Workplace Safety Theories and Models

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary risk of touching a power line, whether covered or bare?

Electrocution resulting in severe burns

Probable death due to electric shock (correct)

Loss of consciousness due to voltage drop

Temporary paralysis in the limbs

Which factor does NOT influence the severity and effects of an electrical shock?

Temperature of the environment (correct)

Pathway through the body

Length of time of exposure

Amount of current

Which scenario is considered a contact with an energized source?

Touching a power line directly (correct)

Operating a faulty power strip

Using an extension cord in wet conditions

Repairing a device without switching it off

What type of equipment is mentioned as a potential electrical hazard?

Defective tools and equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to improperly use electrical devices?

Using incorrectly rated fuses Signup and view all the answers

What does the Systems Approach Model emphasize in accident prevention?

Focusing on fool-proofing the system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary issue identified by Petersen’s Extension to the Human Factors Theory?

Ergonomic traps leading to accidents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not one of the 4 Dangerous States of Mind?

Lack of concentration. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Combination Theory, what is suggested for problem-solving?

Employing a blend of different theories. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the 4 Critical Errors related to safe behaviors?

Taking shortcuts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following falls under unsafe conditions in accident causation?

Poor housekeeping. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym PPE stand for in the context of accident causation?

Personal Protection Equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior should always be maintained according to the 4 Basic Safe Behaviors?

Maintain body balance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using double-insulated tools?

To prevent electric shock Signup and view all the answers

What does the LOCKOUT/TAGOUT method primarily protect workers from?

Injury from operating equipment parts Signup and view all the answers

Where should GFCI receptacles be commonly found?

On construction work sites and outdoor areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a key precaution when using electrical tools?

Ensure cords do not cause tripping hazards Signup and view all the answers

How should you handle a damaged electrical tool?

Remove it from use immediately Signup and view all the answers

What does proper labeling of voltages help prevent?

Injury from contact with live equipment Signup and view all the answers

What type of footwear should be avoided when working with electrical tools?

Wet or damp footwear Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective practice for storing electrical tools?

Store them in dry places when not in use Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of industrial accidents are attributed to unsafe acts?

88% Signup and view all the answers

According to the data on industrial accidents, what is the estimated percentage that reflects acts of God or unavoidable incidents?

2% Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the Safety Triangle, developed by Herbert Heinrich?

It demonstrates the ratio of occurrences of different incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What are trailing indicators in workplace safety?

Data reflecting past incidents that caused damages. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of efforts are typically required for major incidents in workplace safety?

Reactive efforts Signup and view all the answers

What measurement types are included in discussing trailing indicators?

DA, NDA, and Severity Rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the act of reaching in moving parts of machinery is true?

Most recordable accidents result from this action. Signup and view all the answers

How valid is the ratio presented in the Safety Triangle according to its common questioning?

It is often questioned but still provides insights. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hazard is characterized by organisms that can multiply and cause health issues?

Biological Hazard Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a method to control heat stress in the workplace?

Increased workload Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a safety hazard?

Exposure to excessive noise Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary route of exposure for chemicals in the workplace?

Eye contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which is a control method for mitigating risks of vibration hazards?

Regular breaks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an ergonomic hazard?

Conditions causing muscle pains and low productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly used for controlling chemical exposure?

Hydration stations Signup and view all the answers

What defines a health hazard in the workplace?

Long-term illnesses or diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can increase risks related to cold stress?

Inadequate protective clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of acoustic trauma in the workplace?

It causes hearing loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered an administrative control in managing hazards?

Job rotation Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is NOT part of controlling hazards?

Corruption of the hazard Signup and view all the answers

What is the quickest route of exposure to biological hazards?

Injection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mechanical hazard?

Falling objects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Domino Theory

Injuries result from unsafe acts which are the direct cause of accidents
The removal of unsafe acts prevents accidents and eliminates the sequence of events

Safety Triangle

Developed by Herbert Heinrich
Shows the ratio of occurrences of different incidents in the workplace
Trailing Indicators are events that have already happened, resulting in damages
- Fatal
- Major
- Recordable
Leading Indicators are safety measures that are used to predict potential accident rates
- Unsafe Acts
- Unsafe Conditions

Human Factors Theory

Accident/Incident Theory is an extension of Heinrich's work by William Petersen.
Focuses on the decision to err.
Decision To Err
- Misjudgment of Risk
- Superman Syndrome
Ergonomic Traps
- Incompatible Workstation
- Incompatible Expectations
- Overload

Systems Approach Model

Developed by James Reason
Shifts the focus of investigations from blaming individuals to identifying safety system flaws.
Swiss Cheese Model explains how multiple safety layers, like slices of Swiss cheese, can fail and create an opening for a hazard.

Epidemiological Theory

Focuses on the transmission of unsafe behaviors in the workplace
Such behaviors can become widespread like an epidemic

Combination Theory

Multiple theories can be combined to obtain a better understanding of accident prevention.

States-Errors Theory

Identifies the danger states of mind, and critical errors that lead to accidents.
Dangerous States of Mind
- Fatigue
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Stress
Critical Errors
- False Assumptions
- Misinterpretation of Information
- Inadequate Planning
- Lack of Attention

The 4 Basic Safe Behaviors

Stop and think before you act.
Do not start a task unless you can see what you are doing.
Do not take shortcuts.
Always maintain balance.

