Industrial Hygiene & Government Legislation (Geodetic Engineering) PDF

Safety and Health Geodetic Engineering: Industrial Hygiene and Government Legislation Basic Occupational Engineering Intervention to Next Slide Safety Safety and Health...

Safety and Health Geodetic Engineering: Industrial Hygiene and Government Legislation Basic Occupational Engineering Intervention to Next Slide Safety Safety and Health What is Industrial Hygiene? The science and art of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace that may cause illness, impairment, or significant Basic Occupational discomfort among workers. It focuses on ensuring that working conditions are safe and healthy through systematic assessment and control of risks.  Predicting potential hazards that may Safety and Health Anticipation arise in a work environment. Safety Procedures Identifying the hazards present. Assessing the severity and Risk Management frequency of hazards. Implementing strategies to mitigate Employee Well-being Basic Occupational or eliminate risks. Processes of Industrial Hygiene  Workplace Hazards Safety and Health A workplace hazard is any source of potential harm, damage, or adverse health effects on individuals in a work environment. Hazards can arise from various sources and may affect workers' safety, health, or well-being. Basic Occupational  Physical Hazards Safety and Health These are environmental factors that can cause harm to the body without necessarily making physical contact. Risks from physical agents like noise, extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, or dangerous environments. Terrain Challenges Extreme Weather Exposure Basic Occupational Geodetic engineers often work Geodetic engineers often work in uneven outdoors, sometimes in harsh weather or unstable environments such as conditions like intense heat, rain, or mountainous regions or construction sites. cold. Prolonged exposure can lead to Risks include falls, slips, or being struck by heat stress, hypothermia, or falling objects. dehydration. Proper training on recognizing symptoms and implementing preventive measures is crucial.  Physical Hazards Safety and Health These are environmental factors that can cause harm to the body without necessarily making physical contact. Risks from physical agents like noise, extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, or dangerous environments. Vibration and Noise Radiation Exposure Basic Occupational Use of surveying equipment such as total Geodetic engineers may be exposed to stations and drilling machinery can produce low levels of ionizing radiation from high noise levels and vibrations, potentially certain high-tech surveying instruments leading to hearing loss or hand-arm or non-ionizing radiation from the sun vibration syndrome. during extended outdoor work.  Chemical Hazards Safety and Health These are environmental factors that can cause harm due to their chemical nature. Hazards due to exposure to harmful chemicals, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Exposure to Chemical Soil and Water Testing Sprays or Fuels Basic Occupational Geodetic engineers might use chemicals Geodetic engineers often work for testing soil and water quality. Improper outdoors, during fieldwork, chemicals handling or exposure can result in health like surveying markers, solvents, or fuel issues. Safety data sheets (SDS) and for machinery can emit toxic fumes. proper training on handling and storing chemicals are essential.  Chemical Hazards Safety and Health These are environmental factors that can cause harm due to their chemical nature. Hazards due to exposure to harmful chemicals, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Dust Exposure Fumes from Equipment Basic Occupational Geodetic engineers often work outdoors, Fumes from fuel-powered tools and during fieldwork, the presence of dust, vehicles, such as total stations or GPS especially silica dust, can cause respiratory systems, can expose workers to carbon diseases like silicosis. monoxide or other harmful gases.  Biological Hazards Safety and Health These involve exposure to organisms that can cause health issues. Hazards arising from exposure to infectious organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or vectors like mosquitoes. Microorganisms Vector-Borne Diseases Basic Occupational In remote or undeveloped areas, geodetic Working in rural or forested areas engineers might encounter potentially exposes geodetic engineers to hazardous biological agents like bacteria, diseases carried by insects like viruses, or fungi present in fieldwork areas mosquitoes (e.g., dengue, malaria). that could cause infections or other health problems.  Biological Hazards Safety and Health These involve exposure to organisms that can cause health issues. Hazards arising from exposure to infectious organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or vectors like mosquitoes. Mold and Fungi Animal Bites and Stings Basic Occupational Fieldwork in damp or waterlogged areas Engineers working in remote areas may can lead to exposure to mold, potentially be exposed to wildlife, risking bites or causing respiratory problems. stings that can transmit diseases like rabies.  