Safety at the Workplace and Common Hazards - Work Immersion 1Q

Safety at the workplace

It is a concept that describes a set of regulations and rules that employees introduce to make the work environment safe for all members of the organisation, including employees and clients.

15-24 years old

You are twice as likely to get injured on the job as everyone over 25 at this age.

Follow safety procedures, report hazards, keep work areas clean, know what to do during an emergency, use personal protective equipment, ask questions when unsafe

The 6 objectives of a learner's job.

Slips, Trips and Falls

It is a frequently occurring accident type, leading to minor injuries (sprains, bruises) as well as major injuries (fractures, head injuries).

Good housekeeping, anti-slip shoes, report damaged flooring, put warning signs

The do's to avoid slipping, tripping, and falling.

Fall from heights

It is one of the leading accident types. Accidents and near-misses often involve the improper use of ladders.

Proper footwaer, correct ladder, 3 pt. ladder contact, ladder barrier, even ground

The do's to avoid falling from heights.

Struck by falling objects

It can lead to head injuries and even death. It commonly occurs in storage facilities with racking / shelving systems.

Store small items in boxes, heavier items on lower shelves, frequently used items at waist level, secure straps to keep items from falling, don't overload shelves

The do's to avoid getting struck by falling objects.

Cut by object

It may occur when working with sharp tools and handling broken glass or ceramics.

Cut-resitant gloves, stable flat surfaces, cut away from yourself, wash and store sharp tools separetely

The do's to avoid getting cut.

Fires and Explosions

The most common causes of this are improper storage, accumulation of flammable materials, or faulty electrical installations

Turn off electrical power/gas flames, area free of flammable liquid, clean exhaust hood and stove top and power sockets, don't leave flame unattended and store flammable items cloes to a heart source

The do's to avoid fires and explosions.

Exposure to electric current

Working with electrical equipment carries a risk of electrocution, burns and even death.

Report damaged wiring, unplug equipment when not in use, don't overload electrical point and use damaged electrical equipment

The do's to avoid exposure to electric currents.

Exposure to harmful chemicals

The chemicals used at work can be harmful to our health. Inhaling the vapours and regular contact with these chemicals can lead to breathing and skin problems.

Read labels, ensure containers are in good condition, keep ventilation when using chemicals, chemical resistant gloves, don't use unknown chemicals and incompatible chemicals

The do's to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.

Workplace Aggression

It is hostile and violent behaviour that ranges from verbal to physical abuse. This is commonly experienced by staff in the service sector and may also occur between co-workers.

Handle in presence of others, talk calmly and objectvely to acknowledge distress, keep distance, don't raise your voice and resolve conflict alone

The do's to avoid workplace aggression.

Fatigue

It includes physical and mental exhaustion. You are more likely to be careless and prone to making mistakes. This will increase your chances of getting injured at work.

Frequent yawning, attention difficulties, slow wlaking speed, dozing

4 signs of fatigue.

Keep workplace brightly lit and well ventilated, take regular breaks

The do's to avoid fatigue.

Know job hazards, refuse dangerous work when unprepared, participate

The learner's rights.