Evaluate Hazards and Risks Practice Occupational Health and Safety Procedures Group 1
Theory lesson Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) 01
What is Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)? OHS refers to the procedures and measures that ensure the safety, health, and welfare of employees in the workplace.
Importance of OHS: Prevents workplace injuries and illnesses.
Ensures compliance with legal requirements.
Enhances productivity and morale by promoting a safe work environment.
Objectives of Practicing OHS Procedures: Identifying potential hazards. Assessing risks associated with hazards. Implementing control measures to eliminate or minimize risks.
Understanding Hazards 02
Definition of Hazard: A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on someone or something under certain conditions.
Physical Hazards: Definition: Hazards that result from environmental factors that can cause harm. Examples: Noise: Excessive noise from machinery or tools.
Radiation: Exposure to X-rays, UV rays, or radioactive materials.
Temperature Extremes: Very hot or cold environments.
Mechanical Hazards: Moving parts of machinery or vehicles.
Chemical Hazards: Definition: Hazards that arise from exposure to chemicals that can cause harm or illness. Examples: Toxic Chemicals: Exposure to substances like asbestos, solvents, or pesticides.
Fumes and Dust: Inhalation of welding fumes, silica dust.
Corrosives: Acids or bases that can cause burns or damage to skin or eyes.
Flammable Substances: Fuels, gases, or solvents that can ignite.
Biological Hazards: Definition: Hazards that involve exposure to biological substances that pose a threat to health. Examples: Viruses and Bacteria: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens (e.g., hepatitis, HIV).
Fungi: Mold growth that can cause respiratory issues.
Insects and Animals: Bites, stings, or diseases transmitted by animals or insects.
Plants: Poisonous plants like poison ivy or thorny bushes.
Ergonomic Hazards: Definition: Hazards that occur due to improper workplace design or poor work practices. Examples: Repetitive Motion: Tasks that involve repeated movements leading to strains (e.g., typing, lifting).
Poor Posture: Inadequate chair support or desk height causing back or neck pain.
Manual Handling: Lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects without proper equipment.
Psychosocial Hazards: Definition: Hazards that affect mental health and well-being due to the work environment or work-related stressors. Examples: Workplace Stress: High workloads, tight deadlines, or job insecurity.
Violence or Harassment: Bullying, verbal abuse, or physical violence.
Fatigue: Long working hours or shift work without adequate breaks.
Poor Communication: Lack of support from management or colleagues.
Identifying Hazards in workplace 03
Steps to Identify Hazards: Conducting Inspections: Regularly check equipment, processes, and facilities. Observing Work Activities : Look for unsafe practices or conditions. Consulting with Employees: Engage workers in discussion about potential hazards. Reviewing Workplace Incident Records: analyze past incidents to identify common hazards.
Example of Workplace Hazards: Slippery floors in a kitchen area. Exposed electrical wires in a construction zone. Heavy lifting without proper equipment or training.
Understanding Risks 04
Definition of Risk: Risk is the possibility that a hazard will cause harm. It involves both the likelihood of the harm occurring and the severity of the potential harm. Risk assessment: a systematic process of evaluating the potential risks associated with a hazard.
Component of Risk Assessment Identifying Hazards: Recognizing potential sources of harm. Determining Who might be Harmed and How: Understanding who could be affected and the impact. Evaluating Risks and Deciding on Precautions: Assessing the level of risk and deciding on necessary control measures.
Risk Evaluation and Control 05
Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures: Elimination: Completely removing the hazard ( e.g., replacing a hazardous chemical with non-hazardous one). Substitution: Replacing the hazard with a safer alterative ( e.g., using a smaller, lighter tool). Engineering Controls: Isolating people from the hazard ( e.g., using machine guards, ventilation systems). Administrative Controls: Changing how people work (e.g., Training, procedures, shift rotations). Personal Protective Equipment(PPE): Using Protective gear (e.g., gloves, masks, helmets).
Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures: Elimination: Completely removing the hazard (e.g., replacing a hazardous chemical with non-hazardous one).
Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures: Substitution: Replacing the hazard with a safer alterative ( e.g., using a smaller, lighter tool).
Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures: Engineering Controls: Isolating people from the hazard ( e.g., using machine guards, ventilation systems).
Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures: Administrative Controls: Changing how people work (e.g., Training, procedures, shift rotations).
Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures: Personal Protective Equipment(PPE): Using Protective gear (e.g., gloves, masks, helmets).
Examples of Risks Control Measures: Installing safety guards on machinery. Providing ergonomic chairs to prevent back injuries. Enforcing the use of PPE in high risk areas.
Implementing Safety Prcedures 06
Steps to Implementing Safety Measures: Developing an OHS Policy: Outlining the organization’s commitment to health and safety. Training Employees: Providing regular safety training and updates. Regular Monitoring and Review: Conducting safety audits and inspections. Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintaining records of incidents, training, and safety measures.
Legal and Regulatory Framework 07
Relevant OHS Legislation and Standards: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act): Governs Workplace safety standards and employer responsibilities. Regulations and Codes of Practice: Specific guidelines that support the OHS Act.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities: Employer Responsibilities: Provide a safe work environment, conduct risk assessments, and offer necessary training. Employee Responsibilities: Follow safety procedures, use PPE, and report hazard or unsafe practices.
Case Study or Sample 08
Practical Example of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Scenario: A warehouse with high shelving units and heavy lifting tasks. Hazard Identification: Potential for falling objects and back injuries. Risk Assessment: High likelihood of injury from falling objects; moderate risk of strain injuries from lifting. Control Measures: Install guardrails on shelves, provide lifting techniques.
Key Takeaways: Understanding hazards and risks in essential to maintaining a safe work environment. The hierarchy of controls provides a structured approach to managing risks. Regular training, monitoring, and compliance with regulations are crucial for effective Ohs practices.
Questions and Discussion: What are some common hazards you have observed in your workplace? How does your organization approach risk assessment and control?