Ergonomic Hazards Safety and Health These arise from poor workstation design or repetitive tasks that strain the body. Hazards related to repetitive movements, poor posture, or improper equipment use, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Lifting Heavy Equipment Long Periods of Field Work Basic Occupational Geodetic engineers often handle Engineers holding surveying equipment like total stations or GPS instruments for extended periods systems, which can lead to back injuries if without breaks can develop muscle proper lifting techniques are not used. strain or repetitive motion injuries.  Ergonomic Hazards Safety and Health These arise from poor workstation design or repetitive tasks that strain the body. Hazards related to repetitive movements, poor posture, or improper equipment use, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Surveying Equipment Use Awkward Postures Basic Occupational Prolonged or awkward use of surveying Prolonged periods of bending or tools that can lead to musculoskeletal kneeling during land surveying can injuries. cause joint pain or musculoskeletal strain.  Mechanical Hazards Safety and Health Hazards that arise from machinery or tools, such as being struck by moving parts, crushing, or entanglement. Moving Parts Falling Objects Basic Occupational Surveying Equipment like total stations or On a construction site, geodetic automatic levels may have moving engineers working near elevated components that can cause injury if structures are at risk from falling debris improperly handled. If workers are not or tools. Survey instruments mounted cautious while adjusting or setting up on tripods, if not secured properly, can tripods, they can accidentally trap fingers or fall and strike workers, leading to injury. hands in the moving parts.  Mechanical Hazards Safety and Health Hazards that arise from machinery or tools, such as being struck by moving parts, crushing, or entanglement. Impact Hazards Cutting & Crushing Hazards: Basic Occupational When engineers are working with drilling Engineers working on construction sites equipment or cutting tools in fieldwork, may be exposed to heavy machinery debris like rocks or fragments of materials that can crush or trap limbs. Handling can become airborne, striking workers. In tools like axes or machetes for clearing addition, On construction sites, geodetic land can result in cuts or lacerations. engineers may be struck by the moving arms of excavators, buckets, or cranes, leading to severe injuries.  Psychological Hazards Safety and Health These are those that can affect a worker’s mental health, often arising from excessive stress, poor workplace culture, or challenging working conditions. High Workloads and Isolation in Remote Deadlines Locations Basic Occupational Geodetic engineers, especially those Geodetic engineers often work in working on large-scale infrastructure isolated or remote locations, which can projects, often face tight deadlines, long lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, working hours, and the need to deliver or stress due to being away from family accurate data. The pressure to meet these for extended periods. demands can cause chronic stress and anxiety.  Psychological Hazards Safety and Health These are those that can affect a worker’s mental health, often arising from excessive stress, poor workplace culture, or challenging working conditions. Workplace Conflicts Job Insecurity Basic Occupational Poor workplace culture can result in Geodetic engineers especially new harassment, leading to mental strain and hires or newly graduates or licensed lower job satisfaction. If there are can experience job insecurity. In some interpersonal conflicts with team members cases, engineers may work on short- or managers, it can create a toxic work term contracts, leading to financial environment, further contributing to insecurity or anxiety about future job psychological stress. prospects.  Types of Controls Safety and Health Controls refer to the methods and strategies used to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards to ensure a safe working environment. The hierarchy of controls is a framework used to determine the most effective ways to Basic Occupational mitigate risks, ranging from eliminating hazards altogether to relying on personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense.  