Element 1: Health & Safety Foundations

Question 1

Definition of Health and Safety

Answer 1

The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations.

Question 2

3 main focuses in occupational health is

Answer 2

1. Maintenance and promotion of workers health.
2. The improvement of working environment.
3. Development of work organisations and working cultures in a direction which supports health and safety.

Question 3

3 Reasons for barriers to good health and safety standards

Answer 3

1. Complexity - employees become unhappy with the amount and type of information available, can be overwhelming.
2. Competing & Conflicting Demands - Demands to meet targets or keep within budget may compromise health and safety.
3. Behavioral issues - Changing workers attitudes and behaviour to work safely and car about health and safety.

Question 4

Definition of Health

Answer 4

A state of well being, classed as physiological or psychosocial. For example not suffering from stress or mental fatigue or safety and hygiene issues.

Question 5

Definition of Safety

Answer 5

The absence of danger of physical harm. This is for people as well as equipment, materials and structures

Question 6

Definition of Welfare

Answer 6

Facilities that should be provided in the workplace providing the basic essentials for the worker. Eating, washing, toilet facilities and first aid ect.

Question 7

What is a hazard

Answer 7

Something with potential to cause harm.

Question 8

What is a risk

Answer 8

The combination of the likelihood of a hazardous event causing harm and the severity of the consequences.

Question 9

What is an incident

Answer 9

An unplanned event which causes injury, ill health or property damage or with potential to do so.

Question 10

What is a near miss

Answer 10

An incident that could have caused injury or property damage.

Question 11

what is an accident

Answer 11

An unplanned event which causes injury, ill health or property damage.

Question 12

What are the 3 arguments for good management of health and safety

Answer 12

Moral: ethical and responsible behaviour.

Financial: avoiding the costs of injuries and ill-health.

Legal: avoiding criminal and civil liability.

Question 13

What is the moral argument for maintaining good standard of health and safety.

Answer 13

Every year around 2 million people suffer from ill-health caused by work. We have a moral duty in society to prevent this. This is why we have employers liability insurance that covers cost of compensating injured employees. Not having this insurance can result in a fine for every day without cover.
Ethical and responsible behaviour is expected.

Question 14

What is the financial argument for maintaining good standard of health and safety.

Answer 14

The financial reasons for maintaining good standards of health and safety are:
To maximise profits.
To minimise costs.

Increased productivity with improved morale.
Reduction in downtime.
Lower sickness rates.
An improvement in product quality.
An enhanced corporate image.
Lower staff turnover.

Question 15

What is the legal argument for good standard of health and safety.

Answer 15

It is a legal requirement to protect the health and safety of employees and others that might be affected by the organisations work activities.