Accident/Incident Causation

Accidents result from a chain of events, initiated by unsafe acts or unsafe conditions.
Unsafe Acts
- Lack or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Not following procedures or taking shortcuts
- Operating without qualifications or authorization
- Failure to warn or use lockout/tagout procedures (LOTO)
- Horseplaying
- Lack of awareness or training
Unsafe Conditions
- Poor housekeeping
- Defective tools or equipment
- Unguarded equipment
- Lack of or inadequate ergonomics
- Inadequate engineering or maintenance
- Congestion

Accident/Incident Prevention

Control of Unsafe Acts
- Reward safe behaviors
- Active encouragement
- Provide training
- Explain consequences of unsafe acts
- Constant discipline
Control of Unsafe Conditions
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Administrative control
- Isolate or enclose hazards
- Substitute or minimize hazards
- Eliminate hazards

Benefits of Safety and Health in the Workplace

Increased productivity
Reduced costs
Improved employee morale
Enhanced employer image
Lower absenteeism
Fewer accidents and incidents
Improved safety culture

Definition of Terms

Hazard: Any source or situation with the potential to cause harm or adverse health effects.
Accident: An unplanned event that results in injury, damage, or loss.

Analysis of an Incident

Unsafe Condition: A hazard that can cause an accident.
Unsafe Act: An unsafe action that contributes to an accident.
Near Miss: An incident that could have resulted in an accident but was not.
Accident: An incident that results in an injury, damage, or loss.

Hazards in the Workplace

Safety Hazard: Any condition that has the potential to cause an immediate and violent injury.
- Examples: Falling objects, sharp edges, unguarded machinery.
Health Hazard: Any condition that has the potential to cause a gradual illness or disease.
- Examples: Asbestos, lead, noise, chemicals.

Types of Workplace Hazards

Physical Hazards:
- Heat Stress: Exposure to excessive heat.
- Cold Stress: Exposure to excessive cold.
- Noise: Loud or excessive sounds.
- Vibration: Continuous shaking or trembling.
- Illumination: inadequate light exposure.
- Pressure: Changes in atmospheric pressure.
Chemical Hazards: Chemicals in the workplace that can cause harm through ingestion, inhalation, skin absorption, or injection.
Biological Hazards: Exposure to biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Ergonomic Hazards: Factors in the workplace that can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Mechanical Hazards: Moving or rotating parts of machinery that can cause injury.
Electrical Hazards: Exposure to electricity that can lead to shock, burns, or electrocution.

Mechanical Hazard

Contact with moving parts: Rotating shafts, belts, gears, pulleys
Pinching point: Where two moving parts come close together
Shearing: Where two parts slide against each other
Impact hazards Falling objects, projectiles

Electrical Hazard

Contact with energized source: Touching a live wire or component
Live parts: Exposed electrical components or wires
Damaged or bare wires: Worn insulation
Defective equipment or tools: Malfunctioning, poorly maintained or damaged tools.
Improper Repairs: Faulty repairs that create a hazard.
Improper use of extension cords and power strips: Overloading cords, using damaged cords

Electrical Protection Methods

Lockout/Tagout: A procedure used to prevent accidental start-up of equipment during maintenance or repairs.
- Power Source: Identify all breakers, and disconnect means for the equipment being serviced.
- Mark all breakers accordingly: Ensure each breaker is clearly labeled for the circuit it protects.
- Mark all disconnect means accordingly: Ensure each disconnect is clearly labeled for the equipment it services.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): A device designed to protect people from electric shock, primarily used in wet environments.
Use double-insulated tools: Tools designed to protect users from shock.
Store tools in a dry place when not in use: Prevents moisture from affecting the insulation.
Avoid accidental starting: Lockout/tagout procedures, remove keys from machinery.
Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool: Avoid accidental contact.
Remove damaged tools from use: Replace damaged tools immediately.
Use gloves and appropriate footwear: Protect hands and feet from electrical hazards.
Don’t use tools in wet/damp environments: Water conducts electricity, so avoid using tools in wet conditions.
Ensure that cords do not cause a tripping hazard: Keep cords out of walkways.
Use caution when using power cords: Avoid overloading power cords, inspect for damage.
Avoid improper use: Use power tools and extension cords according to manufacturer's instructions.

SDS - Safety Data Sheet

A document that provides information about the hazards of a chemical.
Contains information regarding first aid, fire-fighting measures, handling and storage, spill procedures, and more.

Biological Hazards

Biological organisms can cause illness or disease
Routes of transmission: Inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, eye contamination, injection.
Examples: Hepatitis A, Influenza, Tuberculosis, Bird Flu, Conjunctivitis, Candidiasis.

Ergonomic Hazards

Causes physical discomfort and strain from repetitive movements, awkward postures, and heavy lifting.

Hazards Assessment

Identify Hazards: Identifying all potential hazards in the workplace.
Evaluate Hazards: Determining the severity and likelihood of each hazard.
Correct Hazards: Implementing controls to eliminate or minimize the hazards.

Resources

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

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Description

Explore key theories and models related to workplace safety, including the Domino Theory, Safety Triangle, Human Factors Theory, and Systems Approach Model. Understand how these concepts help prevent accidents and improve working conditions in various environments.