GRADE : X
UNIT : 4 Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment
1. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace
Health
Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well
being. Every organisation must provide healthy and safety working environment for
their employees at the workplace. Health of an employee must be in a good
condition so that the employees of the organisation will not suffer from any diseases.
Cleanliness at the workplace is mandatory. The work places must be cleaned in the
morning before the people start working. If it is neat and clean then the people will
feel happy to work in that environment. A proper air conditioning is mandatory to
provide clean and cool air at workplace. A properly filtered water facility must be
available for the employees of the company. A fresh food cafeteria must provide the
good quality food for the employees. This will help to maintain the health of the
employee. The organisation should maintain a clean washroom facility in good
condition to be used by the employees.
Safety
The work environment of the organisation must be safe. It must be free from
hazards and risk. A hazard is the something that can cause harm to the people. A
risk is a probability of causing harm to the people. A proper safety guidelines must
be prepared by the company and it should be strictly followed. At regular intervals of
time, the safety procedures must be practised by employees.
Security
Every employee working in an organisation must feel that they are secured in
the company campus. Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm.
Security ensures the safety of the people working in the organisation. Every
organisation must have separate security department. This department should be
responsible for various security such as personal safety, computer system safety,
electrical safety, transport safety and other equipment safety. The proper security
procedures will reduce liabilities, insurance and compensation for organisation. This
will increase the business revenue and will reduce the operational charges of the
company.
2. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security
programs in workplace
Reasons for Health, Safety and Security Programs or Policies in Workplace
There are several reasons that can be specified for safety policy as given below.
• It clearly indicates the company’s commitment for their employee’s health and
safety;
• It shows the performance of the business and the safety performance are
compatible with each other;
• It clearly state that the company is not only doing the business for profits but it
is taking care of all its stake holders.
The accountability of every one working for the company is outlined for the
workplace health, safety and security;
• Company can comply national policy on Occupational Health and Safety
(OH&S) of Government of India;
• Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy A
typical policy of an IT company may contain the following OH&S clauses.
• Provide adequate resources to ensure continual improvement in its OH&S
performance.
• Comply with relevant OH&S legal and other requirements applicable to the
organisation and drive for ‘beyond compliance’ leadership.
• Set appropriate OH&S objectives & targets and conduct periodic performance
reviews against these targets.
• Adopt measures and processes that focus on the prevention of occupation
related accidents, injuries, illnesses, and near-misses and strive to
continuously improve such processes.
• Ensure OH&S awareness and build competency associated at all levels to
handle individual OH&S responsibilities.
3. List out the various workplace safety hazards.
It is the risks arising from the physical work environment – floors, facilities,
walls, and ceilings. Physical hazards could also mean working with machinery and
electricity operated machines. Work processes or specific assignments could also
qualify as areas where physical hazards are present. There is a vast list of physical
hazards across all industries, but when we look at one specific sector, these hazards
are also specific to the work setting.
Falling Off Heights, Slipping and Tripping
The reasons for falling are attributed to faulty scaffolding and ladders, as a
result of contact with electricity, and slipping or crashing into anything that throws the
worker off balance (Fig. 13.2). On the other hand, trips and slips occur right on lower
levels, particularly the floor, on ramps and any uneven surface in the workplace.
To avoid falls and slips, all things must be arranged properly. Any spilt liquid,
food or other items such as paints must be immediately cleaned to avoid any
accidents. Make sure there is proper lighting and all damaged equipment, stairways
and light fixtures are repaired immediately.
Electrical Hazards There are many reasons why workers get electrocuted or suffer
from electric shock at work. For the most part, it’s due to coming in direct contact
with live wires, or having indirect contact through a conductor. While not all electrical
accidents lead to death, there are many life-threatening, severe and often permanent
injuries that could result from it. At work, the common causes of electrical accidents
are exposed, worn-out wiring, overloading of electrical outlets, ungrounded or faulty
equipment, and unsafe use of electrical equipment. Employees must be provided
basic knowledge of using electrical equipment and common problems. Employees
must also be provided instructions about electrical safety, such as keeping water and
food items away from electrical equipment. Electrical technician and engineers
should carry out routine inspections of all wiring to make sure there are no damaged
or broken wires.
Fire Hazards Each establishment must comply with housekeeping standards to
ensure fire safety. Everyone not follows such requirements, and this leads to
accidents resulting to fire. Such incidents not only damage the vital workplace
equipment, stock and other items, and the building; it could also lead to injuries
among its employees. To avoid fire, it is important to observe safety precautions at
workplace. The whole organisation must also have first response and emergency
mitigation systems in place. Employees should be aware of all emergency exits,
including fire escape routes, of the office building and also the locations of fire
extinguishers and alarms.
Health Hazards Health refers to the physical well-being of the workers, and this
includes the condition of their skin, eyes, ears and all other body parts. But it also
includes the health situation of what we cannot see upfront – their respiratory and
cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. Hazards are present in most
workplaces that could impact any part of the human body. For example, a noisy
machine or factory environment could damage the sense of hearing of the workers.
In the same manner, exposure to bright lights and toxic fumes and vapour could
damage the eyes and nose. There are also more serious and long-term health
issues arising from hazardous workplaces, such as damage to the lungs because of
the exposure to harmful chemicals.
4. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organisation.
Potential Sources of Hazards In an organization Bright light sources behind the
display screen can create contrast problems, making it difficult to clearly see your
work. Apply the following possible solutions to avoid this.
• Use blinds or drapes on windows to eliminate bright light. Blinds and furniture
placement should be adjusted to allow light into the room, but not directly into
your field of view.
• Use indirect or shielded lighting where possible and avoid intense or uneven
lighting in your field of vision. Ensure that lamps have glare shields or shades
to direct light away from your line of sight.
• Reorient the workstation so bright lights from open windows are at right
angles with the computer screen.
• High contrast between light and dark areas of the computer screen, horizontal
work surface, and surrounding areas can cause eye fatigue and headaches.
So, use well-distributed diffuse light.
5. Describe information technology workplace hazards
Hazard Control Hazards that have been identified and assessed as priorities
require to implement adequate control measures. Control measures should follow
the hierarchy with a strong emphasis on eliminating hazards at the source, whenever
possible.
• Take all feasible measures to eliminate the hazard, for example, by
substituting or modifying the process.
• If elimination is impractical or remains incomplete, take all feasible measures
to isolate the hazard, for example, instituting engineering controls such as
insulating noise.
• If it is totally impossible to eliminate or isolate the hazard, its likelihood to
cause injury should be minimised. Ensure that effective control measures are
being applied, such as installing proper exhaust ventilation and providing
personal protective clothing and equipment that is properly used and
maintained, and monitoring exposure among at-risk workers.
6. List out different safety guidelines?
Safety Guidelines Checklist
1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate
cupboards.
2. Throw garbage daily.
3. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.
4. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.
5. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or
with some machinery, tools or equipment.
6. Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety
glasses, masks, gloves, and hair nets.
7. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.
8. Do not play with electrical controls or switches.
9. Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly
trained and allowed to do so by your supervisor. 10. Repair torn wires
or broken plugs before using any electrical equipment.
11. Do not use equipment if it smokes, sparks or looks unsafe.
12. Cover all food with a lid, plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
13. Do not smoke in ‘No Smoking’ areas.
14. Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.
