LESSON 4

Practice Occupational Safety and Health Procedures

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Lesson, you are expected to
do the following:

LO 1. identify hazards and risks;

LO 2. evaluate hazards and risks;
LO 3. control hazards and risks; and
LO 4. maintain occupational health and safety awareness.
 Definition of Terms

Airborne - carried by air

Antidote – a remedy counteracting a poison
First aid – the provision of initial care for an illness or injury
Injury- damage or harm of the structure or function of the body caused by an
outside force, which may be physical or chemical
PPE – (Personal Protective Equipment) refers to devices worn by workers to protect them
against hazards in the work environment including but not limited to safety helmet, safety
spectacles, face shields etc.
Occupational hazards - refer to various environmental factors or stresses that can cause
sickness, impaired health
Quality standard – set of exact specifications to become pattern of action
Safety – free from danger, risk or injury
Sanitation – the practice or measure to create an environment conducive to good health
Workplace – refers to the office, premises or worksite where a worker is temporarily assigned
Vermin – a term applied to various animal species regarded as pests or nuisances and
especially to those associated with the carrying of disease

LEARNING OUTCOME 1

Identify hazards and risks

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
 Workplace hazards and risks are identified and clearly explained.
 Hazards and risks and their corresponding indicators are identified in line with
the company procedures.
 Contingency measures are recognized and established in accordance with
workplace policies.

What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about hazard risks. Take this test.

Directions: With hazard risks as bases, match Column A with Column B. Write the
letters only. Use separate sheet for your answers.
A B
1. Electricity a. Cut
2. Knife b. Cancer
3. Welding c. Slips, falls
4. Benzene d. Metal fume fever
5. Wet floor e. Shock
6. Hazards f. Remind workers of correct lifting
7. Work g. Change in body function
8. Safety hazards h. Determinant of health
9. Back injury i. Cause harm
10. Adverse health effect j. Unsafe workplace
k. Vibration
 What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can remember
and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

Information Sheet 1.1

HAZARD AND RISKS IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL

There are lots of things that may affect the health of a person, such as his environment, his lifestyle,
etc. There are many who are not aware that work is an important determinant of health. It can influence
health in a positive or in a negative way. Are you comfortable at work? How safe is your workplace? Do you
think that you are giving all you have for your work but it seems that it never is enough?
These are just some of the questions that you need to ask in order to assess whether your
workplace is healthy or not. A place that is safe, healthy and work-conducive entails more productivity. In
fact, with a healthy workplace you will be doing more work with less effort.

Hazards and Risks in the Workplace

Hazard is a term used to describe something that has the potential to cause harm or adverse
effects to individuals, organizations property or equipment. Workplace hazards can come from a wide
range of sources. General examples include any substance, material, process, practice, etc. that has the
ability to cause harm or adverse health effect to a person under certain conditions.
Types of workplace hazards include:
1. Safety hazards: Inadequate and insufficient machine guards,
unsafe workplace conditions, unsafe work practices.

2. Biological hazards: Caused by organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi

and parasites.

3. Chemical hazards: Solid, liquid, vapor or gaseous substances, dust, fume or mist

4. Ergonomic hazards: Anatomical, physiological, and psychological demands on the

worker, such as repetitive and forceful movements, vibration, extreme temperatures, and
awkward postures arising from improper work methods and improperly designed
workstations, tools, and equipment.
 5. Physical hazards: Noise, vibration, energy, weather, electricity, radiation and pressure.

6. Psychological hazards: Those that are basically causing stress to a worker. This kind of
hazard troubles an individual very much to an extent that his general well- being is
affected.

What are examples of hazards?

Workplace Hazard Example of Hazard Example of Harm Caused

Thing Knife Cut
Substance Benzene Leukemia
Material Asbestos Mesothelioma
Source of Energy Electricity Shock, electrocution
Condition Wet floor Slips, falls

Process Welding Metal fume fever

Practice Hard rock mining Silicosis

What is risk?
Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health
effect caused by a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss. For example:
The risk of developing cancer from smoking cigarettes could be expressed as "cigarette smokers are
more likely to die of lung cancer than non-smokers”.

Factors that influence the degree of risk include:

 how much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition; and
 how the person is exposed (e.g., breathing in a vapor, skin contact), and how severe are the
effects under the conditions of exposure.

Risk assessment - Risk assessment is the process where you:

 identify hazards;
 analyze or evaluate the risk associated with that hazard; and
 determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard.
Hazards Risks Safety measures/ actions

Manual handling of hand tools - knives, Back injury Repetitive strain Teach and remind workers of correct lifting and
secateurs, loppers, crowbars, weed bags, carrying techniques. Rotate tasks.
mattocks.
Teach and remind workers of correct lifting
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly Back injury Repetitive strain technique. Rotate tasks.

Repetitive movements, bending and Back/ limb injury

awkward working positions Repetitive strain Teach and remind workers of correct lifting technique.

Trip hazards Injury Warn volunteers and remove trip hazards.

 What is an adverse health effect?
 A general definition of adverse health effect is "any change in body function or
the structures of cells that can lead to disease or health problems".

The following are adverse health effects.

 Bodily injury
 Disease
 Change in the way the body functions, grows, or develops
 Effects on a developing fetus (teratogenic effects, fetotoxic effects)
 Effects on children, grandchildren, etc. (inheritable genetic effects)
 Decrease in life span solvents
 Effects on the ability to accommodate additional stress

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 1.1

Directions: Match Column A with Column B. Write the letters only.

A B
1. Is the chance or the probability that a. Adverse health effect
a person will be harmed
2. Caused by organism such as b. Hazards
viruses, bacteria fungi and parasites
3. Is a source of potential damage, c. Chemical hazards
harm or adverse health effects
4. Safety hazard d. Risks
5. Vapor or gaseous substance e. Physical hazards
6 . Slips, falls f. Wet floor
7. Noise vibration energy g. Ergonomic hazards
8. Decrease in life span h. Psychological hazards
9. Those that are basically causing i. Unsafe workplace
stress j. Biological hazards
10. Awkward posture arising from k. Trip hazards
improper work methods

Read the Information Sheet 1.2 very well then find out how much you can remember and how
much you learned by doing Self-check 1.2.

