Workplace Hazard and Risk in Sewing PDF

Workplace Hazard and Risk  Hazard Is anything that can cause harm or damage to humans, property or the environment.  Is the possibility that something bad or unpleasant such as injuries and health problems may happen due to exposure Risk to hazard.  Ca...

Workplace Hazard and Risk  Hazard Is anything that can cause harm or damage to humans, property or the environment.  Is the possibility that something bad or unpleasant such as injuries and health problems may happen due to exposure Risk to hazard.  Can we avoid having hazards in workplace? If yes, how? If no, why?  Risk Management Is taking sensible measures to control risk in the workplace  Identify hazard Being alert at work is very important. Seeing, hearing or smelling anything odd must be given attention and reported at once.  Assess the risk This is done to know how likely it is that a hazard will harm someone and how serious the harm could be. This should be reported to the employer at once.  Control the Risk This may include eliminating hazards, using less hazardous things, or separating hazard from people and developing and enforcing safe work procedure, information dissemination and training on how things are handled safely.  Monitor and Report Monitor the risk management plan and report if there’s a need to improve. Common Workplace Hazard in Sewing or Garment Industry On the picture can you Identify the possible hazard and its risk? Common Workplace Hazard in Sewing or Garment Industry The possible hazard in this workplace are the following: a. Physical Hazard b. Mechanical Hazard c. Chemical or Treatment Hazard d. Ergonomic Hazard e. Fire Hazard Physical Hazard These can cause harm or stress to the body. Accidents such as fall and slips could cause low back pain, and skeletal and muscular disorder. Safety and Health Practices to Prevent Physical Risk in the Workplace Keep the floor dry. Ensure clean and orderly work area. Keep cabinets and locker drawers closed. Avoid stacking boxes on top of cabinets to prevent them from falling from someone. Observe proper lifting procedure. Do not run or rush in the workplace.  Mechanical Hazard These refers to machines that have the potential to cause harm to people and property. Preventions: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Long hair must be tied or held back by a headband or hairnet. Avoid wearing loose-fitting sleeves and loose jewelry. Preventions: Check the adjustments on the machines before operating or turning the power button on. Never operate a swing machine if the air openings are blocked. Switch the sewing machine off when making any adjustments in the needle are. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Preventions: Do not stitch over pins. Make sure the tools are sharp and in good operating condition. Turn off the electric sewing machine and unplug it from electrical outlet after use. Keep all tools in a sewing box when not in use. Chemical or Treatment Hazard There are fabrics that are finished by chemical processes to change their characteristics. The treatments or finishes may cause harmful effects such as allergy and dermatitis. Prevention: Wear protective clothing and mask. To remove chemicals in the air, ventilate the room by installing exhaust fans. Ventilation is the best way to lower the level of chemicals in garment factory. Avoid using chemically treated fabric. Ergonomic Hazards Due to poorly designed tools, equipment's and workstations; poor lighting, repetitive motion and hand vibration. These hazards contribute to poor or awkward posture that may result in back pain, stiff neck and poor circulation to the legs. Prevention: Use height-adjustable tables and chairs. Use cushioned and contoured chair to distribute one’s weight and prevent sore buttocks and padded back rest to support lower back. Place the chair at an appropriate distance from the workstation to perform any task without pulling elbows away from the body. Use appropriate table with padded or rounded edges to rest the arms without causing injury to arms and hands. When lifting a sewing machine, bend your legs and lift with your arms. Have frequent, short breaks to stretch or change position to relax muscles and joints. Do not work too fast. Fire Hazard In the garment industry, nearly all materials being used are flammable to some degree. These include loose materials, fabric cuts, and materials contaminated with oil. Prevention: Practice good housekeeping. Place oily rags and other combustible materials in a container. Do not use a sewing machine with a damaged or frayed cord or plug. Make sure the machine is completely shut down in case of industrial machine. Have all electrical equipment checked regularly by a licensed electrician. Separate faulty equipment and have it repaired or disposed if no longer usable. Prevention: Have a fire drill at least once a month. Have a separate building for raw materials. Install safety equipment such as fire extinguisher and fire alarms. What is the importance of learning the different hazards and risk in workplace? How can you apply it in real life situation? In doing your sewing activity, what are the precautions you're going to follow? Book Activity: Answer Prove It on page 200.