1 Flashcards
Define the meaning of health
The protection of the bodies and minds of people from illness resulting from the materials, processes or procedures in the workplace.
Define the meaning of safety
The protection of people from physical injury.
What is welfare?
The provision of facilities to maintain the health and well being of individuals at the workplace.
What is the meaning of environmental protection?
The arrangements to cover those activities in the workplace which affect the environment.
Give FOUR advantages to using posters in the workplace
Attractiveness - with colourful images and interesting text
Flexible - in terms of size and positioning
Can convey short, powerful verbal or visual messages
Presence is a constant reminder of a safety message.
Relatively low cost
Brevity - Allowing messages to be easily understood
Reinforcing verbal instruction or information
Give FOUR disadvantages of using posters in the workplace
Cost - as they need to be changed regularly to maintain interest and attention
Susceptible to damage or defacing
Can be seen to trivialise important issues
Provide no direct way of assessing if the message has been understood
may be perceived as unscrupulous employers as an easy, and not particularly effective way of discharging their responsibilities to provide H&S information
What are the reasons for maintaining good standards of health and safety in the workplace?
Legal - compliance with the law, avoid criminal penalties and to comply with the employers common law duty to take reasonable care of workers.
Moral - to provide a reasonable standard of care, reducing injuries, pain and suffering caused to workers by accidents and ill health
Social - to provide a safe place of work, safe equipment, safe systems of work, competent workers and a high standard of training and supervision.
Financial - more motivated workforce improving rate of production and better quality product, which, in turn, can increase business.
Avoidance of costs associated with - accident investigations, training or hiring replacement staff, possible repair of plant or equipment
Securing - more favourable insurance terms
Maintaining - image and reputation of the organisation
What is the definition of a hazard?
A hazard is the potential of a substance, person, process or activity to cause harm.
What is the definition of a risk?
A risk is the likelihood of a substance, person, process or activity to cause harm and its severity.
Why may a good standard of H&S not be maintained within an organisation?
A lack of management commitment
Poor morale within the workforce
Lack of motivation
Lack of resources
Conflicting demands with priority being given to deadlines and targets
poor communication and consultation with workforce
Failure to provide adequate training
Lack of awareness amongst workforce
Failure to complete risk assessment
Failure to produce SSOW
Failure to produce method statements
What are the reasons it is important to investigate “near miss” incidents?
Identifies underlying causes which may allow preventative action before before something more serious may happen
Gives the right message that all failures are taken seriously by the employer, not just those that lead to injury
“near misses” far outnumber incidents, and therefore produce more data which give a greater understanding of the deficiencies in existing management systems such as risk assessments and SSOW which can be identified and rectified.
What are the H&S responsibilities of the employer?
To provide safe plant and equipment
To carry out risk assessments and introduce SSOW
To ensure the safe use, storage, transport and handling of articles and substances
To provide and maintain a safe workplace, including access and egress
To provide a safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities including first aid
To provide information, instruction, training and supervision of workers
To secure competent H&S advice and to cooperate with other employers at the workplace
What are the actions an enforcement authority may take if it finds an employer is not meeting its responsibilities?
Giving advice or warning, either written or verbally
Requiring that an improvement is made within a period time
Require the cessation of work until improvements in H&S are made
Taking formal legal proceedings such as prosecution
What are the possible costs to an organization following an accident in the workplace?
Lost production, staff absence, sick pay,
Temporary replacement with the need for additional training,
Repair of damaged plant and equipment,
Damage to products, investigation and remedial action,
Administration incurred, an increase in insurance premiums,
Fines and compensation awarded,
Court and other legal representation.
Intangible costs arising from a loss of business image
The detrimental effect on worker morale resulting in reduced productivity.
What are the powers given to health and safety enforcement officers?
The right to enter premises, if necessary by enlisting the assistance of a police officer;
To carry out examinations and investigations;
To direct that premises or equipment be left undisturbed for the purpose of investigations;
To take measurements and photographs;
To inspect and/or take copies of documents and records;
To take samples;
To require a person to answer questions and sign a declaration to the truth of his/her answers;
To take possession of articles and substances;
To issue enforcement notices;
To instigate to conduct proceedings in a magistrates’ court.