Information Sheet 1.2

OSH INDICATORS

Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the
safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The goal of all occupational safety
and health programs is to foster a safe work environment. As a secondary effect, it may also protect co-
workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities, and other members of
the public who are impacted by the workplace environment.
Management Commitment - There is commitment to achieving high standards of OSH performance
through effective safety management.
 1. The employer identifies his general responsibilities regarding occupational safety and
health laws.
2. Everyone in the organization understands the general requirements of occupational
safety and health laws.
3. The employer is actively involved in OHS management.
4. A competent person in the organization coordinates safety management activities.
5. There is occupational safety and health policy that is up- to- date.
6. Everyone in the organization knows about the occupational safety and health policy.
7. Adequate resources are provided for all aspects of OHS management.
8. All employees have sufficient time to carry out specific tasks related to occupational
safety and health.
9. All employees are accountable for safety and health in their area of of
responsibility.

OSH signs or symbols in the workplace

Safety signs are the alert signs that help in indicating various hazards ahead. These labels help in
reducing accidents at workplace and on road side. It is a process of providing information or
instructions by means of placing required signboards.
Different types of hazards required different types of safety labels. There are several safety labels
available in the market. All that is need is to figure out the right label as per requirement.
Safety Signs consist of words, messages and a pictorial symbol with variety of shapes, size and
colors. Each label color is standardized and reflects a specific meaning.
Sign colors defined:
 Red color reflects immediate hazardous situations that will cause
death or other serious injuries like Danger signs and Fire symbols.
 Orange Color represents a potentially unsafe situation that could
cause serious injury and indicated by warning signs.
 Yellow color used to alert against unsafe practices, which if not
avoided, may results in minor or moderate injuries like Caution Signs.
 Green color indicates the emergency egress location, first aids and
other safety equipment.
 Blue color is used to convey safety information.

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 1.2
A. Identify the word or group of words being described or defined.

1. This consists of words or messages and a pictorial symbol which reflects a specific meaning.
__2. Used to alert against unsafe practices, which if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injuries like caution signs.
 3. Is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people
engaged in work or employment.
4. Indicates the emergency exit location, first aids and other safety equipment. The goal of all
OSH program.
5. Reflects immediate hazardous situations that will cause death or other serious injuries
like Danger signs and Fire symbols.

B. Matching type. Match Column B with Column A

A B

1. Safety equipment A.

2. Danger signs B.

3. Safety information C.

4. Caution signs D.

5. Serious injuries E.

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned?

Activity Sheet 1.2

Poster Making Material: color, oslo paper or cartolina

Tools: pencil, drawing pens, straight edge

Directions: Given the material make your own posters of safety signs. Your work will
be judge based on the criteria given below.

How Well Did You Perform?

Criteria 5 3 1 SCORE
Relevance to safety There is much There is moderate There is less
relevance with safety relevance with relevance with
safety safety.
Messages It is very clear and It is moderately clear and Messages is not
informative informative clear and
informative
Color Color is very much Color is slightly related Color is not related
related with the with the sign with the sign
signs.
Maximum score -15 Your Total Score
15
 PERSONAL HYGIENE AND PROPER HANDWASHING

Personal hygiene are health practices and habits which enable one to stay physically healthy. This
means keeping oneself clean to avoid transfer of harmful bacteria especially in food preparation.
Ways to achieve personal hygiene.
1. Regularly wash and cut your hair to keep a neat appearance. If you have facial
hair, you can save money by maintaining it yourself with a set of quality clippers.
2. Visit the dentist at least once a year (twice a year is optimal). Though you are
brushing every day, your dentist will correct any dental problems you have.
3. Bathe every day before work, or every night before you go to sleep. This will help
you cleanse/remove body odor.
4. Wear deodorant or antiperspirant daily if you tend to sweat heavily. Some people can
actually get away with not wearing deodorant, but most people, especially those who have
heavy duty jobs or work in warm climates, benefit greatly from it.
5. Scrub your hands with soap and water before you handle any food especially when you
have just come from the toilet, after touching your hair or other parts of your body, and
after your hands cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze. Be sure to clean
under fingernails where dirt and bacteria tend to accumulate.
6. Trim your nails; especially if you work in the food service .This will help keep your hands
much cleaner and prevent the spread of the germs to the food.
7. Keep hand sanitizer and facial tissues near your work desk. If you do not work on your
desk, put travel sizes of these items in your pocket. Sanitizer and tissues will come in
handy when you're ill and can also prevent the spread of germs resulting from touching
items such as money and computer keyboards.
8. Use a separate towel or cloth for drying dishes, wiping countertops, and wiping hands.
9. Avoid working with food when you have an open cut, sore, boil, or infected wound in your
hands. Pus and other liquids secreted by the wound contain millions of harmful bacteria that
can cause food poisoning.
10. Keep hands out of food as much as possible. Otherwise, wear disposable gloves.
11. Avoid smoking while preparing or handling food as ashes may drop into the food.
12. Wear suitable clothes at work. Do not wear clothes with long sleeves when
working with food. Wear also comfortable and clean shoes. Be sure aprons are
always clean.

Proper Hand washing

Washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. "Germs" (a
general term for microbes like viruses and bacteria) can be spread casually by touching another
person. You can also catch germs when you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then you
touch your face (mouth, eyes, and nose).
"Good" hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the
hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water.
The following are different situations where people can pick up "germs".
 Hands are visibly soiled.
 After using the washroom (includes changing diapers).
 After blowing your nose or after sneezing in your hands.
 Before and after eating, handling food, drinking or smoking.
 After touching raw meat, poultry, or fish.
 After handling garbage.
 Visiting or caring for sick people.
 Handling pets, animals or animal waste.

