Occupational Housekeeping, Safety & Related Case Studies

A comprehensive set of question-and-answer flashcards covering workplace housekeeping fundamentals, 5S methodology, risk management, waste management, and key legal case studies discussed in the lecture notes.

What is meant by “good housekeeping” in the workplace?

Maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment through regular routines and proper storage.

Describe “bad housekeeping.”

A cluttered, unsafe workplace with poor waste management and ignored hazards.

Give three reasons why good housekeeping matters.

(1) Essential for workplace safety; (2) Helps identify and eliminate hazards; (3) Encourages shared responsibility and boosts efficiency/productivity.

List the five core elements that good housekeeping must have.

Clear procedures and responsibility, safe workplace layout, use of 5S principles, clean & adequate facilities, well-maintained floors and walkways.

Name two accident types reduced by eliminating clutter through good housekeeping.

Slips/trips/falls and fires/explosions.

How does good housekeeping improve productivity?

Tools and materials become easier to locate, reducing time wasted and streamlining workflow.

State three additional benefits of good housekeeping besides safety and productivity.

(1) Helps maintain accurate inventories; (2) Uses space more efficiently; (3) Makes the workplace more pleasant and improves company image.

Give four basic recommended housekeeping practices for work areas and floors.

Keep work areas clean; keep floors clean, dry, and in good condition; keep aisles/exits clear; vacuum or wet-sweep dusty areas frequently.

Why should sprinklers, alarms, and fire extinguishers be kept clear?

To ensure they are immediately accessible and functional during emergencies.

List two key points of safe stacking and storage.

Stack/store items safely to prevent collapse and store materials in labeled containers in designated areas.

What are the four main steps in risk management for housekeeping hazards?

Identify cleaning/maintenance needs; assess risks; implement control measures; review and adjust controls regularly.

Name three activities included in ongoing risk management after controls are in place.

Conduct regular inspections, report/investigate incidents, document actions taken.

What is the purpose of training all staff on housekeeping?

To ensure they understand its importance, their roles, and how/when to report hazards.

Define the 5S methodology in one sentence.

A Japanese system of workplace organization—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain—to enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency.

What are the five S’s (English terms) of 5S?

Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.

Give one benefit and one common challenge when implementing 5S.

Benefit: raises quality and lowers costs; Challenge: resistance to change or lack of training.

Explain the ‘Sort (Seiri)’ pillar.

Remove unnecessary items from the workplace to reduce clutter and improve focus.

What workplace problem is avoided by ‘Set in Order (Seiton)’?

Delays and confusion caused by misplaced tools and materials.

Why is ‘Shine (Seiso)’ important?

Regular cleaning maintains equipment, prevents accidents, and ensures a pleasant environment.

What does ‘Standardize (Seiketsu)’ accomplish?

Creates consistent routines so everyone follows the same methods and maintains cleanliness.

How does ‘Sustain (Shitsuke)’ make improvements long-lasting?

By instilling discipline and habit so the 5S culture becomes part of everyday work.

List three requirements for employee facilities under housekeeping standards.

Clean and adequate facilities, proper storage and hygiene provisions, protection from hazardous materials and safe eating practices.

Why must aisles and stairways be well-lit and clear?

To ensure safe, unobstructed passage and reduce trip/fall hazards.

Give two reasons maintenance is critical to safety and productivity.

Prevents equipment breakdowns that cause hazards and maintains sanitation/appearance to support efficient operations.

How can dirty light fixtures affect workplace safety?

They reduce essential light levels, increasing the risk of accidents; cleaning improves lighting efficiency.

Why is tool housekeeping essential?

Proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance of tools prevent accidents, avoid delays, and extend equipment life.

Define spill control.

Preventing, containing, and cleaning up liquid or chemical spills to protect workers and the environment.

Which Philippine agency’s regulations must hazardous waste management comply with?

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Name two safety rules when working with corrosive substances.

Do not use corrosives near equipment; always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

What are the three segregation categories for recovered solid waste materials?

Materials that can be reused, materials with resale value, and materials with salvage value (for disposal).

List two logistical requirements for solid-waste segregation areas.

Adequate space for segregation and an accredited hauler with a proper dumping site.

Differentiate ‘reusable asset,’ ‘recyclable asset,’ and ‘debris’ in a waste management plan.

Reusable asset: materials that can be used again; Recyclable asset: materials for hauling/disposal but recyclable; Debris: unwanted materials for disposal.

Give two practices that can prevent waste generation on site.

Designate proper storage to prevent loss/damage of materials and orient employees on correct waste management procedures.

What must be discussed during Safety and Health Committee meetings per the communication plan?

Waste prevention and recycling activities.

In Real vs. Belo, what caused the fire, and why was it not considered a fortuitous event?

A leaking LPG stove due to negligence in maintenance; it involved human fault, so it was not fortuitous.

Why did the Supreme Court reduce temperate damages back to ₱50,000 in Real vs. Belo?

Because only an appealing party may seek increased damages; the respondent did not appeal the original amount.

State one key takeaway from Real vs. Belo regarding employer liability.

Employers are presumed liable for employee-caused damage unless they prove proper supervision and maintenance.

In West Tower Condominium Corp. vs. FPIC, what legal remedy did residents invoke?

A Writ of Kalikasan (and a Writ of Continuing Mandamus) to protect their right to a healthy environment.

What principle did the Court apply to address environmental risk in the FPIC pipeline case?

The precautionary principle—taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty while balancing technical assessments.

Before FPIC could resume pipeline operations, what certification was required?

Certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) confirming the pipeline’s structural integrity and compliance with safety measures.

Why did the Court refuse to create a special trust fund in the FPIC case?

Because the Writ of Kalikasan is aimed at environmental protection/rehabilitation, not at awarding damages or establishing trust funds.

Give one lesson on legal standing from the West Tower case.

Condominium corporations and other juridical entities may represent affected residents and communities in environmental suits.