Prelims Flashcards
What are the core principles of OSH
- Hazard Identification
- Risk Assessment
- Prevention and Control Measures
- Employee Training
- Continuous Improvement
What are the four importance of OSH?
- EN - suring employee safety
- RE - ducing workplace accidents
- EN - hancing employee productivity
- LE - gal and Ethical responsibility
Historical Perspective
Milestone in Occupational safety
Early efforts in ensuring workplace safety
Evolution from reactive to proactive approaches
Evolution of OSH
I - Industrial revolution and safety concerns
D - Development of Safety Standards
T - Technological advancements in OSH
Basic Legal Frameworks
- Overview of Legal Requirements
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Relevant Local Agencies
- Compliance and Penalties
What are the Regulatory Frameworks of OSH
- Importance of Regulatory Compliance
- Specific Regulations for Different industries
- Periodic audits and inspection
Why OSH matters?
- Employee Well-being and Satisfaction
- Reputation and Corporate Social Responsibility
3.Legal and Financial implications for non-compliance
The systematic process of “recognizing” and “assessing potential dangers” or risks within the workplace ensuring a proactive approach to safety.
Hazard Identification
The evaluation of the likelihood and severity of identified hazards enabling organizations to prioritize and address risk effectively
Risk Assessment
The implementation of strategies and controls to eliminate/minimize workplace hazards emphasizing the importance of proactive safety measures.
Prevention and Control Measures
Provides comprehensive education and “training” programs to empower employees wth the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and contribute to a safe work environment.
Employee Training
While performing a routine inspection in a factory, you notice that several machines are leaking oil, which could cause workers to slip and fall.
What is this scenario an example of?
Hazard Identification
Scenario 2:
After identifying a potential hazard with exposed electrical wiring, your team evaluates how likely it is that an employee could get injured and how severe the injury would be.
What process are you performing?
Risk Assessment
Scenario 3:
Your company holds regular workshops to teach employees how to properly handle chemicals and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure.
Which aspect of OSH does this scenario represent?
Employee Training
Scenario 4:
To reduce the risk of employees inhaling hazardous fumes, the company installs a new ventilation system and issues respirators to employees working in high-risk areas.
What process is the company undertaking here?
Prevention and Control Measures
Scenario 5:
After implementing new safety protocols, your company regularly reviews the effectiveness of these measures and looks for ways to make further improvements.
Which process is reflected in this scenario?
Continuous Improvement
Scenario 6:
An office worker files a report detailing the frequent headaches they experience due to poor indoor air quality in the workplace. Management decides to investigate the ventilation system.
What step of OSH does this represent?
Hazard Identification
Scenario 7:
You observe that workers in a warehouse are lifting heavy objects without using proper lifting techniques, which could lead to back injuries. You decide to evaluate how often this happens and the potential consequences.
Which OSH process is being applied?
Risk Assessment
Scenario 8:
A company installs safety guards on all its machines after identifying that several workers have suffered minor injuries from exposed moving parts.
What process does this describe?
Prevention and Control Measures
Scenario 8:
A company installs safety guards on all its machines after identifying that several workers have suffered minor injuries from exposed moving parts.
What process does this describe?
Prevention and Control Measures
Scenario 9:
Management organizes annual safety drills for employees, including fire evacuations and first aid response training.
What aspect of OSH is being practiced here?
Employee Training
Scenario 10:
After identifying recurring incidents of minor slips and falls in the office kitchen, the company schedules regular cleaning and places anti-slip mats in the area.
Which OSH process does this reflect?
Prevention and Control Measures
Scenario 11:
The company safety committee reviews accident reports every quarter and suggests revisions to safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
Which process is this an example of?
Continuous Improvement
Scenario 12:
During a site inspection, you notice a forklift being operated without warning signals or mirrors, which could cause accidents in tight spaces.
Which part of OSH does this relate to?
Hazard Identification
Conduction of regular review such as checking and reviewing of feedback and incident analysis for them to cope with the safety of the technologies and to foster an environment of improve workplace
Continuous Improvement
This is the prioritization of physical and psychological well-being of employees, creating a secure working environment that minimizes the risk of harm.
Ensuring Employee Safety
A manufacturing company installs emergency stop buttons on all its machinery to allow workers to quickly halt operations in case of malfunction or danger.
Which importance of OSH does this scenario emphasize?
Ensuring Employee Safety
After introducing proper ergonomic office chairs and workstations, employees report fewer instances of back pain, allowing them to work more comfortably and efficiently.
Which benefit of OSH is being demonstrated here?
Enhancing Employee Productivity
Scenario 3:
A company introduces a strict policy requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in high-risk areas, such as hard hats and safety goggles, to protect workers from falling debris and chemical splashes.
What importance of OSH is highlighted in this scenario?
Ensuring Employee Safety
Scenario 4:
Following a government inspection, a construction firm updates its safety procedures to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations related to scaffolding safety and fall protection.
Which aspect of OSH importance is being addressed?
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Scenario 5:
A company implements regular training and safety drills, significantly reducing the number of workplace accidents and injuries over the past year.
Which OSH benefit is seen in this case?
Reducing Workplace Accidents
Scenario 6:
An employer introduces a wellness program that includes stress management workshops and mental health resources. As a result, employees feel more supported and demonstrate higher engagement and productivity.
Which OSH benefit is reflected here?
Enhancing Employee Productivity
Fosters a culture of safety and well-being contributes to a higher moral, job satisfaction and productivity among employees.
Enhancing Employee Productivity
Surpassing legal requirements acknowledging the ethical responsibility of of organizations to protect employees and promote a safe work culture
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
State 4 workplace Hazards
Physical
Chemical
Biological
Ergonomic
Scenario 1:
A construction worker is exposed to constant loud noise from heavy machinery, and there’s a risk of hearing damage over time. The site lacks proper noise control measures like ear protection.