Ensuring that employees wash their hands properly after using the washroom is very important in
reducing disease transmission of stomach "flus" (which really is not a "flu" or influenza) and other
gastrointestinal infections. Using soap and lathering up is very important (rinsing hands in water
only is not as effective). Use comfortably warm, running water. Hands should be washed for a
minimum of 15 -20 seconds - longer if the hands are visibly oiled.
 What is the right way to wash your hands?
 Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
 Rub your hands together to make lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub
the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
 Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds.
 Rinse your hands well under running water.
 Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry

How Much Have You Learned?

Directions: Write T if the statement is correct and F if the statement is wrong.
1. Use gloves as substitute for hand washing.
2. Rinsing of hands only is enough to cleanse our hands.
3. Avoid smoking while preparing food to avoid ashes from dropping into the food.
4. Personal hygiene means keeping one self-clean helps avoid transfer of harmful
bacteria.
5. Wash hands for a minimum of 30 seconds.
6. Use hand towels for wiping dishes.
7. Avoid working with food when you have an open cut or wound
8. Sanitizer helps prevent spread of germs resulting from touching items like money.
9. Wash hands only before eating.
10. Always wear clean work clothes and aprons.

LEARNING OUTCOME 2
Evaluate hazards and risks
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

 Effects of hazards are determined.

 OHS issues and concerns are identified in accordance with the workplace
requirements and relevant workplace legislation.

What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about evaluating hazards and risks.
Take this test.

Directions: Write true if the statement is correct and false if it is wrong.

______ 1. Employees should never act on recommended safety measures.
______ 2. The provision of OSH Standards by the State is an exercise of the police power.
______ 3. Not all establishments, workplaces and other undertakings are covered by the OSH.
______ 4. Employer should not act on recommended safety measures.
______ 5. Stress often leads to negative physical and psychosocial effects.
______ 6. The OSH eliminates or reduces health hazards in the workplace.
______ 7. Physical working condition as noise and temperature will not result to stress.
______ 8. Workers or employees should assist government agencies in the conduct of safety and health
inspection.
______ 9. Personal protective equipment is not a part of health and safety at work.
______ 10. Adverse health effects are more frequent and severe when exposure occurs during childhood.
 PHILIPPINES OSH STANDARD

OSH Standards are mandatory rules and standards set and enforced to eliminate or reduce
occupational safety and health hazards in the workplace. It aims to provide at least the minimum
acceptable degree of protection that must be afforded to every worker in relation to the working
condition and danger that may arise by reason of his occupation
The provision of OSH Standards by the State is an exercise of the police power, with the
intention of promoting the welfare and well-being of workers. All establishments, workplaces and
other undertakings are covered, including agricultural enterprises whether operating for profit or not,
except:
 residential places exclusively devoted to dwelling purposes;
 those directly engaged in land, sea and air transportation, except their dry dockers, garages,
hangers and maintenance, and repair shops and offices; and
 the activities of a lessee regarding the safety of the mining claim or lease, including mines
safety, mineral conservation and pollution in establishments or work places falling under
mining industry.
The Secretary of Labor and Employment, through the Regional Director or other authorized
representative enforced the OSH Standards
These are the duties of the employers and employees in relation to enforcement and
compliance with the OSH Standards in the workplace.
 Adopt administrative policies on safety in accordance with the provisions of the Standards.
 Report to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative the policies adopted
and the safety organization established.
 Submit report to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative once in every
three months on the safety performance, safety committee meetings and its
recommendations and measures taken to implement the recommendation.
 Act on recommended safety measures.
 Provide access to appropriate authorities.
Duties of the employees to the supervisor
1. Serve as member of the Health and Safety
2. Follow safety policies.
3. Report unsafe condition and practices to Safety Committee
4. Cooperate with Health and Safety Committee.
5. Assist government agencies in the conduct of safety and health inspection.
The responsibilities of the employer mainly stem from legislation such as the Health and Safety at
Work etc. Act (1974) is very important in managing Health and Safety at work. These include the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations, Manual Handling Operations Regulations, Personal Protective Equipment at Work
Regulations, and various others.

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 1.1
A. Write true if the statement is correct and false if the statement is wrong.
______ 1. The health and safety at work is a very important responsibility of the employer.
______ 2. Sickness or injury may arise by reason of occupation.
______ 3. The employee is not held responsible for safety rules.
______ 4. All establishment, workplaces and undertakings are covered by the OSH.
______ 5. The intention of OSH is promoting the welfare of well-being of workers.

B. Identify the duties of the employers and employees in relation to enforcement and compliance
with the OSH Standards in the workplace.
 What Do You Need To Know?