The most effective control strategy is to completely eliminate the Safety and Health Elimination hazard from the work environment, making it impossible for workers to be exposed. Substitution involves replacing a hazardous material, process, Substitution or equipment with something less dangerous. Engineering controls aim to isolate workers from the hazard or Engineering Controls physically alter the workplace to minimize the risks. Administrative controls involve changing work practices, training, Administrative Controls and implementing procedures to reduce the risk of exposure to Basic Occupational hazards. PPE serves as the last line of defense and is used when other Personal Protective controls (like engineering or administrative controls) cannot fully Equipment (PPE) eliminate the risk. PPE protects workers by providing a physical barrier against hazards. Hierarchy of Controls  Controls for Physical Hazards Safety and Health Noise Control Thermal Control Heat stress management programs, Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) which include adequate hydration, and noise-reducing modifications to frequent breaks in shaded areas, and equipment. appropriate clothing for temperature extremes. Basic Occupational Vibration Control Radiation Protection Use of anti-vibration gloves and limiting Wearing sunscreen and using exposure to vibrating tools through protective clothing for non-ionizing administrative controls like job rotation. radiation from sunlight. Safety and Health Extreme Temperature Elimination: Schedule outdoor work during cooler hours to avoid extreme heat or during warmer hours in cold conditions. Substitution: Use cooling shelters in place of natural shade, or portable heating stations in cold weather. Engineering Controls: Install portable air conditioning units or Basic Occupational heaters for field workers in temporary structures. Administrative Controls: Implement a heat stress management plan and ensure regular breaks for hydration and cooling down. PPE: Provide workers with heat-resistant clothing or thermal gear depending on conditions.  Controls for Chemical Hazards Safety and Health Ventilation Substitution Ensuring proper ventilation systems are in Using less hazardous substances place when working indoors or near whenever possible. chemical-emitting equipment. Basic Occupational Material Safety Data Sheets Personal Protective (MSDS) Equipment (PPE) Making sure all workers are trained on the Wearing respirators, gloves, goggles, safe handling of chemicals and have and coveralls when handling or near access to MSDS for any materials they hazardous chemicals. encounter. Safety and Health Dust Exposure Elimination: Use pre-fabricated materials that do not require cutting or sanding, reducing the creation of dust. Substitution: Replace hazardous materials with those that produce less dust or are non-toxic. Engineering Controls: Install dust collection systems or use wet methods (water spray) to suppress dust during surveying or Basic Occupational construction work. Administrative Controls: Implement workplace hygiene protocols (cleaning dust regularly) and train workers to identify hazardous dust. PPE: Provide respirators or dust masks to protect against inhalation of harmful particles.  Controls for Biological Hazards Safety and Health Vaccinations Insect Repellents and PPE Using mosquito repellent and wearing Ensuring that workers are vaccinated long sleeves, pants, and boots to against diseases like tetanus and rabies. prevent bites and stings. Basic Occupational Hygiene Protocols Environmental Controls Ensuring that areas prone to pests are Regular handwashing and use of sanitizers properly managed, such as by using to prevent infections from bacteria and insect control measures or rodent- fungi. proofing facilities. Safety and Health Bacterial Infections Elimination: Ensure clean, uncontaminated water supply to avoid waterborne bacterial infections. Substitution: Use environmentally friendly cleaning products that do not promote bacterial growth. Engineering Controls: Install hand-washing stations and provide access to sanitizing facilities in remote field locations. Basic Occupational Administrative Controls: Enforce strict personal hygiene protocols, including regular hand washing and sanitizing. PPE: Workers should use gloves and face masks to prevent exposure when working in areas at risk of bacterial contamination.  Controls for Ergonomic Hazards Safety and Health Training on Proper Lifting Proper Equipment Design Techniques Engineers should be trained on how to Use of ergonomically designed tools and lift and carry heavy loads to prevent equipment that reduce strain. injury. Basic Occupational Job Rotation and Breaks Ergonomic Furniture Implementing work-rest cycles to reduce In office settings, providing adjustable repetitive strain and provide relief from chairs, keyboards, and desks to ensure awkward postures. a comfortable posture. Safety and Health Heavy Lifting Elimination: Use machinery (e.g., forklifts or cranes) to move heavy equipment rather than relying on manual lifting. Substitution: Replace heavy equipment with lighter versions where possible. Engineering Controls: Install lifting aids like hoists or conveyor belts to move heavy loads. Basic Occupational Administrative Controls: Train workers in proper lifting techniques and limit the maximum weight they are allowed to lift. PPE: Provide workers with back support belts when lifting heavy loads.  