Workplace Safety and Injury Prevention

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.

Description

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.