EFFECTS OF HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE

The effect that occupation may have on a worker's health is dependent on the exposure (expressed
quantitatively) to relevant agents, and on host factors. Taking a history is often very important in identifying
relevant exposures and linking them to ill-health. The concept of "cumulative exposure" i.e. a quantitative
measure of the intensity of exposure and the duration of exposure is important, since generally it is the
main determinant of risk. Health may be harmed by occupational exposures in many different ways, and
practically any organ system can be affected.
Some examples follow - (starting with the lungs and skin, the organs of first contact for most
chemical occupational exposures).
Asthma e.g. from glutaraldehyde in health care workers, (the image shows a hospital radiographer
loading film processing chemicals, through a closed system, since emanations of sulphur dioxide or of
glutaraldehyde can cause asthmatic symptoms). Other causes of asthma may include flour, or other agents
in bakeries, or di-isocyanates in twin-pack spray painting.
 Allergic alveolitis (e.g. Farmer's lung from fungal spores)
 Pneumononiosis (e.g. silicosis caused by inhaling quartz)
 Cancer (e.g. from asbestos inhalation)
Musculoskeletal
 Tenosynovitis and similar conditions
 Back pain from manual handling
Nervous and Mental
 Peripheral neuropathy (e.g. caused by lead or n-hexane)
 Nerve deafness induced by noise
 Mental ill-health (e.g. caused by stress, or by chemical exposures such as mercury)
Blood/Marrow
 Anemia (e.g. caused by lead, which may impair the synthesis of normal hemoglobin). A
plastic anemia may be caused by high exposures to benzene
 Leukemia (a cancer of certain white blood cells) caused by benzene.
Genitourinary and Endocrine
 Kidney damage caused by some solvent exposures, or by cadmium
 Bladder cancer e.g. caused by beta naphthylamine, or compounds of similar structure
(generally aromatic amines, with an aromatic group in the 'para' position to the amine)
 Infertility caused by some chemical exposures e.g. male infertility caused by DBCP
(dibromochloropropane). A range of chemicals have been implicated in the potential for
endocrine disruption and/or effects on reproduction such as phthalates, glycolethers, and
organophosphates.
Liver
 Hepatitis (e.g. toxic from some chemicals or viral e.g. in health care workers)
 Cancer (e.g. Vinyl chloride monomer causing angiosarcoma)

Workplace Stress
Stress can be associated with severe physical and/or psychological effects, such as sleep
disorders; fatigue; chronic aches and pains; depression; changes in sexual activity; conflict with
family, friends, and co-workers; weight gain or weight loss; greater susceptibility to injury; immune
system depression; and greater vulnerability to illness and disease.

This is a serious health and safety hazard that can have devastating effects. Stress occurs:
 when there is a poor match between workplace demands and a worker’s degree of control;
 as a result of demands that are placed upon mind and body;
 when employees are exposed to staff shortages, harassment, bullying, noise and other
hazards;
Stress is largely caused by poor work organization factors such as:
 lack of control and conflicting work demands;
  lack of decision-making participation;
 lack of training and direction; unclear work responsibilities;
 privatization, outsourcing, downsizing, mergers, staff cutbacks, and restructuring; and
 overwork and poor work shift schedules.
Cutbacks, privatization, and downsizing have contributed to a heightened sense of job
insecurity. All of these factors cause or compound workplace stress.
The Generalized Stress Response is the phrase used to describe a variety of physical
reactions to stress:
 increased metabolism;
 blood pressure;
 cholesterol and fatty acids in the bloodstream;
 decreased protein synthesis;
 faster blood clotting;
 increased production of stomach acids, blood sugar for energy;
 localized inflammation;
 tensed up muscles; and
 sweating to cool muscles.
Stress affects the physical and psychological health of a person. But it also spills out
of the workplace, negatively affecting members’ family lives. The cumulative effects of
stress can be devastating.
Major outcomes of stress are:
 Psychological disease and social behavioral changes (e.g., depression,
anxiety, Heart disease
 Various physiological outcomes (e.g., headaches and migraines, impaired
digestion, ulcers and diabetes).
 Personal and family life conflict.
 Work – related musculoskeletal disorder.
 Burnout
 Synergetic (combined) effects of stress and other diseases (i.e., stress can make worse
other diseases and disorder.
 Critical incident stress.

How Much Have You Learned?

Directions: Write T if the statement is correct and F if the statement is wrong.

1. Stress may result to heart a disease.
2. Anemia is the result of exposure to lead which impaired the
synthesis of hemoglobin.
3. Workplace stress is a minor health and safety hazard and has less
effect on health.
4. Older workers run a higher risk of work injuries arising from
lack of experience.
5. Mental ill-health is caused by stress, or by chemical exposures
such as mercury.
6. Stress can make other disorders worst.
7. The effect that occupation may have on a worker's health is dependent on
the exposure (expressed quantitatively) to relevant agents, and on host
factors.
8. Psychological disease may lead to suicidal thoughts.
9. Every day at the workplace, workers face health and safety hazards such
as accidents, dust, chemicals, noise, and violence.
10. Physical working conditions such as noise and vibration, temperature
extremes, overcrowding, exposure to toxic substances, and poor air
quality may or may not cause stress.s
 LEARNING OUTCOME 3

Control hazards and risks

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

 Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are
followed in accordance with the organization’s OSH policies.
 Personal protective equipment is correctly used in accordance with
organization’s OSH procedures and practices

What Do You Already Know?

Directions: Fill in the blanks with word or group of words to complete the sentence.
1. Chemicals should be rightly to avoid detrimental mistakes.
2. Injuries, illnesses and accidents on job should be in time for
immediate action.
3. The is used as warning of fire.
4. The way out in the event of fire is .
5. The collection transport and process of managing the disposal of waste is
.
6. Keep yourself to avoid being electrocuted.
7. The process of removing or neutralizing harmful materials that have gathered on
worker or equipment during a response to chemical incident is called .
8. In food preparation, the PPE is the which gives protection against
hazard during food preparation.
9. That which protects one against burns when taking hot items on top of the stove
is the .
10. The treatment of materials through a process of making them suitable or
beneficial is called _____ .

What Do You Need To Know?

SAFETY REGULATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Safety regulations in the workplace need to be in place in order to assure the workers that they
are cared for.
The four industries wherein maximum workplace mishaps take place are:
1. service industry;
2. construction and building industry;
3. retail stores; and
4. manufacturing industry.
It is absolutely essential for a worker to be aware of the safety regulations in the
workplace. Every organization should have a system for safety. This system should revolve
around the following safety regulations and guidelines:

On Job Hazards

The safety regulations in the workplace should keep job

hazards on top priority.
 The floors have to be checked for tripping hazards.
 All the walkways should be well-lit and in case
 there are blind spots, all the employees and
workers should be aware of them. This could
help avoid untoward collisions and accidents.
 Cords and wires should be secured away from
the walkways and the corridors. All electric
wiring should be covered with appropriate
material.
 Fire safety regulations and electrical safety regulations should also be made.

