Workplace Safety and Injury Prevention

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10 Questions

What is the definition of an occupational injury?

Any injury, disease or illness experienced by an employee in the performance of (or in connection with) his or her work

What is the main reason businesses should take precautions to reduce workplace injuries?

To reduce the cost of workers' compensation insurance

What is a characteristic of unintentional injuries?

They occur following an unplanned event

What is a workplace hazard?

A thing in the workplace that poses a risk to the workers

What is the definition of a workplace risk?

The chance of something occurring that will result in injury or damage

What is the main reason for inadequate maintenance and inspection of machinery or equipment in the workshop?

Insufficient budget allocation

What is the primary cause of thermal burns?

Contact with hot surfaces

What is the most common type of injury in the workplace?

Mechanical energy injuries

What is the primary cause of musculoskeletal problems in the workplace?

Incorrect manual handling

What is the term used to describe anything that might cause injury or ill health to anyone in the workplace?

Hazard

Study Notes

Occupational Injuries

  • Safety in the workplace is crucial for businesses to reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses.
  • Occupational injuries can occur in any industry and can result in significant economic losses.

Characteristics of Unintentional Injuries

  • They occur following an unplanned event.
  • They are usually preceded by an unsafe act or condition (hazard).
  • They are often accompanied by economic loss or injury.
  • They interrupt the efficient completion of a task.

Definition of Occupational Injury

  • An occupational injury is any injury, disease, or illness experienced by an employee in the performance of (or in connection with) their work.

Workplace Risks and Hazards

  • Workplace RISK is the chance of something occurring that will result in injury or damage.
  • Workplace HAZARDS are things in the workplace that pose a risk to workers.
  • Hazards can arise from sources of potential harm to human injury or ill health, damage to property, or damage to the environment.

Hazards Leading to Occupational Injuries

  • Faults or defects in the workshop: • Use of unshielded dangerous machinery. • Cramped working stations or poor design. • Inadequate maintenance and inspection of machinery or equipment. • Poor lighting. • Unsanitary working environment. • Lack of appropriate safety protocols or procedures. • Inefficient fire and emergency procedures.
  • Faults in the worker: • Being unfit, sick, old, short-sighted, deaf, etc. • Fatigue and overwork. • Frequent lifting of heavy loads. • Inadequate training. • Incorrect use of equipment or hazardous substances. • Negligence in wearing protective clothes. • Ignoring signs.

Types of Energy/Hazards that Cause Injuries

  • Kinetic/mechanical (e.g., falls, hitting something, or being struck).
  • Thermal (e.g., temperature extremes, thermal burns).
  • Electrical (e.g., electric shock).
  • Chemical (e.g., poisoning, burns, or breathing problems).
  • Radiological (e.g., radioactive materials).
  • Absence of essentials (e.g., heat or oxygen).

Specific Examples of Injuries

  • Mechanical energy: musculoskeletal problems from incorrect manual handling.
  • Thermal energy: thermal burns from heat sources, frostbite, or trench foot.
  • Electrical energy: electric shock from direct contact with an electric current.
  • Chemical energy: poisoning, burns, or breathing problems from acids, alkalis, toxic gases, etc.

This quiz covers the importance of maintaining a safe work environment to reduce occupational injuries and prevent accidents. It highlights the need for businesses to take precautions to keep employees healthy and happy.

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