Workplace Hazards Flashcards
Physical Hazards in the Workplace
-Mechanical Hazard
-Electrical Hazard
-Fall Hazard
-Noise Hazard
These include risks associated with moving
machinery parts, tools, and equipment that
can cause injuries through crushing, cutting, or
entanglement.
Mechanical Hazards
Examples of Mechanical Hazards
-conveyor belts,
-forklifts, and
-power tools.
Electrical hazards pose risks of shocks, burns,
and fires. They can result from exposed wiring,
faulty equipment, or improper use of electrical
devices.
Electrical Hazards
These include risks of falls from heights, slips
on wet surfaces, or trips over obstacles.
Common in construction and maintenance
work, but present in many industries.
Fall Hazards
Excessive noise levels can lead to hearing loss
and stress. Industries like manufacturing,
construction, and music venues often face this
hazard.
Noise Hazards
Chemical hazards include _____
-toxic substances,
-corrosives,
-flammables, and
-reactive materials
Various forms of Chemical Hazards
liquids, gases, vapors, fumes, and dusts.
Common examples of chemicals include _______
-cleaning products,
-solvents,
-pesticides, and
-industrial chemicals.
significantly affect the severity and type of
health effects.
Route of exposure
Exposure routes
Chemical hazards can enter the body through:
inhalation,
skin absorption,
ingestion, or
injection
Exposure to chemical hazards can result in
______ or ______ health effects.
acute
chronic
_______, like chemical burns or respiratory irritation, occur immediately.
Acute effects
_____, such as cancer or organ damage, may develop over time with repeated exposure.
Chronic effects
Biological Hazards in the Workplace
-Viruses and Bacteria
-Mold and Fungi
-Insects and Animals
-Plants and Organic Dusts
-
These microorganisms can cause infections and
diseases. They are common in healthcare,
laboratories, and areas with poor sanitation.
Viruses and Bacteria
______ is found in damp or poorly ventilated
areas, causing respiratory issues and allergies.
Mold and Fungi
Bites, stings, and animal-borne pathogens pose
risks in outdoor work environments.
Insects and Animals
Certain plants can cause allergies or skin
irritation. Organic dusts can lead to respiratory
issues when inhaled.
Plants and Organic Dusts
_____ can lead to respiratory
issues when inhaled.
Organic dusts
Ergonomic hazards are often overlooked but
can lead to serious long-term health issues.
Identification of Ergonomic Risks
Examples of Ergonomic risks
-repetitive motions,
-awkward postures,
-excessive force, and
-prolonged static positions.
Ergonomic risks are common in ______
-office environments,
-manufacturing, and
-healthcare settings.
Evaluate workstations, tools, and tasks for
ergonomic risks. Consider factors like repetition
frequency, force required, duration of
exposure, and individual worker characteristics.
Assessment of Ergonomic Factors
Use ______ and _____ to identify problem areas.
-ergonomic assessment tools
-employee feedback
Develop and implement solutions to mitigate
ergonomic risks. This may include redesigning
workstations, providing adjustable equipment,
implementing job rotation, and training
employees on proper ergonomic practices.
Regular reassessment is crucial to ensure
effectiveness.
Implementation of Ergonomic Solutions
Establish a system for ongoing monitoring of
ergonomic conditions. Encourage employee
reporting of discomfort or pain. Regularly
review and update ergonomic interventions
based on new information, changing work
processes, or emerging technologies.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Risk Assessment: A Systematic Approach to
Workplace Safety
-Hazard Identification
-Risk Analysis
-Risk Evaluation
-Risk Control
Identify potential hazards through inspections,
incident reports, and employee input. Use
checklists and workplace surveys for
comprehensive risk coverage.
Hazard Identification
Analyze the consequences and likelihood of
identified hazards. Consider factors like
exposure, severity, and existing controls. Use
risk matrices or scoring systems to quantify
risks.
Risk Analysis
Analyze the consequences and likelihood of
identified hazards. Consider factors like
exposure, severity, and existing controls. Use
risk matrices or scoring systems to quantify
risks.
Risk Analysis
Compare risks against criteria to determine
acceptability and prioritize based on severity
and impact on worker safety.
Risk Evaluation
Implement control measures for unacceptable
risks.
