Workplace Safety and Health Quiz

Course Objective

• Students should be able to explain the importance of encouraging safe work practices and healthy lifestyles among employees.
• Students should be able to examine programmed activities which can improve the health and wellness of employees.

Definition

• Safety: A condition in which the physical well-being of people is protected.
• Health: A general state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Occupational Accident Statistics

• Data provided shows occupational accident statistics by sector, from January to November 2022.
• This data is reported to DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety).
• Statistics include Non-Permanent Disability (NPD), Permanent Disability (PD), and Death.
• Data is broken down by various sectors (e.g., Hotel and Restaurant, Utilities, Finance, etc.).

Consequences of Accidents

• Financial Costs: Employers incur medical and hospital costs, causing increased insurance premiums.
• Losses of Output: Accidents lead to production suspensions, worker absences, and potential machinery repairs.
• Lowered Morale: Accidents negatively affect employee morale.
• Negative Publicity: Accidents can result in negative publicity for the company.

Types of Accidents

• Near Miss: No injuries, but property damage may occur.
• Non-fatal (First-Aid Required): One or more employees need first-aid treatment.
• Non-fatal (Temporary Disability): One or more employees are temporarily disabled.
• Non-fatal (Permanent Disability): One or more employees are permanently disabled.
• Fatal: One or more workers are killed.

National Occupational Accident & Fatality Rate

• Data for occupational accident and fatality rate for the years 2014-2021 is provided.
• Accident rate is per 1,000 workers.
• Fatality rate is per 100,000 workers.

Common Health Hazards at Work

• Use of Organic Chemicals and Toxic Substances: Exposure to hazardous chemicals leads to long-term health issues.
• Fumes, Dust, and Smoke: Inhalation of harmful particles causes respiratory problems and other diseases.
• Radiation: Exposure to radiation, even at low levels, can cause serious health consequences.
• Infection: Work environments can expose employees to infectious diseases.
• Noise and Vibration Levels: Prolonged exposure to loud noise and vibrations causing hearing loss and other health issues
• Extreme Temperatures: Working in extreme temperatures (very hot or cold) can cause health problems.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994

• This act provides the legislative framework for securing the safety, health, and welfare of Malaysian workforce.
• It protects others against safety and health risks related to work activities.

Duties of Employers

• General Safety Obligation: Employers must ensure the safety of all employees and other persons in the workplace as far as practicable.
• Specific Requirements of Safety Obligation:
  • Safety Policy: Employers with more than five employees must draft and disseminate a safety policy.
  • Safety Committee: Organizations with 40+ employees must appoint a safety committee.
  • Safety and Health Officer: Employers must appoint a qualified safety and health officer if required by regulation.
  • Training, Supervision, and Information: Employers must provide appropriate training, supervision, and information about safe work practices.
  • Reporting Accidents: Serious accidents must be reported to the DOSH.

Duties of Employees

• Employees must use all provided safety equipment (e.g., safety helmets, safety boots, vests).
• Employees must attend any required safety training.
• Employees have a responsibility to ensure safety at work.

Appointment of a Safety Officer

• Employers in designated industries are required to employ a qualified safety officer.
• To be eligible for registration:
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience in OSH
  • A recognized diploma in OSH
  • Have completed a training program in OSH recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources

Importance of Encouraging Safe Work Practices and Healthy Lifestyles

• Moral Aspects: It is morally right to safeguard workers and companies have a duty to provide best care.
• Legal Aspects: OSH requires that all organizations ensure employee safety, health and welfare.
  • Organizations can avoid legal issues.
• Economic Aspects: Poor health and diseases related to work lead to absenteeism, suspending production while investigations take place.

Causes of Accidents

• Chances Occurrences: Potential hazards exist.
• Unsafe Conditions: Faulty equipment, improper guarding, deficiencies in tools and plant etc
• Employees' Unsafe Acts: Issues like faulty attitudes, impulsiveness, worry/depression.

How to Prevent Accidents

• Conducting unsafe conditions analysis
• Operational safety reviews: check compliance with laws, regulations, standards etc.
• Reducing unsafe acts:
  • Reduce distractions.
  • Carefully screen employees for required abilities
  • Safety training reduces unsafe acts, especially for new employees
• Establishing a safety policy

Example of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

• Examples of PPE are included: Safety Glasses, Safety Shoes, Hearing Protection, Harness, Full Face Shield, Gloves

Programmes and Activities for Employee Health and Wellness

• Fitness/Exercise Classes: Classes for stress management, nutrition
• Regular Medical Check-ups: Important for early detection and prevention of diseases.
• Health Campaign: Provides information, awareness to improve health
• Smoking Campaign: Stop smoking campaign and provide information about the dangers to promote quit
• Wellness Programmes: Stress management programmes available
• Risk Assessment: Risk assessments are conducted to identify potential hazards.
• Dissemination of Company Policy: Policies are disseminated regarding drug and alcohol usage.
• Employee Education: Education provided to employees on drug and alcohol abuse issues.
• Training of Supervisors: Supervisors are trained to identify subordinates with drug or alcohol problems.
• Assistance for rehabilitation: Employee assistance for rehabilitation of drug and alcohol-related problems.

Summary

• Accidents are caused by a variety of factors.
• Programmes must take a multi-pronged approach to reduce accidents.
• Implementing safety guidelines, measures, and policies are required. OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety and health of their employees.

Test your understanding of the importance of safe work practices and healthy lifestyles in the workplace. Examine the relationship between occupational accident statistics and employee wellness. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on the consequences of workplace accidents across different sectors.