APPLY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

AND SAFETY PROCEDURES

ITICOR0021A

Prepared by Josset Headley, B.Sc., P.G.Dip.Ed.

TERMINOLOGIES
 "Health is a state of physical and
mental well-being - including the
absence of disease or infirmity.

 Safety relates to the absence of

physical or psychological injury or
harm.
BENEFITS OF OH&S
 Less worker turnover, absenteeism, etc.
 Improved ability to cope with changes/stress
 Improved morale
 Increased productivity and job satisfaction
 Fewer injuries, saves money
 Increased retention and recruitment
 Improved company image and culture
 Reduce chances of accidents in the workplace
 RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYER
 Ensure working environment is safe and
without risks to health and safety
 Provide information, instruction, training and
supervision to ensure employees’ health and
safety
 Use hazard identification and risk control
process to fulfil legal obligations
RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES
 Take precautions so as not to endanger
themselves or others
 Comply with workplace policies and
procedures
 Participate in hazard identification and risk
control process
 Report OH&S hazards
 Report incidents and injuries
 Use work tools and equipment in accordance
with training instructions.
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK
CONTROL PROCESS
 Identify the hazards
 Assess the risks involved
 Follow information in company guide to decide on
control measures
 Implement measures
 Monitor and review the strategies implemented
WHAT IS WORKPLACE HAZARD
 A hazard is anything in
the workplace that has the potential
to harm people. Hazards can include
objects in the workplace, such as
machinery or dangerous chemicals.
Other hazards relate to the way work
is done.
 SLIP/TRIP
8
 TYPES OF HAZARD
 PHYSICAL- Workstation, chair, desk,
computer, headset can cause voice loss, sore
throat, acoustic shock (ear), musculo-skeletal
disorders (hands, neck, shoulders, back)

 BIOLOGICAL- bacteria or viruses from

headsets, keyboards etc.
TYPES OF HAZARDS IN THE
WORKPLACE
 ERGONOMIC – assume correct posture
when sitting, change your positions often,
take short breaks from the computer,
exercise your eyes and align monitor and
keyboard directly in front of you.
COMMON WORKPLACE HAZARDS

 Workstation design (including its relationship to poor

posture)
 Working space
 Lighting
 Ventilation
 Telephone headset use
 Background noise
 Manual handling tasks (including repetitive keyboard
tasks)
 Psychological environment
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

 Furniture should be
adjustable and
comfortable.

 Equipment should be
ergonomically designed
and positioned.
 WORKING SPACE
 Chapter 4 of the OHS Regulation 2001 states that
employers must ensure that:
 Sufficient work space is provided to allow people
to work safely
 Floors and surfaces are constructed and maintained
to minimize the possibility of slips, trips and falls
 People are not hindered and are able to move
safely around a place of work.
LIGHTING
 Adequate artificial and natural lighting that
does not create excessive glare or reflection
must also be considered to ensure the safety of
people at work. Improper lighting may cause
workers to adopt incorrect postures to avoid
excessive glare or reflection, and/or eyestrain.
VENTILATION

 Employers must ensure that adequate

ventilation and air movement is
provided in indoor environments that
may become hot.
BACKGROUND NOISE
 The prevention or minimization of
background noise is best managed when the
office is being designed. This ensures that the
workplace layout will minimize noise, and
office fittings, fixtures and surfaces are noise
absorbing. Noise levels of office equipment,
such as photocopiers, should also be taken
into account in determining their location in
an office environment.
ELECTRICAL ISSUES
 Employers must ensure that all electrical installations
and equipment are safe to use and regularly inspected,
tested, maintained, and repaired or replaced if unsafe
for use.
 This requirement covers, but is not limited to, equipment
such as:
 Computer equipment
 Faxes
 Photocopiers
 Extension leads
 Kitchen appliances.
RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION

 Client data is to be stored on

database with password access
to authorized personnel

 Data must be updated

 Information must be kept

confidential
OTHER HAZARDS
 Trailing cables – place cables inside ducts or under
carpet/flooring.
 Spilt drinks or food – Keep drinks or food away
from computers
 Overloaded Power Sockets may cause
overheating/fire – never overload circuits. Always
have a fire extinguisher nearby.
 Heavy objects falling – place heavy equipment on
shelves or tables.
HAZARD PREVENTION & CONTROL

 Eliminate the source of the hazard

 Substitute a less hazardous equivalent
 Reduce the hazard
 Remove the employee from the hazard
 Isolate the hazard
 Use appropriate personal protective
gear/equipment
 Provide employee training
IDENTIFY & REPORT
SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUAL(S)
A suspicious individual can be:
 Someone wearing an incorrect uniform, ill-fitting etc.