Health Hazards
Worker-spread illnesses pose a great risk the health
of the entire workforce. It is required by the management to
advise all the workers to stay home if they are sick as a part
of workplace safety regulations This policy should not be
altered and the leave taken by the employees during such a
time should be a paid leave. This will make sure that they
don't come to work for the fear of losing their salary for the
day. Good hand washing and disinfecting toiletries should be
available at the workplace for the workers.

Chemical Hazards
Chemicals should be rightly labeled to avoid any
detrimental mistakes. Mixing of the wrong chemicals can
cause a terrible chemical reaction which could be hazardous
to all the employees. There should be measures to taken to
ensure that only chemicals that are safe be kept together
and stored together. The supervisor should have full
working knowledge of the chemicals to ensure that no
mistakes happen due to ignorance or negligence. The
worker should be guided on the proper chemical storage
procedures.

Reporting System
To ensure the best safety regulations in the workplace, there
needs to be a reporting system in place. Injuries, illnesses and
accidents on job should be reported in time. All illnesses should be
reported as well. This is to ensure that the organization has the
medical records of the employee in case of an emergency. The
Occupational Safety and Health Department Administration
(OSHDA) has come up with several safe ways to maintain this
system. Reference to OSHDA should be made while developing
the reporting system and putting it in place.

Whistleblower
Being a tattletale is not by choice of most employees. However, in case the
behavior of certain employees is not safe or hazardous, it should be reported to the
appropriate authorities. This can help increase the safety standards of the organization
on the whole and work as a great safety regulation in a workplace. In fact, this whistle
blower system also ensures complete attention of the employees. This can assure that
they report any accident or hazardous incident to the management in time. It fosters a
no-negligence environment that thrives on participative behavior.
Most organizations make sure that these health and safety regulations in the workplace are
put into use. However, in the absence of professionalism at work, it becomes a little difficult to get
the right results.
 How Much Have You Learned?
A. Write the letter of the correct answer.

1. It fosters a no-negligence environment that thrives on participative behavior.

A. Whistle blowing C. Giving instruction
B. Reporting D. Observance of silence
2. The worker should be guided in the proper storage of these items to
avoid accident or even death. Which items are referred to?
A. Detergents C. Condiments
B. Chemicals D. Cutlery
3. These persons should be kept out to avoid food contamination.
A. Old persons C. Disable
B. Those who are ill D. Children
4. Always wipe up spills on the floor to avoid .
A. burns C. electrocution
B. slip D. cuts or wounds
5. Fixing electrical wiring avoid the danger of .
A. falls C. electric shock
B. collision D. burns
6. The following are “On Job Hazards” EXCEPT…
A. slippery floor C. dark walkways
B. secured cords and wires D. no fire safety rules
B. For items 7-10, identify four industries where maximum workplace mishaps take
place.

CLEAN AIR ACT

The Clean Air Act is the name of any of several pieces of legislation aimed at
reducing smog and other types of air pollution and less damage of the ozone layer.

Philippines: Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act outlines the government’s measures to reduce air pollution and incorporate
environmental protection into its development plans. It relies heavily on the polluter pays principle
and other market-based instruments to promote self-regulation among the population. It sets
emission standards for all motor vehicles and issues registration only upon demonstration of
compliance. It also issues pollutant limitations for industry. Polluting vehicles and industrial
processes must pay a charge. Any individual, enterprise, corporation or groups that installed
pollution control devices or retrofitted its existing facilities to comply with the emissions standards in
the Act can apply for tax incentives of accelerated depreciation, deductibility of R&D expenditures or
tax credits on the VAT of the equipment and are exempt from real property tax on the machinery or
equipment used to comply. It also establishes a R&D program for air pollution reduction mechanisms
and technologies. It bans incineration and smoking in public places. At the local and municipal
levels, governments are allowed to set emission quotas by pollution source, and the development of
recycling programs is encouraged.

The Food Processing Concept (FPC) Clean Air Act

It has been developed for use in large variety of baking and cooking processes. The system
provides the perfect combination of vapor extraction and cleaning. The FPC Clean Air Act is able to
reduce vapor pollution from the emission by 80%. The pollution from the vapor emissions is
transformed into biodegradable residue, which benefits the environment, your employees and
neighbors and your profits. The unit has variable ventilators that pulls out the vapor released in the
cooking process, so that the working area can be kept free from any irritating and greasy air.
The FPC Clean Air Act can be used in a combination with a variety of food processing
equipment including: (oil fryers, hot spiral oven, hot air tunnels, grill markers, infrared ovens, open
flame system, belt grill, systems, steam tunnels, and smoke houses)
 How Much Have You Learned?
A. Write the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which fosters a no-negligence environment that thrives on
participative behavior
A. Whistle blowing C. Giving instruction
B. Reporting D. Observance of silence
2. The worker should be guided to proper storage of these items to avoid
accident or even death. What items are referred to?
A. Detergents C. Condiments
B. Chemicals D. Cutlery
3. Who should be kept out to avoid food contamination?
A. Old persons C. Disable
B. Those who are ill D. Children
4. Always wipe up spills on the floor to avoid .
A. burns C. electrocution
B. slip D. cuts or wounds
5. Fixing electrical wiring prevents the danger of .
A. falls C. electric shock
B. collision D. burns
B. Check the equipment where the FPC Clean Air Act applies.
1. cars
2. tunnels
3. oil fryers
4. grill markers
5. hot air tunnels
6. smoke houses
7. hot spiral oven
8. infrared ovens
9. belt grill systems
10. open flame system

ELECTRICAL AND FIRE SAFETY CODE

Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that
may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of an
uncontrolled fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to
reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during
the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that
are taught to occupants of the building.
Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include situations that
increase the likelihood of fire or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs. Fire safety is often a
component of building safety.

