Workplace Health, Safety, and Security Quiz

Workplace Health, Safety, and Security

• Every workplace accident, illness, or dispute costs the organization and the individuals involved.
• It is important to create a safe workplace to improve the work environment and productivity.
• Employees are responsible for their own health and safety, not just the safety officer or management.

Health

• Employee health is the state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Organizations must prioritize employee health.

Safety

• The work environment must be free from hazards and risks.
• Hazards are anything that can cause harm to people.
• Risks are the probability of causing harm to people.
• Safety guidelines should be prepared by the company and followed regularly.

Security

• Employees should feel secure within the company premises.
• Security is freedom from potential harm.
• A separate security department is required to ensure the safety of employees.
• This department should handle personal safety, computer system safety, electrical safety, transport safety, and other equipment safety.
• Security procedures reduce liabilities, insurance, and compensation costs for the organization.

Workplace Policies and Programs

• A written statement by the employer outlining the company's commitment to protecting employee health, safety, and security and the public.
• The program/policy contains health, safety, and security elements and objectives.
• It's essential to identify hazards in the workplace.
• The organization should have its own health, safety, and security committee.
• This committee determines workplace hazards and specifies control measures.
• The company's commitment to employee health and safety are essential.
• The safety performance should be compatible with business performance.
• The company takes care of all stakeholders, not just profits.

Workplace Safety Hazards

• Hazards are dangers or risks associated with something, and they are present in all workplaces.
• Classifications of hazards include physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
• Falling from heights, slipping, and tripping are common workplace hazards, especially on lower levels (e.g. the floor).
• Contact with live wires (electrical hazards) or faulty/overloaded equipment is also common.
• Fire hazards are dangers like exposed wiring, overloading of outlets, and faulty/damaged equipment.
• Health hazards include but are not limited to physical environments like noise, poor lighting, poor ventilation, and more.

Hazards Using Computers

• Poor posture and prolonged sitting can lead to muscle fatigue and pain.
• Glare from computer screens can cause eye strain and headaches.
• Improper handling of office equipment can also cause injuries.
• Lifting heavy items without proper techniques can also cause injuries.
• Long working hours and conflicts with colleagues.
• Poor ventilation, improper chair/table heights.

Hazard Control

• Eliminate hazards at the source when possible.
• Isolate the hazard if elimination is not feasible.
• Minimize the hazard's likelihood of causing injury.
• Implement control measures like, installing proper exhaust ventilation, and providing personal protective clothing.
• Monitors exposure among workers and ensure OH&S awareness, and responsibility throughout the organization.

Workplace Quality Measures

• Maintaining good air quality is essential to improve worker performance.
• Air and water pollution, often caused by human activity, must be managed to prevent disease.
• Methods such as physical, chemical, and biological analyses can be used to monitor air and water pollution.
• Guidelines for maintaining clean air and water are needed to prevent health issues stemming from pollution.

Accidents and Emergencies

• Accidents and injuries can occur and escalate into emergencies.
• Emergencies can be natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes) or man-made (e.g., fire, chemical spills).
• Emergency action plans outline procedures to manage unforeseen situations.
• The plan should cover procedures for handling various types of accidents and emergencies. The response must be quick and follow company policies.
• Clear procedures for emergency situations, such as an injured worker or a fire in the building, are needed to address these quickly and effectively.
• Employees who are certified to assist those injured should help in emergencies.
• Employees should have specific roles when handling emergencies.
• Organisations should have clear procedures and practices to handle incidents, emergencies, and issues.

First Aid for Electrical Emergencies

• Many injuries can be minimized by proper rescue techniques if people are trained on how to handle these emergencies.
• The first step is to call for emergency assistance.
• Identify the safest procedures to help the injured without placing yourself at risk.