 Someone asking directions in an area where you do

not expect them to work

 Someone appearing lost or disoriented

 Someone who just looks suspicious

 Someone who seems nervous, startled, worried or

perspiring heavily
DEALING WITH SUSPICISIOUS
PERSONS
 The procedure for dealing with
suspicious persons will vary depending
on the organization; however in the
absence of set procedures you can…
 Challenge the person politely and ask
if you can be of assistance or direct
them to the exit
 If possible, ask a colleague to keep an
eye on the suspicious person while you
report the person to your supervisor.
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES
A suspicious package may be one
of the following:

 Something that has been left

unattended for some time

 Something that looks out of place

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES

 Suspicious items may be explosive and a danger to life and

property.
 Any item left unattended over a period of time, or that looks
out of place may have illegal contents.
 There is a risk of arson, terrorism, theft, burglary or
industrial espionage at large in the workplace.
 Take action, report and record the incident.
HOW TO TREAT SUSPICIOUS ITEM
 Do not touch or attempt to move the item, as
touching or moving may start off a reaction
resulting in an explosion or fire.
 Remain calm and composed. Do not cause a panic
by running and screaming
 Report the matter to your supervisor, the security
personnel or police
 If possible, cordon off the area and move people
away.
TYPES OF BOMB THREATS
 Bomb threats usually occur by telephone,
however, these types of threats may also
be communicated by regular mail or email.
Bomb threats may also be implied, by the
discovery of a suspicious package,
envelope or other article that , on its face,
may look or sound like a bomb.
THE PHONE THREAT
 Telephone bomb threats are most common. A
person receiving a bomb threat SHOULD NOT
disconnect the caller. The receiver should remain
calm and try to obtain as much information as
possible before the caller hangs up. In this case,
the receiver should immediately contact relevant
persons and provide the information obtained.
BOMB THREAT INFORMATION
 When will it (they) explode?
 Where is it (they) located?
 What does it (they) look like?
 What kind of a bomb (s) is it?
 Who is (are) the target (s)?
 Who is the caller and how can he or she be
reached?
 Why was it (they) placed?
THE LETTER THREAT
 A bomb threat received by letter or in the
other form of writing should be retained,
along with the envelope itself. Once the
person opening the letter realizes what it is,
relevant persons should be contacted
immediately. The person opening the letter
should handle the document as little as
possible, to protect it as a possible evidence
exhibit.
THE EMAIL THREAT

 Email is becoming a more and more frequent

source of harassing communication. Although email
is not very private, experienced persons can create
email accounts under fictitious names and use public
computers to send it. So email has the potential for
use in a bomb threat scenario. The person receiving
a bomb threat via email should immediately inform
other persons and the message should not be
deleted.
Occupational Health & Safety Tips

 Knowledge of emergency escapes and fire fighting equipment.

 Proper concealing of electrical wires and cables.
 Keep a tidy workplace.
 Observe proper hygiene.
 Use safe procedure when lifting.
 Wear protective clothing where necessary.
 Report any accidents or injury.
 Practice frequent fire drill.
Occupational Health & Safety Tips

In the event of an emergency:

 Take immediate action and follow the
prescribed procedures.
 Render First Aid [or contact the
designated person] to help an injured
person until proper medical treatment is
available.
 Report the incident in accordance with
enterprise policy
Occupational Health & Safety Tips

Potential hazards at the workplace:

