Health & Safety Definitions

Question 1

HEALTH

Answer 1

The protection of the bodies and minds of people from illness resulting from the materials, processes or procedures used in the workplace.

Question 2

SAFETY

Answer 2

The protection of people from physical injury.

The borderline health & safety is ill-defined and the two words are normally used together to indicate concern for the physical and mental well being of the individual at the place of work.

Question 3

WELFARE

Answer 3

The provision of facilities to maintain the health and well-being of the individuals at the workplace. Welfare facilities includes washing and sanitation arrangements, the provision of drinking water, heating, lighting, accommodation for clothing, seating (when required by the work activity) eating and rest rooms.

First aid arrangements are also considered as welfare facilities

Welfare facilities must be provided free of charge by the employer .

Question 4

OCCUPATIONAL OR WORK RELATED ILL-HEALTH:

Answer 4

illness, physical or mental disorders that are triggered by workplace activities

Question 5

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Answer 5

Protection arrangements for work place activities that affect the environment both within the workplace & the general exterior environment, (flora, fauna,soil air water).

These include waste, & effluent disposal and the management of atmospheric pollution

Question 6

ACCIDENT

Answer 6

Any unplanned event that causes injury or illness to people, or damage or loss to plant, material,machinery or the environment, or loss of business opportunities

Question 7

NEAR MISS:

Answer 7

An incident that could have resulted in an accident

Question 8

DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE:

Answer 8

An incident that could have resulted in an accident that could have lead to a loss of life

Question 9

HAZARD

Answer 9

A hazard is the potential for an activity,substance or process to cause injury or harm.

Hazards can take many forms including chemical, operating machinery, moving object.

In essence a hazard can be considered anything that could cause harm

Question 10

RISK

Answer 10

A risk is the likelihood for an activity,substance or process to cause injury or harm.

A residual risk remains after a particular risk is identified and control.

Risk are assessed as a combination of the likelihood something would cause harm and the consequences if that risk were realised