Key elements of a fire safety policy

 Building a facility in accordance with the version of the local building code.
 Maintaining a facility and behaving in accordance with the provisions of the fire code. This is
based on the occupants and operators of the building being aware of the applicable
regulations and advice.
Examples of these include:
 Not exceeding the maximum occupancy within any part of the building.
 Maintaining proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs pointing to them that
can function in a power failure)
 Compliance with electrical codes to prevent overheating and ignition from electrical faults or
problems such as poor wire insulation or overloading wiring, conductors, or other fixtures with
 more electric current than they are rated for.
 Placing and maintaining the correct type of fire extinguishers in easily accessible places.
 Properly storing and using, hazardous materials that may be needed inside the building for
storage or operational requirements (such as solvents in spray booths).
 Prohibiting flammable materials in certain areas of the facility.
 Periodically inspecting buildings for violations, issuing Orders to Comply and, potentially,
prosecuting or closing buildings that are not in compliance, until the deficiencies are
corrected or condemning it in extreme cases.
 That sprays fireproofing remains undamaged.
 Maintaining a high level of training and awareness of occupants and users of the building to
avoid obvious Maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fire.
 Obtaining and maintaining a complete inventory of fire stops.
 Ensuring mistakes, such as the propping open of fire doors.
 Conduct fire drills at regular intervals throughout the year.

Common fire hazards

Improper use and maintenance of gas stoves often create fire
hazards. Some common fire hazards are:
 Electrical systems that are overloaded
resulting in hot wiring or connections, or
failed components
 Combustible storage areas with
insufficient protection
 Combustibles near equipment that
generates heat, flame, or sparks
 Candles
 Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
lighters, etc.)
 Equipment that generates heat and
utilizes combustible materials
 Flammable liquids
 Fireplace chimneys not properly or
regularly cleaned
 Cooking appliances - stoves, ovens
 Heating appliances (wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters)
 Electrical wiring in poor condition
 Batteries
 Personal ignition sources - matches, lighters
 Electronic and electrical equipment
 Exterior cooking equipment – BBQ

FIRE SAFETY TIPS IN THE WORKPLACE

Here are some basic safety tips that will help ensure you
protect your staff in case the worst ever happens and you
experience a fire.
1. Anything that is capable of burning should be
considered a potential risk. Any flammable item should
be safely stowed away in an area that is well ventilated
so as to minimize the risk of ignition. These may
include things like paper, chemicals or waste materials.
2. A working ventilation fan should be present as this will
help staff escape more safely in the event of a fire due to the smoke and fumes
being cleared quicker.
3. Adequate emergency lighting should be installed and battery powered torches
present for staff so as they can find their way out if the power blackens out the
building. Never use a naked flame such as a lighter as this could ignite further
fires during escape.
 4. Do not leave unwanted rubbish or items such as waste paper or boxes to accumulate in
the workplace as this represents a serious fire hazard as well as potentially blocking
escape routes.
5. Ensure that all staff are aware of the fire escape routes and install fire alarm if you don't
already have one. If the office has one in place already make sure it is tested regularly each
year by a qualified fire alarm engineer and that none of the detectors are covered, blocked
or been painted over.
6. A major cause of office fires is due to a short circuit at the plug or in electrical machinery
such as computers or heaters. Ensure that any unused power socket is switched off and
have your sockets tested annually to make sure they are in proper working condition. Never
ever plug multiple plugs into a power socket as this increases the risk of an overload and
potential short circuit. Electrical fires can be very dangerous and so you should also provide
the correct type of fire extinguisher for such a hazard. A CO2 extinguisher is especially
designed for this very purpose.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS

When doing electrical work or using electrical equipment, you should practice safety to avoid
electric shock.
 Shut off power to the circuit you’re working on and verify it’s off (treat all electrical as having
power even after shutting off power).
 Wear rubber gloves.
 Wear rubber shoes with rubber soles.
 Use tools with insulated handles.
 Keep yourself dry.
 Keep the area around you dry.
 Wear safety glasses.
 Never handle electric switch with wet hands.
 Always report frayed electrical cords and ungrounded electrical cords.

How Much Have You Learned?

A. Identify whether it is a firehazard or not. Write yes or no only.
1. candles
2. bricks
3. oven
4. sand
5. faulty electrical wiring
B. Identify that which is described.
1. A major cause of office fires at the plug or in electrical machinery such as computers
or heaters.
2. Maintain this for detection and warning of fire
3. It is often a component of building safety
4. A portable metal container ejecting chemicals or water for putting out fire
5. This should be installed so that workers or staff can find their way out if
the power blackens out the building.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste management is the collection, transport, processing or disposal, managing and monitoring of
waste materials. The term usually relates to materials produced by human activity, and the process
is generally undertaken to reduce their effect on health, the environment or aesthetics. Waste
management is a distinct practice from resource recovery which focuses on delaying the rate of
consumption of natural resources. The management of wastes treats all materials as a single class,
whether solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive substances, and tried to reduce the harmful
environmental impacts of each through different method.
Proper waste management plays a very important role especially in the kitchen where
foods are being prepared and cooked.
Waste management procedures and techniques

1. Waste avoidance is engaging in activity that

prevents generation of waste. Waste
segragation is the process of dividing
garbage and waste products in an effort to
reduce, re – use and recycle materials.
2. Waste reduction is the minimization of wasteful consumption of goods.

3. Re-use is the process of recovering materials

intended for some purpose without changing their
physical and chemical appearance.

4. Recyling is the treatment of waste materials through a process of making them

suitable for benificial use and for other purposes.
5. Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic matter by
microorganism mainly bacteria and fungi into a humus like product.
6. Waste disposal refers to the proper discharge of any solid waste into or any land.

