Overview of Ergonomics: Physical, Cognitive, and Organizational Aspects

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between a near miss and a dangerous occurrence?

A near miss is not reported, whereas a dangerous occurrence must be reported. (correct)

A near miss always leads to injury, while a dangerous occurrence does not.

A near miss has the potential to cause harm, but a dangerous occurrence has already caused harm.

A near miss results in damage, while a dangerous occurrence does not.

Which of the following misconceptions about safety is addressed in the text?

Accidents are inevitable and cannot be prevented. (correct)

Companies are not required to report accidents.

Insurance companies do not cover accidents.

Safety measures do not incur any costs for companies.

What is a hazard defined as in the text?

An event that causes damage or loss potential.

The likelihood that an accident will happen.

An unplanned unwanted event that leads to injury.

Something with the potential to cause harm. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a type of physical hazard mentioned in the text?

Chemical exposure Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazard involves exposure to microorganisms, allergens, and animals?

Biological Hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a chemical hazard mentioned in the text?

$\text{Corrosive chemicals}$ Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazards does physical ergonomics primarily focus on?

Repetitive movements Signup and view all the answers

Which area of ergonomics involves factors like decision-making and skilled performance?

Cognitive Ergonomics Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a psychological hazard according to the text?

Repetitive movements Signup and view all the answers

What does the employer's legal responsibility include providing?

Safe plant and equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which cost arises directly from an accident as mentioned in the text?

$ Fines in criminal court Signup and view all the answers

The employer's written comment 'If labor standards are costly, try an accident' implies a focus on:

Neglecting safety for cost reduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of HACCP?

Preventing hazards from occurring Signup and view all the answers

When was HACCP first utilized by the Pillsbury Company?

1960 Signup and view all the answers

Which organization issued HACCP principles in the Codex Alimentarius?

World Health Organization Signup and view all the answers

When did the FDA incorporate HACCP into regulations due to clostridium botulinum in canned food?

1974 Signup and view all the answers

Which year did ISO develop with major contributions to food safety management systems?

2000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in Hazard Analysis in HACCP?

Hazard identification Signup and view all the answers

What was the first legislation requiring the use of guards for hazardous machinery passed in?

1877 Signup and view all the answers

What was the first action taken in the safety program developed after the Explosion of the flywheel at the Joliet Plant?

Inspect and test all flywheels Signup and view all the answers

In 1912, what organization was formed to promote safety through the compilation and dissemination of safety information?

National Safety Council (NSC) Signup and view all the answers

What are the principles that safety programs were built upon according to the text?

3E's - Engineering, Education, Enforcement Signup and view all the answers

How is 'health' defined in relation to occupational safety?

Absence of disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between an 'incident' and an 'accident' in workplace safety?

'Incident' does not cause harm to persons or damage to equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of indirect costs associated with an incident?

Loss of staff productivity and morale Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a consequence of a company experiencing loss of goodwill from customers?

Delay in production and fulfilling orders Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of unsafe practices that can contribute to accidents in the workplace?

Failure to use personal protective equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is responsible for the administration and enforcement of laws related to occupational safety and health?

DOLE Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of inadequate guards or protection in a workplace?

Property damage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an indirect cost related to an incident?

Damage to business reputation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Safety and Hazards

A near miss is an incident where no one is injured, but a dangerous occurrence has the potential to cause harm.
Misconception about safety: safety is solely the responsibility of the employee.

Hazard Definition

A hazard is defined as a situation or thing that has the potential to cause harm.

Types of Hazards

Physical hazards: include mechanical, electrical, and thermal hazards.
Not a physical hazard: psychological hazards.
Biological hazards: exposure to microorganisms, allergens, and animals.
Chemical hazards: include pesticides, cleaning agents, and chemicals.
Physical ergonomics primarily focuses on physical hazards.

Ergonomics

Cognitive ergonomics involves factors like decision-making and skilled performance.

Psychological Hazards

Not a psychological hazard: stress caused by a specific event.

Employer's Legal Responsibility

Employer's legal responsibility includes providing a safe working environment.

Costs of Accidents

Direct cost of an accident: medical expenses and lost wages.
Indirect cost of an accident: loss of productivity, damage to equipment, and cost of training a replacement.

HACCP

Primary purpose of HACCP: to identify and control hazards in the food industry.
First utilized by the Pillsbury Company in 1960.
Codex Alimentarius issued HACCP principles.
FDA incorporated HACCP into regulations in 1973 due to clostridium botulinum in canned food.
ISO developed standards for food safety management systems in 2005.
First step in Hazard Analysis: identifying potential hazards.

History of Safety

First legislation requiring the use of guards for hazardous machinery passed in 1894.
After the Explosion of the flywheel at the Joliet Plant, the first action taken was to develop a safety program.
In 1912, the National Safety Council (NSC) was formed to promote safety through the compilation and dissemination of safety information.
Safety programs were built upon the principles of anticipating, recognizing, and controlling hazards.

Definition of Health

Health is defined as the state of being free from disease or injury.

Incident vs Accident

An incident is an unplanned event that may or may not result in injury or damage, while an accident is an unplanned event that results in injury or damage.

Indirect Costs

Examples of indirect costs: loss of productivity, damage to equipment, and cost of training a replacement.
Consequence of a company experiencing loss of goodwill from customers: loss of business.

Unsafe Practices

Examples of unsafe practices: horseplay, neglecting to follow safety procedures, and using defective equipment.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of laws related to occupational safety and health.

Consequence of Inadequate Guards

Consequence of inadequate guards or protection in a workplace: injury or death.

Indirect Costs Example

Example of an indirect cost: cost of training a replacement.

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Description

Learn about the different aspects of ergonomics including physical, cognitive, and organizational factors such as working postures, mental workload, communication, teamwork, virtual organizations, and more. Understand how ergonomics can help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and improve overall workplace quality.