 Electrical faults
 Trailing electric or telephone leads
 Loose objects and fixtures
 Chemicals
 Malfunctioning equipment
 Overloading of sockets
 Slippery / wet floors
 Poorly maintained or frayed carpets
Occupational Health & Safety Tips

Potential hazards at the workplace:

 Vehicles should be parked with face outwards
 Assembly area must be open and safe
 Fire extinguishers must have the date of service displayed as
well as the due date for service.
Remember
 A breach is the breaking of, or failure to observe the law or
a promise or commitment made.
 It is your responsibility to become familiar with the
requirements so that you can recognize and report any
breaches.
 Safety is everybody’s responsibility !
 Be alert !
 Identify and report breaches promptly !
Remember

 Select the appropriate attire for the work environment, taking

into consideration issues of static electricity and flammability

 Ensure that jewellery and other accessories do not dangle or

become entangled in the keyboard.

 Wear safety goggles if required.

 Install monitor screens if provided.

SAFETY TIPS- WORKING ALONE

 Stay near a phone.

 Lock all doors to your area.
 Do not play music so loud as to block out outside noise.
 Get to know the cleaning staff and when to expect them.
 Ensure that the security on duty knows your extension number.
 Avoid taking the elevator if there is a suspicious person is
inside.
SAFETY TIPS- WORKING ALONE

 Avoid using a restroom that is located away from your work

area.
 When working late, phone home before leaving the office to
let someone know what time to expect you.
 Park your car near the building entrance and/or in a lighted
parking lot.
 Check the parking lot visually before entering it. Have your
car key in your hand and ready to use. If security personnel
are available, ask to be escorted to your car.
IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVICES

 Smoke detectors
 Fire alarms
 Fire extinguishers
 Evacuation maps and emergency instructions on the walls
 Double locks and chains
 “Panic alarm” buttons
SAFETY PRACTICES AROUND
COMPUTERS

 Never touch the computer, monitor or keyboards with wet

hands.
 Sit at least 2 feet away from the monitor to avoid eye injury.
 Use screen filters (screen guards) for non-interlaced monitors.
 Never ever try to open a monitor.
SAFETY PRACTICES AROUND
COMPUTERS

 Practice proper posture while using the computer.

 Ensure that all electrical cords are safe for use and take care
that they do not cause tripping accidents.
 Avoid eating and drinking at the desk.
 Keep sharp objects in closed containers.
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?

Ergonomics is the application of scientific information

concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and
environment for human use.

Ergonomics comes into everything which involves people.

Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety
should all embody ergonomics principles if well designed.
WHAT IS “ERGONOMIC INJURY”?

Ergonomic injuries are often described by the term

"musculoskeletal disorders" or “MSDs”. This is the
term refers collectively to a group of injuries and
illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system; there
is no single diagnosis for MSDs.
ERGONOMIC WORK CENTRE
ERGONOMICS AND SAFETY

 Observing proper posture

 Keeping an appropriate distance for monitors
 Learning how to lift objects
 Taking appropriate breaks
 Using foot rests to avoid swollen feet
 Using arm rests and other support devices
 Ensuring the desk and chairs are at the appropriate height
EMERGENCY PLAN
 Every location should have a clearly documented, readily
accessible emergency plan.
 The plan should outline the actions to be taken in the event of
emergencies.
 The plan should cover evacuation procedures, search
procedures, accident or fire procedures, medical emergencies,
earthquakes, unlawful use of force etc.
 The reason for the plan – personal safety and protection of
property – should be reinforced among the persons working in
the facility.
 REACT
upon discovery of fire or smoke

Remove persons in immediate danger!

Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)
Activate the building alarm !
Call the Fire Department !
Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!
 Continue a complete building evacuation
 Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are OSHA certified in use
of a fire extinguisher !
Remember the PASS word:

1) Keep your back to a clear escape route,

P.A.S.S.

2) Stand back 6 to 8 feet from the fire,

3) Then >>:
PULL
AIM
SQUEEZE
SWEEP
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
In groups of four (4), conduct a Safety Audit of HCIT
to include:
 Parking areas

 Assembly point

 Car Park

 Offices

Type a report of your findings and assign a member

of the group to report to the class.