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Questions and Answers
What is an important guideline when working with machines?
What is an important guideline when working with machines?
Bullying in the workplace is considered a potential hazard.
Bullying in the workplace is considered a potential hazard.
True
What should be done with cleaning chemicals when not in use?
What should be done with cleaning chemicals when not in use?
Store them in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.
Whenever possible, hazards should be eliminated at the _____ to ensure safety.
Whenever possible, hazards should be eliminated at the _____ to ensure safety.
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Match the following safety practices with their descriptions:
Match the following safety practices with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is a control measure when dealing with hazards?
Which of the following is a control measure when dealing with hazards?
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It is safe to wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating machinery.
It is safe to wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating machinery.
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What should staff be made aware of to prevent workplace hazards?
What should staff be made aware of to prevent workplace hazards?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of workplace hazard?
Which of the following is NOT a type of workplace hazard?
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Which of the following can lead to eyestrain while using computers?
Which of the following can lead to eyestrain while using computers?
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Occupational health and safety (OH&S) compliance only requires adherence to minimum legal standards.
Occupational health and safety (OH&S) compliance only requires adherence to minimum legal standards.
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What are the main objectives of implementing OH&S protocols in a workplace?
What are the main objectives of implementing OH&S protocols in a workplace?
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Exposure to bright lights does not have any impact on the health of workers.
Exposure to bright lights does not have any impact on the health of workers.
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Physical hazards arise from the physical __________ environment.
Physical hazards arise from the physical __________ environment.
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What is one method to mitigate glare from a computer screen?
What is one method to mitigate glare from a computer screen?
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_________ posture can lead to pain and strain while using computers.
_________ posture can lead to pain and strain while using computers.
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Match the types of hazards with their description:
Match the types of hazards with their description:
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Match the following health hazards with their potential impacts:
Match the following health hazards with their potential impacts:
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What is a primary goal when conducting accident investigations?
What is a primary goal when conducting accident investigations?
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What can cause serious long-term health issues in workers?
What can cause serious long-term health issues in workers?
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Ergonomic hazards are solely related to chemical exposure in the workplace.
Ergonomic hazards are solely related to chemical exposure in the workplace.
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List one measure that can be adopted for preventing workplace accidents.
List one measure that can be adopted for preventing workplace accidents.
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Training staff on proper handling of office equipment can prevent injuries.
Training staff on proper handling of office equipment can prevent injuries.
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Name one of the solutions to avoid glare when working near a window.
Name one of the solutions to avoid glare when working near a window.
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Study Notes
Workplace Health, Safety, and Security
- The work culture in the IT industry differs from traditional office work, with variable working hours. Prolonged computer use often leads to eye strain and other health problems. Implementing safe work practices can increase productivity.
- Workplace accidents, illnesses, or disputes are costly to the organization and individuals involved. Creating a safe workplace is crucial for improving the work environment and productivity. Employees must be responsible for their health and safety, not relying solely on management.
- Employee health encompasses physical well-being, mental resilience, and positive social interactions. Organizations must take proactive steps to create a supportive environment that fosters a culture of overall well-being.
- Maintaining cleanliness in the workplace is mandatory. Daily cleaning, proper air conditioning (filtered air), clean drinking water, and quality food options help maintain worker health.
- Safe working environments are free from hazards and risk. Hazards cause harm to people. Risks represent the possibility of causing harm. Safety guidelines must be established and strictly followed. Regular safety procedure practice by workers is required.
- Security needs to ensure employee safety within the organizational campus. A separate security department should be responsible for multiple security aspects, such as personal safety, computer system safety, electrical safety, transportation safety, and other equipment safety. Proper security procedures reduce liabilities, insurance, and compensation costs for the organization, boosting revenue and reducing operational expenses.
Health Hazards in IT Workplaces
- Health issues related to computer use are common. Poor posture, excessive sitting, repetitive movements, and glare from computer screens can lead to muscle fatigue, eye strain, and potential musculoskeletal problems.
- The condition of skin, eyes, ears and other body parts are crucial concerns. Respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological health are also important considerations. Work environment factors like noise, bad lighting, toxins, fumes affect workers. Exposure to these factors may result in severe long-term health problems.
Workplace Safety Hazards
- Faulty equipment (e.g., ladders, scaffolding) and exposure to electricity can cause falls. Trips and slips on uneven floors, improperly placed objects are also common. Exposure to electricity, radiation, excessive pressures, noises, and magnetic fields in the workplace are also cited as physical hazards.
- Incorrect ergonomics, repetitive tasks, poorly designed workstations (especially in IT environments) are potential causes of injuries as well as poor lighting and arrangement.