Waste Disposal
Aim: To ensure proper management and disposal of waste.
 Determine whether the waste is characterized as hazardous waste or not. 
 Pick up free characterized waste tags, containers, and guidelines from the prescribed
locations:
 Ensure that containers holding hazardous wastes are compatible with wastes, and are in
good condition, do not leak, and are closed when wastes are not being added or removed.
 Mark containers with the words “Hazardous Waste.”
When the container is full
 Once the container is full, complete a characterized waste tag, specifying the contents, and
attach to the waste container.
 Limit accumulation of waste to the amount mentioned on the container.
To schedule waste pick up pickup:
 To schedule a hazardous waste pick-up, call the transportation supervisor of the company and
submit a Hazardous Waste Pick-up Request form

Responsibilities of the company:

 Assist the client or waste generator in performing hazardous waste determinations.
 Pick up waste from the generator on a routine schedule or by appointment.
 Maintain databases and inventories of all wastes generated.
 Maintain the accumulation facility and provide for the disposal of hazardous waste generated
by client.
Safety meeting before picking up the waste:
 A complete checklist of all the equipments needed for the job is made and checked.
 The employee uses personal protective equipment.
 Tool kit to be checked by the supervisor.
 First aid kid to be checked by the supervisor and is placed in the pick – up.
 Fire extinguisher also checked.
 All important company telephone number to be pasted and checked in the pick –up.

How Much Have You Learned?

Directions: Match column A with Column B.

A B
1. Making waste benificial a. Re –use
2. The recovering of materials for use in other b. Recycle purpose
3. Proper discharge of waste into land c. Segregation
4. Decomposition of organic matter d. Composting
5. The process of dividing garbage and e. Waste
disposal waste products in an effort to reduce, f. Sort
Re-use and recycle materials

LEARNING OUTCOME 4
Maintain occupational safety and health awareness.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
 Procedures in emergency related drill are strictly followed in line with the
established organization guidelines and procedures.
 OSH personal records are filled up in accordance with workplace
requirements

What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about maintaining occupational safety
and health awareness. Take this test.

A. Identify whether the following pictures is a fire drill or an earthquake drill. Write letter
F for fire and E for earthquake.

1. 4.
 2. 5.

3.

B. Write true if the statement is correct and false if the statement is wrong.
1. Remove jewelries when working with food.
2. Accidents are caused by people due to haste.
3. In an earthquake drill DROP means to go out of the building.
4. Beware of facing windows and mirror in the event of earthquake.
5. Safety practices in the workplace result to high rates of accidents.

What Do You Need To Know?

OPERATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROCEDURES,

PRACTICES AND REGULATIONS

Occupational health should aim at: the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of
physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations; the prevention among workers
of departures from health caused by their working conditions; the protection of workers in their
employment from risks resulting from factors adverse to health; the placing and maintenance of the
worker in an occupational environment adapted to his physiological and psychological capabilities;
and, to summarize, the adaptation of work to man and of each man to his job.
The main focus in occupational health is on three different objectives:
1. maintain and promote workers’ health and working capacity;
2. improve working environment and work; and
3. develop work organizations and working cultures in a direction which supports
health and safety at work and in doing so also promotes positive social climate
and smooth operation and may enhance productivity of the undertakings.
Safety procedures, practices in the workplace contribute to:
1. low rates of accident;
2. good employee morale;
3. employee satisfaction;
4. reduction of insurance and other operating cost; and
5. reduction of losses of employees due to disabling accidents.
Some health and safety procedures and practices
A. Personal hygiene practices
 1. Keep your hands always clean and nails cut short.
2. Wear comfortable clean clothes.
3. Use of PPE when working.
4. Remove jewelries especially when working with food.
5. Use gloves when hands are thoroughly washed.

B. Good housekeeping practice.

1. Keep the area clean. Plan and implement a program of regular cleaning of the
equipment and all other areas.
2. Eliminate the possible breeding of flies. Screen the house and use effective
insecticides whenever necessary.
3. Exterminate rodents. Prevent their increases by not leaving food and dirty
dishes on the table or in the sink. Keep foods likely to be eaten by rats in
rodent-proof containers.

C. Observance of safety precautions. The observance of safety precaution to promote work

efficiency and to avoid accident is important. Accidents are caused either by people
themselves, by unsafe environment, or defective equipment. Accidents are caused by people
are due to haste, distraction or failure to observe safety regulations. Carelessness causes
slips, falls, burns and bumps and the destruction of things in the workplace. Accidents in the
laboratory area are caused by contact with exposed electrical tools or kitchen equipment and
short circuits.

Workplace safety checklist

OSH requirements mean that managing risk in the workplace is more than a priority. It is a
fundamental issue of effective workplace management. Occupational safety and health risks exist,
even though they may not be as apparent as the obviously dangerous machines or situations that
you would normally find in a warehouse or factory or industry.
Check the guide below for some of the OSH responsibilities for the workers to
ensure their personal safety.
1. First Aid. The requirement for a first aid kit or a trained first aid person will depend on
the number of people in the workplace. Where 25 or more people are located in a
workplace on you need to train a first aid person. There is also the requirement for a first
aid kit, register of injuries book and a notice specifying who to contact in the workplace if
first aid is required. A first aid room is only required where there are 200 employees in
an office workplace.
2. Ergonomics. Ergonomics is crucial in offices yet commonly overlooked. A workstation
has correct ergonomics if the alignment of the computer screen, keyboard, person and
chair is in a straight line, with no twisting of the head or body. The height of the screen,
keyboard and chair will also be important for good ergonomics. A footrest and document
holder may be required, depending on the situation.
3. Fire control. Sources of ignition and combustible materials should be separated to avoid
potential fires. Fire equipment should be available and unobstructed, with some
employees trained in its use. The complexity of your evacuation system will depend on
the size of the business, number of floors involved and number of people to be
evacuated.
Sources of ignition include heat sources (photocopiers, computers, printers, portable heaters)
and electrical sources including damaged electrical cables and piggy-backed double
adaptors. Cleaning cloths in cleaners' cabinets can also be sources of heat, depending on the
chemicals used and how the materials are stored.
4. Emergency Evacuation. Have a documented evacuation procedure, which has been
communicated to all employees, and has been practiced as an evacuation drill at least
once each year. The evacuation procedure should differentiate between bomb threat and
other types of emergencies, as the procedure will vary slightly. Your office area will have
a different procedure to other parts of the business if you are part of a high rise office
block while other areas are in an industrial estate.
 Determine an assembly point, and keep a record of people's names to determine who might be
left in the building. This will be useful for the emergency services if a rescue is required.
Consideration should also be given to first aid provision at the assembly point and the
identification of a person who is trained in first aid should anyone be injured.

