MGT340 Topic 6: Safety & Health at Work PDF

MGT340 TOPIC 6: SAFETY & HEALTH AT WORK After completing this chapter, students should be able to: Explain the importance of encouraging safe work practices and healthy lifestyles amongst employees. Examine programmed and act...

MGT340 TOPIC 6: SAFETY & HEALTH AT WORK After completing this chapter, students should be able to: Explain the importance of encouraging safe work practices and healthy lifestyles amongst employees. Examine programmed and activities which can improve the health and wellness of employees. SAFETY AND HEALTH  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.  CONSEQUENCE OF ACCIDENTS 1. Financial Costs: Employers bear the cost of medical and hospital bills, with increased insurance premiums if accidents are frequent. 2. Losses of Output: Accidents lead to production suspensions, loss of output due to worker absences, and machinery repairs. 3. Lowered Morale: Accidents negatively impact employee morale. 4. Negative Publicity: Accidents can result in bad publicity for the company.  TYPES OF ACCIDENTS 1. Near Miss: No injuries, but property damage may occur. 2. Non-fatal (First-Aid Required): One or more employees need first-aid treatment. 3. Non-fatal (Temporary Disability): One or more employees are temporarily disabled. 4. Non-fatal (Permanent Disability): One or more employees are permanently disabled. 5. Fatal: One or more workers are killed.  COMMON HEALTH HAZARD AT WORK 1. Use of Organic Chemicals and Toxic Substances: Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to long-term health issues. 2. Fumes, Dust, and Smoke: Inhalation of harmful particles can cause respiratory problems and other diseases. 3. Radiation: Exposure to radiation, even at low levels, can have serious health consequences. 4. Infection: Work environments can expose employees to infectious diseases. 5. Noise and Vibration Levels: Prolonged exposure to loud noise and vibrations can lead to hearing loss and other health issues. 6. Extreme Temperatures: Working in very hot or cold environments can result in health problems.  THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT (OSHA) 1994 It is an act that provide the legislative framework to secure the safety, health and welfare among all Malaysian workforce and to protect others against risk of safety or health in relation of the activities of person at work.  DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS ◦ General Safety Obligation Employers must ensure the safety of all employees and any other persons at the workplace, as far as practicable ◦ Specific Requirements of Safety Obligation 2. Safety Policy: Draft and disseminate a safety policy if the organization employs more than five employees. 3. Safety Committee: Appoint a safety committee if the organization has 40 or more employees. 4. Safety and Health Officer: Appoint a dedicated, qualified safety and health officer if the organization falls within the scope of the relevant regulation. 5. Training, Supervision, and Information: Provide appropriate training, supervision, and information to employees regarding safe work practices. 6. Reporting Accidents: Report serious accidents to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS  DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES To use all the safety equipment being provided eg. Safety helmets, safety boots, vest etc – section 24(1) To attend safety training whenever required Reasonable duty of care in ensuring safety at work  APPOINTMENT OF A SAFETY OFFICER Employers in designated industries are required under OSHA to employ a qualified safety officer. A qualified safety officer is one who is registered with DOSH. To be eligible for registration, the applicant must have: A recognized diploma in OSH, or A minimum of 10 years’ experience in OSH, or Have completed a training programme in OSH recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources.  Importance of encouraging safe work practice and healthy lifestyle among employees Moral Aspects It is morally right to safeguard a worker from any harm and it is the duty of every company to provide the best care to their employees. Legal Aspects OSH require all organizations to ensure safety, health and welfare of their employees. Organization need to avoid facing many legal issues that can arise from a workplace injury. Economic Aspects Poor health and diseases related to work can result in many days absence from work. Organization needs to avoid accidents from happening which will cause the production to be suspended while an investigation is carried out.  CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS Chances Occurrences Unsafe Conditions Employees' Unsafe Acts If there is a chance of The faulty mechanical or Faulty attitudes something happening, it physical conditions Low attention span is possible that it will Improperly or Faulty judgement of happen. inadequately guarded speed and distance Such as walking past a equipment. Impulsiveness tree just when a branch Defective equipment. Deficiencies in tools. Irresponsibility falls, slippery floors, and Nervousness and fear inadequate ventilation Deficiencies in plant. Unsafely designed tools, Worry and depression machines, etc. Unsafe storage, overloading, congestion, etc. Poor house-keeping. Lack of automatic quick stoppage devices. Defective electrical fitting.  HOW TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS Reducing unsafe conditions Conducting job hazards analysis A systematic approach to identify and eliminate workplace hazards before they occur Operational safety reviews Reviews conducted by agencies to ascertain whether units under their jurisdiction are complying with all the applicable safety laws, regulations, orders and rules. Example: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-airlines-gets-iatas-operational- safety-audit-recertification Reducing Unsafe Acts Getting employees to wear personal protective equipment(PPE) Reduce potential distraction such as noise, heat and stress. Carefully screening the employees such as conducted physical abilities to determine if the person can do the job. Safety training reduces unsafe acts especially for new employees. Establishing a safety policy EXAMPLE OF PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE) 18  Programmes and activities which can improve the health and wellness of employees. Fitness or exercise class Causes of stress at work Risk assessment Regular talks -nutrition, Job insecurity Dissemination of a stress management etc Job strain/burnout company policy on drug Regular medical check-up Poor supervision level and alcohol abuse Health campaign - Stop Excessive long hours Information and education Smoking campaign Shift work at the workplace Training of supervisors to identify subordinates with drug or alcohol problems Assistance to employees for rehabilitation Stress Reducing drug and Wellness alcohol related Programmes Management problems  OSHA has stated that it is a requirement for employers to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and health of their employees. SUMMARY Accidents are caused by a wide variety of factors and therefore any programmes designed to reduce the number of accidents must take a multi- pronged approach.