Workplace Health and Safety

• Workplace health and safety concerns the well-being of employees and other individuals
• It includes preventing work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses
• Key components: hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures
• Legal frameworks and regulations establish workplace health and safety standards
• Employers must protect employees, and employees must follow safety procedures

Hazard Identification

• Involves recognizing potential sources of harm in the workplace
• Hazards: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial
• Physical hazards: slips, trips, falls, machinery, and noise
• Chemical hazards: exposure to harmful substances, like cleaning supplies
• Biological hazards: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
• Ergonomic hazards: poor workstation design, repetitive motions, or improper lifting
• Psychosocial hazards: workplace stressors or poor interpersonal relationships
• Hazard identification methods: workplace inspections, safety audits, and employee feedback

Risk Assessment

• Evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards
• Helps prioritize hazards for control measures
• Risk assessments often use a matrix to categorize risks
• Risk levels: low, medium, or high
• Factors considered: number of employees exposed and frequency of exposure
• Also considers the severity of potential injuries or illnesses

Control Measures

• Aims to eliminate or minimize workplace hazards
• The hierarchy of controls prioritizes the most effective measures
• Elimination: removing the hazard altogether
• Substitution: replacing a hazardous substance or process with a safer one
• Engineering controls: isolate employees from hazards via physical barriers or ventilation
• Administrative controls: safe work procedures, training, and signage
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last defense, including gloves, safety glasses, and respirators

Fire Extinguishers

• Portable devices for putting out small fires
• Contain extinguishing agents under pressure
• Different types for different classes of fires
• Class A fires: ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth
• Class B fires: flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease
• Class C fires: electrical equipment
• Class D fires: combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium
• Class K fires: cooking oils and fats
• Fire extinguishers are classified by a letter (A, B, C, D, or K) and a number (for A and B) indicating the size of the fire they can extinguish
• A fire extinguisher with a higher number indicates greater extinguishing capacity
• Should be readily accessible and clearly marked
• Employees should be trained to use them properly
• Regular inspection and maintenance are essential

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Water extinguishers: suitable for Class A fires
• Cool the burning material below ignition temperature
• Foam extinguishers: suitable for Class A and Class B fires
• Create a barrier between the fuel and oxygen
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: suitable for Class B and Class C fires
• Displace oxygen and cool the fire
• Dry chemical extinguishers: suitable for Class A, Class B, and Class C fires
• Interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire
• Wet chemical extinguishers: suitable for Class K fires
• Create a soapy layer over the cooking oil or fat

Using a Fire Extinguisher (PASS)

• PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep
• Pull the pin to break the tamper seal
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side, covering the base of the fire
• Ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving
• Evacuate immediately and call the fire department if the fire is too large or spreading

Fire Prevention

• Proper storage of flammable materials is crucial
• Maintain electrical equipment to prevent electrical fires
• Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of combustible dust
• Adequate ventilation prevents the buildup of flammable vapors
• Implement a hot work permit system to prevent fires during welding or cutting
• Restrict smoking to designated areas
• Conduct fire drills regularly to familiarize employees with evacuation procedures

Fire Safety Equipment

• Smoke detectors provide early fire warning
• Fire alarms alert employees to evacuate
• Sprinkler systems automatically suppress fires
• Fire doors prevent the spread of fire and smoke
• Emergency lighting illuminates evacuation routes
• Clearly marked exit signs guide employees to safety

Housekeeping

• Maintaining a clean and organized workspace
• Essential for preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses
• Good housekeeping reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls
• Prevents fires by removing combustible materials
• Poor housekeeping can contribute to poor morale and reduced productivity
• Establish regular cleaning schedules
• Employees should keep their areas clean and organized

Waste Management

• Proper waste disposal is crucial for preventing hazards
• Segregation into appropriate containers
• Flammable and hazardous waste requires special handling
• Regular removal prevents accumulation
• Recycling programs reduce waste and conserve resources

Spill Control

• Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips and falls
• Spill kits should be readily available
• Train employees to properly clean up spills
• Hazardous spills require special procedures and PPE
• Implement spill prevention measures

Storage

• Store materials in designated areas
• Store heavy items on lower shelves
• Keep aisles clear for access and evacuation
• Store flammable materials in approved containers
• Store chemicals according to compatibility
• Proper labeling of stored materials is essential

Walking and Working Surfaces

• Floors should be clean, dry, and free of obstructions
• Stairs should have handrails and slip-resistant surfaces
• Inspect ladders before use and use them properly
• Elevated platforms should have guardrails
• Proper lighting is essential for safe conditions

Workplace health and safety focuses on employee well-being by preventing work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses. It includes hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures. Employers must protect employees, while employees follow safety procedures.