Also include in your procedure the method to be used to contact the emergency services,
for example whether you will contact them before or after you evacuate the building.
5. Electrical Hazards. All electrical cables should be periodically inspected for integrity and
replaced if damaged. The practice of 'piggy backing' double adaptors should be eliminated
as this can create a fire risk. If there are insufficient power points, a power board is a safer
option. Alternatively, you could have an electrician install more power points. Electrical
switchboards should be checked to ensure that neither combustible materials nor
flammable liquids are stored nearby.
6. Chemical Safety. You have legal obligations even if your office keeps very small
quantities of dangerous chemicals. These include addressing hazardous substances
requirements in the OSH Regulation 2001. This requires you keep a register of hazardous
substances, copies of material safety data sheets, precautions in place to prevent injury to
anyone using the chemicals, and assessing whether control measures (gloves, glasses
etc.) are sufficient. All containers must be labeled with the product name, and any hazards
associated with it, for example flammable, corrosive, poison etc.
7. Housekeeping. Untidy offices with materials placed in boxes or in piles on the floor create
a hazardous environment - not only a trip hazard, but could indicate that there is insufficient
storage space, insufficient time for storing materials, or just poor management of the work
area.
Many workplaces have difficulty finding a temperature setting that all workers find
comfortable. The recommended range is 22 to 26 person's egress from the workplace, as
well as leading to injury if a person is constantly moving around a cluttered work area.
8. Temperature. Many workplaces have difficulty finding a temperature setting that all
workers find comfortable. The recommended range is 22 to 26 person's egress from the
workplace, as well as leading to injury if a person is constantly moving around a cluttered
work area.
Set the temperature at 22 or 23 degrees and make adjustments from that point.
Check that the air conditioning reaches all areas in the office, and that windows
receiving substantial quantities of sunlight are not causing problems.
9. Manual handling. Whenever staff are required to lift, shift or move heavy
items, for example moving stationery supplies in and out of cabinets and
printers/photocopiers, or moving quantities of mail, computers, printers and
other office furniture, there are manual handling procedures that should be
used to avoid injury.

How Much Have You Learned?

A. Write the letter of your answer.

1. The following are the causes of accident except for one. Which one?
A. people themselves
B. organized work area
C. defective tools and equipment
D. unsafe environment
2. Safety procedures, practices in the workplace contribute to:
A. high rates of accident
B. good employee morale
C. employee dissatisfaction
D. increase of insurance and other operating cost
3. Which of the following is not a personal hygiene practice?
A. Keep your hands always clean and nails cut short.
 B. Wearing of comfortable clean clothes.
C. Use of PPE when working.
D. Having a ring on fingers while working with food.
4. All of these describe the working environment that is conducive to safety
and health EXCEPT for one. Which one?
A. Clean floor area, free from waste and grease
B. Clean cabinets, dry and closed tightly to keep away rodents and insects
C. A well fixed electrical connections
D. Defective lighting and ventilation facilities.
5. Which of the following could be avoided due to carelessness?
A. Slips
B. Burns
C. Electric shock
D. Stress

B. Give 5 OSH responsibilities for the workers to ensure their personal safety.

EMERGENDY-RELATED DRILLS AND TRAINING

Emergency drills and traininghave the objective of preparing a trained and organized
response to situations of great difficulty which may unexpectedly threaten loss of life at sea. It is
important that they should be carried out realistically, approaching as closely as possible to
emergency conditions. Drills and training should stress and include emergency procedure and
equipment, emergency personnel duties.

Emergency Evacuation Drills

Fire is only one type of emergency that happens at work. Large and small workplaces
alike experience fires, explosions, medical emergencies, chemical spills, toxic releases, and a
variety of other incidents. Here are some basic drills that you should know.

Fire Drill
A fire drill is a practice event, where people
leave a building. They are practicing what they would
do if there was a fire in the building. The event is
started when a fire alarm is turned on.
Fire drills can be helpful in saving lives in the
event of an actual fire. A fire drill is a simulation of what
a person or group of people would do if an actual fire
occurred.
Fire drills happen a couple of times a year. Even
though they are drills, they are very important
because
through practice you will learn what to do and how to behave in an emergency. Observe the
following:
1. Take the drill seriously.
2. Review the expectations before drill.
3. Know your escape route beforehand.
4. Remain calm.
5. Line up and stay in line.
6. Go quietly through the school to your destination.
Earthquake Drill Procedures
1. Once the drill is announced, conduct the DROP Procedure (duck, cover and hold).
2. Leave quickly the building in an orderly manner.
3. Stay away directly under the corridors.
4. Walk away from the building then unto the escape route.
5. Once safe, help others go to safety.
 How Much Have You Learned?

A. Arrange the fire drill procedure in proper sequence. Write A for the first, B for
second and so on and so forth.
1. Remain calm.
2. Review the expectations before drill.
3. Line up and stay in line.
4. Know your escape route beforehand.
5. Go quietly through the school to your destination.
B. Sequence the earthquake drill procedure. Write A for the first, B for second and
so on and so forth.
1. Stay away directly under the corridors.
2. Duck, cover and hold.
3. Once safe, help others go to safety.
4. Walk away from the building then onto the escape route.
5. Leave quickly the building in an orderly manner.