Risk Control
Follow the hierarchy of controls:
-elimination,
-substitution,
-engineering,
-administrative, and
-PPE.
Hazard Control Methods
-Elimination and Substitution
-Engineering Controls
-Administrative Controls
-Personal Protective Equipment
The most effective control methods involve removing the hazard entirely or replacing it with a less hazardousnalternative. For example, replacing toxic cleaning chemicals with safer, eco-friendly options or redesigning a work process to eliminate a dangerous step.
Elimination and Substitution
-These involve physical changes to the workplace to reduce exposure to hazards. Examples include installing machine guards, improving ventilation systems, or implementing noise reduction measures.
-are preferred as they do not rely on worker behavior.
Engineering Controls
Examples of Engineering Controls
Examples include installing machine guards, improving ventilation systems, or implementing noise reduction measures.
Examples of Elimination and Substitution
For example, replacing toxic cleaning
chemicals with safer, eco-friendly options or
redesigning a work process to eliminate a dangerous
step.
These controls involve changing work procedures and policies to reduce risk.
Administrative Controls
Examples of Administrative Controls
This can include implementing job rotation to limit exposure, providing safety training, or establishing standard operating procedures for hazardous tasks.
crucial when other control methods are insufficient.
PPE
Types of PPE: Head Protection
-Hard Hats
-Bump Caps
-Welding Helmets
Protect against falling objects and head
impacts. Essential in construction and mining.
Hard Hats
Lightweight protection for minor bumps.
Suitable for low-clearance environments.
Bump Caps
Shield eyes and face from welding sparks and
harmful radiation.
Welding Helmets
Types of PPE: Eye and Face Protection
-Safety Glasses
-Goggles
-Face Shields
Protect eyes from flying particles and debris.
Used in various industries.
Safety Glasses
Provide full eye protection from chemicals and
splashes.
Goggles
Offer full-face protection from impacts and
splashes. Crucial for grinding tasks.
Face Shields
Types of PPE: Respiratory Protection
-Disposable Masks
-Half-Face Respirators
-Full-Face Respirators
Protect against dust and particles. Commonly
used in construction and agriculture.
Disposable Masks
Filter out harmful gases and vapors. Essential in
chemical handling.
Half-Face Respirators
Provide comprehensive protection for face and
lungs. Used in hazardous environments.
Full-Face Respirators
PPE: Hand Protection
Leather
Nitrite
Cut Resistant
Insulating
Protects from cuts and abrasion
Used in Construction
Leather
Protects form chemicals
Used in healthcare
Nitrile
Protects from sharp objects
Used in food processing
Cut Resistant
Protects form electrical hazards
Used in electrical works
Insulating
Types of PPE: Foot Protection
Steel toe boots
Non slip shoes
Chemical resitant boots
Electrical Hazard shoes
Protect toes from heavy falling objects.
Essential in construction and manufacturing.
Steel toe boots
Prevent slips and falls. Crucial in food service
and healthcare industries
Non-slip shoes
Shield feet from harmful chemicals. Necessary
in chemical plants and laboratories.
Chemical-Resistant boots
Insulate against electrical shocks. Vital for
electricians and utility workers.
Electrical Hazard Shoes
Selection of PPE
Hazard Assessment
PPE Matching
Worker Training
Regular Review
Identify workplace hazards through thorough
risk assessment. Consider all potential dangers.
Hazard Assessment
Select appropriate PPE based on identified
hazards. Ensure proper fit and compatibility.
PPE Matching
Educate workers on correct PPE usage and
limitations. Conduct regular training sessions.
Worker Training
Periodically reassess PPE needs as workplace
conditions change. Update equipment as
necessary.
Regular Review
Use and Maintenance of PPE
Pre-Use Inspection
Proper Usage
Regular Cleaning
Storage
Check PPE for damage before each use. Look for
signs of wear or deterioration.
Pre-Use Inspection
Follow manufacturer guidelines for correct PPE
use. Ensure proper fit and adjustment.
Proper Usage
Clean PPE according to manufacturer
instructions. Maintain hygiene to prevent
contamination.
Regular Cleaning
Store PPE in clean, dry areas away from
sunlight. Protect from damage and
contamination.