- Electrical hazards due to exposed/worn wiring, overloaded outlets, faulty equipment, and unsafe equipment use.
- Chemical hazards from exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Biological hazards in some industries like manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Fire Hazards and Prevention
- Fire safety is crucial in all workplaces and requires adherence to housekeeping standards.
- Prevent accidents and maintain fire safety
- Avoid dust production from all production, generation of solid particles and gases
- Use limited number of vehicles to avoid air pollution
- Keep ozone gas production at low levels
- Eliminate potential ignition sources and proper storage of flammable materials and all materials that are volatile and able to burn extremely quickly are vital.
Safety Guidelines Checklist
- Proper storage of cleaning chemicals and daily waste disposal are essential.
- Employees should avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry in machinery areas.
- Protection equipment (e.g., goggles, masks, gloves) should be worn where necessary.
- Employees should not play with electrical equipment or controls.
- Only trained staff should operate equipment.
- Regularly check the electrical equipment for damage and repair immediately
- All food should be covered up if used on site
- Smoking should not be done in 'No Smoking' areas.
- Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.
Ergonomic
- Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workplaces.
- Ergonomics improves productivity and reduces accidents and injuries.
Occupational Overuse Syndrome (RSI)
- Repetitive motion, sustained postures, and forceful movements (e.g., typing) may lead to discomfort, pain, and injuries in muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
Office Ergonomics
- Proper workstation setup is crucial to avoid injuries from using computers, like neck, back, shoulder, wrist and eye problems.
Hazards using computers
- Poor sitting posture and excessive sitting
- Repetitive movements that cause muscle fatigue.
- Glare and poor lighting from computer screens.
- The prolonged use of computers can cause eye strain.
- Proper use of ergonomic keyboards and mice will help.
Handling Office Equipment
- Sharply edged equipment can cause injuries.
- Staff members must be trained to handle all equipment properly and according to the relevant manuals.
- Heavy objects can cause injury if not handled properly; follow proper lifting procedures and postures.
Stress at Work
- Long working hours, conflicts with colleagues, aggression, and poor working conditions can contribute to stress.
- Proper ventilation, appropriate sized furniture, good lighting, clear emergency procedures, and a clean working environment in workplace can reduce stress in the workplace
Hazard Control
- Eliminate hazards whenever possible (e.g., substituting or changing processes).
- Isolate hazards as needed (e.g., installing soundproofing).
- Minimize hazard likelihood if isolation isn't possible.
- Use appropriate safety equipment
Workplace Quality Measures
- Maintaining pleasant and pollution free air & water quality for workers is essential for effective and productive work and reduces risks of disease in the workplace.
- Monitor air and water quality
- Follow guidelines to maintain clean air and water quality.
- Proper guidelines for the workplace; maintaining cleanliness of common areas and surroundings.
Accidents & Emergencies
- Workplace accidents and emergencies can range from minor injuries to major disasters.
- Accidents are unplanned, uncontrolled, unforeseen incidents with injuries or property damage; emergencies need immediate attention.
- Organizations must have procedures for identifying, reporting, addressing, and preventing accidents and emergencies.
- Develop an action plan to manage emergencies, and the designated personnel/coordinator.
First Aid
- First-aid procedures must be practiced on injured people and/or people in an emergency depending on the seriousness of the problem
- An appropriate emergency plan for the safety of workers is required
- The person concerned with the accident needs to report to the supervisor immediately
Computer Safety Requirements
- Proper usage of monitors: use modern LED monitors with enough space between the characters and lines for clear vision, and stability
- Proper keyboard usage: separate it from the monitor and keep it at a comfortable working height to avoid causing fatigue to the arms and hands; the surface should be matt.
- Work desk: Large enough to organize the other equipment and equipment placement.
- Work chair: Stable and adjustable with the user's feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
- Lighting: Satisfactory lighting conditions with appropriate contrast and prevention of reflections on the screen and background.
- Noise: Noise emitted by equipment that causes distraction to the employees should be reduced; use noise cancelling earphones if unavoidable
Electrical Safety
- Employees must be familiar with electrical safety guidelines to avoid accidents (e.g. keep water away from electrical equipment).
- Routine maintenance of all electrical equipment
- Proper electrical handling procedures (e.g. marking pathways that could cause electrical hazard)
- Proper emergency contact information should be included.
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Description
Explore the essentials of maintaining a healthy and safe working environment in the IT industry. From understanding the impacts of prolonged computer use to the importance of personal responsibility in health and safety, this quiz covers crucial aspects that can enhance productivity and employee well-being. Learn how to create a workplace free from hazards and promote overall employee health.
