DHR 407 OHS - Slides 1-100

What is the primary goal of occupational health and safety (OHS)?

To promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers.

Define hazard in the context of OHS.

A hazard refers to any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions.

What does risk mean in occupational health and safety?

Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm or adverse effects.

What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?

A systematic framework used by organizations to manage workplace safety, including policy development, planning and implementation.

What are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Items worn by employees to reduce exposure to hazards, such as gloves, helmets, masks, and safety footwear.

What is the Hierarchy of Controls?

A framework used to manage workplace hazards by ranking control measures from most effective (elimination) to least effective (PPE).

What is an Incident/Near Miss?

An event that, while not causing harm, has the potential to cause injury or damage if it recurs under similar circumstances.

Explain the importance of incident investigation in OHS.

Incident investigation helps determine the root cause of an accident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

What role does ergonomics play in workplace safety?

Ergonomics involves designing work environments to fit the physical capabilities of workers to prevent injuries related to repetitive movements and awkward postures.

What is one major legal obligation of employers regarding occupational health and safety?

Employers are required to provide safe work environments for their employees as outlined by regulations such as the OSHA standards.

Describe one significant historical development in the field of occupational health and safety.

The establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) in 1970 in the USA required employers to provide safe work environments.

What is the purpose of Workers' Compensation?

It provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured or made ill while on the job.

What are common types of health risks in the workplace?

Health risks can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial.

What are some potential sources of injury in the workplace?

Slips, trips, falls, machinery, chemical exposure, ergonomic hazards, electrical hazards, fire, and explosions.

What is the goal of a good Employee Health Program?

To combine risk management, preventative care, access to health services, and a supportive work environment for total worker well-being.

What does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide?

Information on the properties, hazards, safe handling, and emergency measures related to chemical substances used in the workplace.

What is the impact of poor workplace design on employee health?

Inadequate design can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues due to poor ergonomics.

How does OHS contribute to improved productivity?

By ensuring health and safety, OHS initiatives lead to higher employee morale, reduced absenteeism, and overall greater productivity.

Why is emergency preparedness important in OHS?

It involves having plans and procedures to protect employees during emergencies, minimizing harm and ensuring business continuity.

What role does leadership commitment play in OHS?

Management support is critical; it demonstrates that employee health is a priority and fosters a culture of health and safety.

What are the benefits of access to medical and psychological support in the workplace?

It helps address psychological issues such as stress and anxiety, promoting overall employee well-being.

Identify a common psychosocial health risk in the workplace.

Workplace stress due to high workloads, long hours, or poor work-life balance can lead to mental health problems.