulations and help
identify trends or patterns over time.
When workplace hazards have been identified and controls introduced, top management,
supervisors, safety and health personnel, employees, and employee representatives
should be provided with training that describes these control measures.
Standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration require the
employer to train employees in the safety and health aspects of their jobs initially upon
assignment, and/or annually.
Many of these OSHA standards make it the employer’s responsibilityto limit certain job
assignments to employees who are “certified,” “competent,” or“qualified” meaning that
they have had special previous training, in or out ofthe workplace.
The term “designated” personnel means selected or assigned by the employer or the
employer’s representative as being qualified to perform specific duties. Training
records provide evidence of the employer’s good faithand compliance with OSHA
standards. Documentation can also supply an answer to one of the first questions an
accident investigator will ask: “Was the injured employee trained to do the job?” Many
researchers and studies conclude that those who are new on the job have a higher rate of
accidents and injuries than more experienced workers. To help employers, safety and
health professionals, training directors, and consultants can help fulfill OSHA training
related requirements.
A gathering of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) issues and concerns can
include a wide range of topics related to workplace safety.
Here are some common issues and concerns that may be discussed:
1. Hazardous materials: Ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous
substances to prevent accidents, spills, or exposure to harmful chemicals.
2. Ergonomics: Addressing ergonomic risks such as improper workstation setup,
repetitive motion injuries, or lifting heavy objects that can lead to musculoskeletal
disorders.
CONTROL MEASURES
There are several control measures that can be implemented to mitigate
workplace risks. Some of the common control measures include:
1. Engineering controls: These involve modifying the workplace or equipment to
eliminate or reduce hazards. Examples include installing machine guards, implementing
ventilation systems, or using noise reduction measures.
2. Administrative controls: These focus on changing work practices and policies to
minimize risks. This can include implementing safety training programs, establishing
clear procedures and protocols, and conducting regular inspections and audits.
3. Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE includes items such as helmets, gloves,
safety glasses, and respiratory masks that are used to protect employees from speci 昀椀 c
hazards. Employers should provide appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use.
The appropriate risk controls based on the result of an Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) hazard evaluation will depend on the speci 昀椀 c hazards identi 昀椀
ed. However, here are some general risk controls that can be implemented:
1. Engineering Controls: These are physical modi 昀椀 cations to the workplace or equipment to
eliminate or minimize the hazard. Examples include installing machine guards,
ventilation systems, or noise barriers.
2. Administrative Controls: These are changes in work practices or policies to reduce
exposure to hazards. Examples include implementing job rotation, establishing clear
procedures and protocols, and providing training and education on safe work practices.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes providing employees with
appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, helmets, or
respirators to protect against speci 昀椀 c hazards.
A contingency measure/plan is a plan devised for an outcome other that in the usual
(expected) plan. It isoften used for risk management for an exceptional risk that though
unlikely, would have catastrophic consequences.
CPR techniques. Establish protocols for contacting medical assistance in case of serious
injuries or medical emergencies.
6. Fire Safety Measures: Install 昀椀 re alarms, smoke detectors, 昀椀 re extinguishers, and
sprinkler systems as per local regulations. Conduct regular inspections of these systems to
ensure they are in working order. Train employees on how to use 昀 椀 re extinguishers
properly.
7. Security Measures: Implement appropriate security measures such as access control
systems, surveillance cameras, or security personnel to prevent unauthorized access or
potential threats.
8. Employee Training: Conduct regular training sessions on workplace safety protocols
and emergency procedures for all employees. This will help them understand their roles
during emergencies and respond appropriately.
9. Business Continuity Plan: Develop a business continuity plan that outlines steps to
be taken to resume operations after an incident or emergency. This plan should include
backup systems, data recovery procedures, and alternative work arrangements if the
workplace becomes inaccessible.
10. Regular Review and Updates: Continuously review and update contingency
measures based on feedback, lessons learned from drills or incidents, and changes in
regulations or best practices.
5. First Aid: If someone is injured during the hazard, administer 昀 椀 rst aid if you are
trained to do so until professional help arrives.
6. Shelter-in-Place: In some situations, like chemical spills or severe weather conditions,
it may be safer for employees to stay indoors rather than evacuating. Establish shelter-in-
place procedures and ensure employees know where to go and what actions to take.
7. Accountability: Maintain an accurate record of all employees present in the workplace
during emergencies. Use attendance sheets or checklists to account for everyone's safety.
8. Training and Drills: Regularly conduct training sessions and drills on emergency
procedures so that employees are familiar with what needs to be done during di 昀昀 erent
hazards.
9. Post-Emergency Evaluation: After the hazard has been resolved, conduct an
evaluation of how well emergency procedures were followed and identify areas for
improvement.
OSH standards: OSH standards are rules that describe the methods that
employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. These standards
limit the number of hazards workers can be exposed to, require the use of
certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor
hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.
OSH-related records: They are documentations that keep track on various OSH processes.
The purpose of the Health and Safety policies and procedures is to guide and
direct all employees to work safely and prevent injury, to themselves and
others. All employees are encouraged to participate in developing,
implementing, and enforcing Health and Safety policies and procedures.
1. Set safety and health as a priority – always set safety and health as the top
priority. Tell the workers that making sure they finish the day and go home
safely is the way to do business. Assure them that you will work with them to
find and fix any hazard that could injure them ormake them sick.