Storage
Legal Requirements for PPE in the Philippines
Occupational Safety and Health Standards
Worker Responsibilities
Training and Education
Penalties for Non-compliance
Employers must provide appropriate PPE free of
charge. Compliance with DOLE regulations is
mandatory.
Occupational Safety and Health Standards
Employees must use provided PPE correctly.
Reporting damaged or lost PPE is required.
Worker Responsibilities
Employers must provide PPE training. Regular
updates on PPE policies are necessary.
Training and Education
Fines and sanctions for PPE violations. Repeat
offenses may result in business closure.
Penalties for Non-compliance
Infection Control Basics
Hand Hygiene
PPE
Environmental Cleaning
Respiratory Etiquette
Proper hand washing is the cornerstone of
infection control. Use alcohol-based sanitizers
when soap isn’t available.
Hand Hygiene
Wear appropriate PPE for each task. This
includes gloves, masks, and eye protection.
Personal Protective Equipment
Regular disinfection of surfaces is crucial. Pay
special attention to high-touch areas.
Environmental Cleaning
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or
sneezing. Encourage patients to do the same.
Respiratory Etiquette
Handling Hazardous Materials
Biohazardous Waste
Chemical Waste
Radioactive Waste
Sharps Disposal
Use red bags or containers marked with the
biohazard symbol. Never overfill containers.
Biohazardous Waste
Store chemicals in appropriate containers. Keep
incompatible chemicals separate.
Chemical Waste
Follow strict protocols for handling and
disposing of radioactive materials. Use lead-
lined containers.
Radioactive waste
Use puncture-resistant containers for needles
and other sharps. Never recap needles.
Sharps Disposal
Waste Management in Healthcare
Segregation
Storage
Disposal
Proper waste segregation is crucial. Use color-
coded bins for different types of waste. Train
staff on correct segregation practices.
Segregation
Store waste in designated areas away from
patient care. Ensure storage areas are secure
and well-ventilated. Regularly clean and
disinfect these areas.
Storage
Follow local regulations for waste disposal. Use
licensed contractors for hazardous waste
removal. Keep accurate records of waste
disposal.
Disposal
Ergonomics in Healthcare
Proper posture
Safe lifting
Repetitive Task
Work Station Design
Maintain good posture when standing or sitting.
Use ergonomic chairs and adjustable
workstations.
Proper posture
Use mechanical aids for heavy lifting. When
manual lifting is necessary, use proper body
mechanics.
Safe lifting
Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks. Use
ergonomic tools to reduce strain.
Repetitive Task
Arrange workstations to minimize reaching and
twisting. Ensure good lighting and comfortable
temperature.
Workstation design
Safety Equipment for Healthcare Workers
NSG respirators
Face Shields
Gloves
Gown
-Protect against airborne particles
-Replace when damaged or contaminated
NSG Respirators
-Protect eyes and face from splashes
-Clean and disinfect after each use
Face Shields
-Prevent direct contact w/ contaminants
-Change between patients and tasks
Gloves
-Protect skin and clothing
-Dispose or launder after each use.
Gowns
Stress Management for Healthcare Workers
Recognize signs
Seek support
Practice self care
Develop coping strategies
Be aware of stress symptoms like fatigue,
irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Recognize signs
Talk to colleagues or a mental health
professional. Utilize employee assistance
programs.
Seek support
Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and regular
exercise. Take breaks during your shift.
Practice self care
Practice relaxation techniques like deep
breathing or meditation. Set realistic goals and
boundaries.
Develop coping strategies
Promoting a Culture of:
Leadership Commitment
Continuous Education
Open Communication
Recognition and Reward
Hospital management should prioritize and
visibly support safety initiatives. Lead by
example in following safety protocols.
Leadership Commitment
Provide ongoing safety training for all staff.
Keep up-to-date with the latest safety
guidelines and technologies.
Continuous Education
Encourage reporting of safety concerns without
fear of reprisal. Implement a system for
anonymous reporting.
Open Communication
Acknowledge and reward staff who contribute
to improving workplace safety. This reinforces
the importance of safety practices.
Recognition and Reward
Acknowledge and reward staff who contribute
to improving workplace safety. This reinforces
the importance of safety practices.
Recognition and Reward