Controls for Mechanical Hazards Safety and Health Machine Guarding: Elimination Instead of having engineers work near Installing machine guards or barriers dangerous machinery, remote surveying around moving parts of machinery can technologies like drone-based prevent accidental contact. photogrammetry or LiDAR can be used to eliminate the need for on-site personnel in hazardous environments. Basic Occupational Signage and Safety Substitution Protocols Placing signs near machinery and Instead of using manual cutting tools for construction zones to warn of moving clearing land, safer, mechanized clearing equipment and enforcing lockout/tagout tools with safety features such as procedures to ensure that equipment is automatic shut-off can be used. powered down during maintenance. Safety and Health Crushing Injuries Elimination: Avoid using heavy machinery in areas where workers are present, by designing workflows that minimize these interactions. Substitution: Use lighter or smaller equipment that reduces the risk of crushing. Engineering Controls: Install barriers or sensor-based shutoffs Basic Occupational around heavy machinery to prevent workers from entering danger zones. Administrative Controls: Establish clear traffic paths for workers and machinery and provide training on hazard recognition. PPE: Equip workers with steel-toed boots and helmets to protect against crushing injuries.  Controls for Psychological Hazards Safety and Health Elimination Substitution Implementing technology like drones or Adjusting workloads or providing additional GPS to reduce the physical and mental staff to handle field projects can eliminate burden of manual surveying, allowing excessive work pressure that causes for more accurate and less time- mental strain. consuming work. Basic Occupational Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Offering mental health days or Establishing communication systems that organizing workshops on stress allow engineers working in remote areas to management. Allowing geodetic stay connected with their teams and engineers to work flexible hours or take families, thereby reducing isolation. breaks to manage stress during high- pressure projects. Safety and Health Stress from High Workloads Elimination: Reduce workload or change project timelines to prevent overwork. Substitution: Implement software tools that automate routine tasks and reduce stress. Engineering Controls: Redesign workflows to distribute work evenly and prevent burnout. Administrative Controls: Provide mental health days, flexible Basic Occupational working hours, and support programs for stress management. Offer counseling services for workers experiencing high stress levels. PPE: While not physical PPE, providing access to mental health resources and support is crucial to addressing psychological hazards. Safety and Health What are Government Legislation? refers to the set of laws, regulations, and statutes enacted by a governing body (such as a parliament, congress, or legislative assembly) to regulate various aspects of society, protect public interests, and Basic Occupational maintain order. These laws are designed to address specific needs, such as safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, ensuring safety in workplaces, promoting human rights, and more.  These are fundamental laws that define the framework of Safety and Health Constitutional Laws government, its powers, and the rights of citizens. These are laws formally written and enacted by the Statutory Laws legislative branch of government, such as congress or parliament. Administrative These are detailed rules and regulations created by Regulations government agencies to implement and enforce statutory laws. Basic Occupational Sometimes courts interpret legislation, and these Judicial Interpretations interpretations become part of the law, particularly when there are disputes about how to apply statutory laws. Types of Government Legislation  Legislation is created to address specific social, economic, Safety and Health Purpose environmental, or political issues, such as workplace safety, environmental protection, public health, taxation, education, etc. The laws can apply at various levels, from national to regional Scope or local levels, affecting citizens, businesses, organizations, and government agencies. Legislation is enforced by government bodies, agencies, and Enforcement the judicial system to ensure compliance. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, fines, or legal action. Legislation defines both the rights of individuals (e.g., rights of Basic Occupational workers, rights to fair wages) and the obligations of individuals or Rights and Obligations organizations (e.g., ensuring safety in the workplace, paying taxes). Key Elements of Government Legislation  Philippine Labor Code – Article 165 Safety and Health (Occupational Safety and Health Standards) Article 165 of the Philippine Labor Code provides the legal basis for occupational safety and health (OSH) standards in workplaces. It mandates employers to ensure that the workplace is safe and free from hazards that could harm workers. Key Provisions Employers must eliminate workplace hazards where possible Basic Occupational and provide adequate training and protective equipment. Regular inspections by the DOLE are required to ensure compliance with safety standards. Violations of OSH standards may result in penalties, fines, or shutdowns of operations.  