Unit 4: Healthy, Safe, and Secure Workplace

Unit 4: Maintaining a Healthy, Safe, and Secure Working Environment

• Employee health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being
• Organizations must provide safe and healthy work environments free from hazards and risks
• Hazards are anything that could cause harm; risk is the probability of harm
• Security safeguards employees from potential harm ensuring safety
• Security departments oversee personal, computer system, electrical, and transport safety

Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety, and Security

• Information Technology (DoIT) develops policies for a healthy and safe workplace
• Policies demonstrate company commitment to employee health and safety
• Policies show that company performance and safety efforts align
• Companies must meet stakeholder care standards beyond profit
• Accountability for workplace safety and security is clearly defined for everyone
• Compliance with the government of India's Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policy

Workplace Safety Hazards

• Physical Hazards stem from the workplace environment (floors, facilities, walls, ceilings, and machinery)
• Avoid spills, arrange items properly, ensure adequate lighting, and fix damaged equipment to prevent falls and slips
• Electrical Hazards stem from improper wiring, overloading, faulty equipment, and unsafe practices
• Provide basic electrical equipment knowledge and routine inspections, to avoid electrical incidents or problems
• Fire Hazards include open flames, combustion materials, and activities that create sparks
• Implement emergency exits, fire escape routes, and fire extinguisher locations in workplaces

Health Hazards

• Workplace health hazards can affect any body part (respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous systems)
• Workers in loud environments or those exposed to chemicals can experience hearing or lung damage
• Computer Hazards (Ergonomic) stem from poor posture, excessive sitting, and incorrect computer setup
• Practice stretching, yoga, and maintaining appropriate posture, while working on computers
• Potential Hazards include ventilation, appropriate seating, lighting, staff knowledge of emergency procedures, and housekeeping

Safety Guidelines Checklist

• Store chemicals in closed containers
• Proper disposal of trash and recycling
• Lighting appropriate for workplace safety
• Appropriate clothing/jewelry restrictions near machinery and tools
• Wear necessary equipment (masks, gloves, goggles) when needed

Chapter 2: Workplace Quality Measures

• Air and water pollution analysis uses physical, chemical, and biological tests
• Reduce air pollution by limiting vehicles, avoiding dust/gas generation, and controlling ozone levels
• Keep water clean and separate from waste to prevent pollution from human activity or fertilizers/pesticides
• Maintain cleanliness in workplaces to prevent hazards preventing slipping and falls

Office Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things for easier and safer workplace use
• Early warning signs include sore lower back, stiff neck, aching wrists, sore shoulders, dry eyes, eye strain, and sore eyes

Chapter 3: Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

• Unexpected situations can escalate, requiring proper planning
• Emergencies (natural or man-made) need well-defined emergency action plans
• Accidents are unplanned events causing harm; emergencies require immediate attention
• Follow company policies, procedures, and instructions during emergency situations
• Identify the procedures for handling accidents, types of accidents, and handling accidents

Computer Health and Safety Tips

• Maintain correct computer setup (monitor height, keyboard tilt), proper posture, and breaks
• Avoid repetitive motions and eye strain by proper computer posture and taking frequent breaks

Health and Safety Requirements for Computer Workplaces

• Properly sized monitors, well-designed keyboard and work surface
• Comfortable chairs, adequate space, sufficient lighting.
• Eliminate glare, noise, and heat sources during work on computer equipment

General Emergency Handling Procedures

• First aid, electrical safety, fire safety, and evacuation procedures are crucial for emergencies
• Identification of various material types (flammable/non flammable) along with proper fire extinguisher types