Which type of hazard is this?
Physical Hazard
Scenario 2:
In a laboratory, workers regularly handle strong acids and solvents. Despite using gloves, one employee reports skin irritation and breathing difficulties after prolonged exposure to chemical fumes.
Which type of hazard does this scenario involve?
Chemical Hazard
Scenario 3:
In a hospital, employees in the microbiology lab work with samples that contain potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. One worker accidentally pricks their finger with a needle that was used on a contaminated sample.
What type of hazard is presented in this scenario?
Biological Hazard
Scenario 4:
Office employees are experiencing frequent back and neck pain due to working long hours at desks with poor chair support and improper computer monitor placement.
What type of workplace hazard is described here?
Ergonomic Hazard
Scenario 5:
Employees working in a warehouse are constantly lifting heavy boxes without the aid of lifting equipment. Some workers are starting to experience muscle strain and lower back pain from the repetitive physical work.
Which hazard is this an example of?
Ergonomic Hazard
What are the common hazards in Computer Engineering Environments
Ergonomic Hazard
Electrical
Chemical
Physical Hazard
You notice that several computer engineers are working long hours at their desks without taking breaks. Many are complaining of wrist pain, neck strain, and discomfort from sitting in poorly adjusted chairs.
What type of hazard is this?
Ergonomic Hazard
A computer engineer is working on a circuit board and forgets to turn off the power supply. During testing, they accidentally come into contact with a live wire, resulting in a minor electric shock.
Which hazard does this scenario represent?
Electrical Hazard
In a computer engineering lab, technicians handle cleaning solutions, solvents, and other chemicals to clean circuit boards. One worker accidentally spills a solvent on their hand, causing skin irritation.
What type of hazard is involved here?
Chemical Hazard
In a computer lab, several power cords and extension cables are tangled across the floor, creating a tripping hazard. A worker trips over one of the cables and falls, sustaining a minor injury.
Which type of hazard is this?
Physical Hazard
A worker is conducting maintenance on a server rack in a poorly ventilated room. The temperature rises due to excessive heat from the equipment, causing the worker to feel dizzy and dehydrated.
What hazard is described in this situation?
Physical Hazard
While working on a prototype, a computer engineer uses soldering equipment without proper ventilation. The fumes from the solder cause eye irritation and dizziness after prolonged exposure.
Which hazard is being illustrated here?
Chemical Hazard
Importance of Hazard Identification
Prevention of Accidents and Injuries
Enhanced Employee Well-being
Improved Safety Culture
Legal Compliance
Efficient Resource Allocation
Reduced Worker’s Compensation Costs
Enhanced Productivity
Protection of Reputation
Continuous Improvement
A company regularly conducts safety training sessions and equipment checks, significantly reducing the number of workplace incidents and injuries over the past year.
Prevention of Accidents and Injuries
The HR department introduces a wellness program that includes mental health support, stress management workshops, and access to on-site fitness facilities, leading to happier, healthier employees.
Enhanced Employee Well-being
An organization encourages open communication about safety concerns, and employees are empowered to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. This has created a positive, safety-focused work environment.
Improved Safety Culture
A construction company conducts regular inspections to ensure all scaffolding meets government safety standards, preventing accidents and avoiding fines for non-compliance.
Legal Compliance
A manufacturing company invests in ergonomic workstations and machinery that reduces the physical strain on employees. This helps reduce the cost of frequent repairs and minimizes the need for additional protective equipment.
Efficient Resource Allocation
After implementing more stringent safety protocols, a factory saw a sharp decline in the number of injury claims filed, saving the company significant money on compensation payments.
Reduced Worker’s Compensation Costs
A tech company introduced better lighting and improved ventilation in their office spaces, resulting in fewer employee complaints and an overall increase in work output.
Enhanced Productivity
A well-known retail chain focuses on maintaining high safety standards in all stores. This commitment to safety prevents public incidents, protecting the company’s reputation from negative media coverage.
Protection of Reputation
A factory continuously evaluates and updates its safety practices based on employee feedback and new industry standards, resulting in fewer accidents and more efficient processes over time.
Continuous Improvement
OSH subfield dedicated to the Physical health of employee
Occupational Medicine
OSH subfield that focuses on the mental well-being and holistic health of employees
Occupationaly Psychology
These are scenarios that can potentially cause harm/injuries/illness to employees
Workplace Hazard
Tips for Effective Risk Assessment
I - involve employees
U - utilized a multidisciplinary approach
C - consider all hazard
P - prioritized risk
U - use appropriate risk assessment tools
R - regularly review and update
C - consider interconnected risks
S - seek professional guidance
D - document findings clearly
P - promote open communication
C - consider long-term implications
Risk Assessment and Management
Principles of Risk management
I - Identification
A - Analysis
E - Evaluation
M - Mitigation
Computer Engineering Risk Management
FMEA - Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
FTA - Fault Tree Analysis
Threat Modelling
Risk Management Strategies
Avoidance
Transfer
Mitigation
Acceptant
Give two ergonomic design principles for computer workstation
- Adjustable workstations
Proper Keyboard/ Mouse placement
Monitor placement and Height
How do you prevent Musculoskeletal Disorder
understanding musculoskeletal disorder msd
important reular breaks and movement
employee training on ergonomic practices
MSD inspection factors
Environment
Material Handling
Physical Demands
Use of Body vs Tool
Use of Personal Protective equiment
A comprehensive and systematic approach on what on identifying assessing and managing potential risks that may impact the achievement of objectives or the success of a project
Risk Assessment and Management