Republic Act No. 11058 (An Act Strengthening Compliance Safety and Health with Occupational Safety and Health Standards) RA 11058, enacted in 2018, strengthens the implementation of safety and health measures in all workplaces, ensuring that workers are protected from hazards. The law emphasizes the rights of workers to refuse unsafe work and mandates strict compliance by employers. Key Provisions Employers must identify and control hazards by applying the hierarchy of Basic Occupational controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and PPE). Mandatory training on safety procedures for workers exposed to workplace hazards. Employers must conduct risk assessments and implement safety management systems. DOLE has the authority to penalize employers who fail to comply with the OSH standards.  DOLE Department Order No. 13 (Guidelines Governing Safety and Health Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry) This order specifically governs the construction industry, where many geodetic engineers work as part of infrastructure development projects. The order outlines detailed safety measures for construction sites, addressing hazards such as falling objects, machinery operation, and chemical exposures. Key Provisions Safety officers must be assigned to monitor and enforce safety protocols on Basic Occupational construction sites. PPE must be provided to workers, including hard hats, gloves, and safety boots. A safety program must be implemented at all construction sites, with regular safety meetings and reporting of incidents. Employers must provide first aid facilities and access to healthcare for injured workers.  DOLE Department Order No. 198 (Implementing Safety and Health Rules and Regulations of RA 11058) This order provides the detailed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 11058 and outlines the responsibilities of employers, workers, and government agencies in ensuring workplace safety and industrial hygiene. Key Provisions All workplaces must comply with the OSH standards by implementing a Basic Occupational safety and health program. Employers must designate OSH officers and conduct regular safety audits. Safety training is mandatory for both management and workers to ensure the understanding of hazard controls. Reporting of work-related injuries, illnesses, and near misses to DOLE is required.  Republic Act No. 8749 (Clean Air Act of Safety and Health 1999) This law regulates air quality in the Philippines and places limits on air pollutants. Industrial activities, including construction and development projects that geodetic engineers work on, must comply with this act to minimize air pollution. Key Provisions Employers must monitor and control emissions from equipment Basic Occupational and processes that may release harmful pollutants. Workers must be protected from exposure to airborne chemicals, dust, and fumes. Environmental impact assessments are required for projects that may affect air quality.  Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Safety and Health Waste Management Act of 2000) While primarily focused on waste management, this law has implications for industrial hygiene related to the disposal and handling of waste materials in construction, land development, and field surveys. Key Provisions Employers must manage and properly dispose of solid waste Basic Occupational generated from operations, ensuring that waste is not hazardous to workers or the environment. Special attention must be given to the segregation and disposal of toxic and hazardous materials. Penalties are imposed for the improper handling of waste materials that pose risks to public health or the environment.  Republic Act No. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Safety and Health Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990) This act controls the importation, manufacture, and disposal of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes in the Philippines. It is crucial for protecting workers from chemical hazards in industrial settings. Key Provisions Employers must register hazardous substances with the Basic Occupational Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and follow protocols for handling and disposal. Proper labeling, storage, and disposal procedures must be in place to prevent chemical exposure to workers. Hazardous chemicals should be substituted with safer alternatives whenever possible. Safety and Health In the Philippines, geodetic engineers are required to comply with industrial hygiene standards to ensure safe working conditions. The laws discussed above, particularly those enforced by DOLE (such as RA 11058 and DOLE Department Orders), mandate the proper identification, control, and mitigation of hazards encountered in fieldwork, construction, and survey activities. From ensuring that workers are protected from physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, mechanical, and psychological hazards through the hierarchy of controls, to complying with waste Basic Occupational management, air quality, and hazardous chemical regulations, these legislative frameworks provide a comprehensive approach to protecting workers and maintaining a safe environment for all involved in geodetic engineering projects.