2. Lead by example – practice safe behaviors yourself and make safety
part of your dailyconversation with the workers.
3. Implement a reporting system – develop and communicate a simple
procedure for workers toreport any injuries, illnesses, incidents, hazards or
safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation. Include an option of
reporting hazards or concerns anonymously.
4. Provide training – train the workers on how to identify and control hazards.
5. Conduct inspections – inspect the workplace and the workers and ask
them to identify anyactivity, piece of equipment, or material that
concerns them.
6. Collect hazard control ideas – ask workers on ideas on improvement and
follow up on theirsuggestions. Provide them with time during work hours,
if necessary, to research solutions.
Duties of Workers
1. Providing a safe and healthy work environment: Employers must ensure that
the workplace is free from hazards that could cause harm to employees. This includes
identifying and addressing potential risks, such as providing proper ventilation,
maintaining equipment, and implementing safety protocols.
2. Conducting risk assessments: Employers should regularly assess the workplace
for potential hazards and risks to employee health and safety. This involves identifying
potential sources of harm, evaluating the likelihood of an incident occurring, and
implementing measures to control or eliminate these risks.
3. Developing written safety policies and procedures: Employers should establish
clear policies and procedures related to OSH in the workplace. These documents should
outline expectations for employee behavior, provide guidance on how to handle
hazardous materials or situations, and detail emergency response protocols.
4. Providing training and education: Employers must ensure that employees receive
appropriate training on OSH practices specific to their job roles. This includes educating
workers on potential hazards they may encounter, teaching them how to use protective
equipment correctly, and providing instruction on emergency procedures.
Your Rights
The legislation gives your three rights:
The right to know the hazards at work and how to control them
The right to participate in Occupational Health and Safety
The right to refuse work which you believe to be unusually dangerous.
You may not be punished for using these rights. An employer can be required to
legally justify any action taken against a worker who is active in Health and
Safety.
Your Right to Know
The standards require your employer to provide you with all the information you
need to control the hazards you face at work. For example, chemicals at the
workplace must be listed. You are entitled to review this list. Your employer must
train you to safely handle the chemicals you will work with. If you are inexperienced,
you must receive an orientation.Your Right to Participate
You have the right to become involved in occupational Health and Safety. The
legislation encourages employers and workers to work together to maintain a
healthy and safeworkplace. Employers at workplaces with (ten or more – consult
your provincial act) workers must set up an occupational health committee of
employer and worker representatives.
Your Right to Refuse
You have the right to refuse to do work which you believe is unusually
dangerous. The unusual danger may be to you or to anyone else.
OSH documentations refer to the various documents and records that are created and
maintained to ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations
and standards. These documents play a crucial role in promoting workplace safety,
preventing accidents, and protecting the health of employees.
Some common types of OSH documentations include:
1. OSH Policy: This document outlines the organization's commitment to maintaining a
safe and healthy work environment. It includes the goals, objectives, and responsibilities
related to OSH.
2. Risk Assessments: Risk assessments identify potential hazards in the workplace and
evaluate their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact on employee safety. These
assessments help in developing appropriate control measures.
3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): SOPs provide step-by-step instructions for
performing speci 昀 椀 c tasks safely. They outline the necessary precautions, equipment
requirements, and emergency procedures.
4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): SDS provide detailed information about hazardous
substances used in the workplace, including their properties, handling procedures,
storage requirements, and emergency response measures.
5. Incident Reports: Incident reports document any accidents, injuries, or near misses
that occur in the workplace. They include details about what happened, who was
involved, any injuries sustained, and actions taken to prevent future incidents.
6. Training Records: These records document employee training on OSH topics such as
hazard identi 昀 椀 cation, emergency response procedures, proper use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), etc.
7. Inspection Checklists: Inspection checklists are used to assess compliance with OSH
regulations by conducting regular inspections of equipment, machinery, work areas, etc.
8. Emergency Plans: Emergency plans outline procedures for responding to various
emergencies such as 昀 椀 res, chemical spills, natural disasters, etc., including evacuation
routes and assembly points.
9. Safety Committee Meeting Minutes: Minutes from safety committee meetings
record discussions on safety-related issues raised by employees or management decisions
regarding OSH improvements.
10. Audit Reports: Audit reports document the 昀椀 ndings of internal or external OSH audits,
including any non-compliance issues and recommendations for improvement.
Personal
Protective
Equipmen PICTURE USES
t
Protection against dust, awful odor,
1. Face Mask
and harmful substance
Questions
c) Alcohol abuse
d) Gas leaks
4. Define the following terms
a) Hazard
b) Risk
5. Describe briefly the following terms as used in OSH
a) Hazard identification
b) Health auditing
c) Safety audit
6. Differentiate between physical and chemical hazards at the work place.
7. Describe briefly the ergonomic factors that can cause hazards.
Oral Assessment
1. Mention any three unsafe worker behavior.
2. Mention any five safety hazards at the work place.
3. Mention any three indicators of hazards
4. Mention any two ways of evaluating the work place environment
Practical Assessment
1. Trainees to identify any health hazards in the workshops as well as in
the compound
2. Trainees to gather information on any precautionary measure that
can be used toaddress the above hazards.