LESSON 2: OHS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Occupational Health and Safety or OHS

concerned with health, safety, and welfare issues in the workplace. Policies and procedures are important in discussing OHS because it aims to make the workplace safer and better for workers and stakeholders. It is concerned with many factors such as removal of hazards and reducing accidents in the workplace.

Occupational Health and Safety or OHS

a seat of policies and procedures that is followed in a workplace in order to prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries. It involves knowing the risks that can be encountered in a workplace and figuring out how it can be prevented.

1. Hazard identification

2. Risk Assessment

3. Risk Control

Three steps may be done to facilitate OHS procedures in a CSS workspace

Hazard

anything that can hurt a person, example of hazards that can be encountered when conducting computer systems servicing

Hazard Identification

involves observing the workplace’s surroundings to recognize potential risks.

Physical Hazards

can be further classified as an occupational or an environmental hazard.

Mechanical Hazards

can either be a result from manual use of tools or powered equipment.

Chemical Hazards

this is caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace. This should be prevented as it can cause long-term harmful health issues.

Electric Shock Hazards

An electrical hazard is a dangerous condition that can be caused by direct electrical contact from an active equipment or electrical conductor.

Risk Assessment

evaluating how a hazard would harm a person

Risk

possibility of the hazard harming someone

Physical Hazards

• one can use gaffers tape to manage and organize cables that need to run across the floor for a long period of time

• cable ties, cable wraps, and cable raceways can be used for long term cable routing

Gaffers Tape

strong adhesive that can stick to the floor in order to minimize disarray of computer cables

Mechanical Hazards

• can be prevented by ensuring that all equipment are well maintained.

• In addition to that, a person must be well trained or supervised before using an unfamiliar equipment.

• Use equipment in the way the manufacturer had initially intended.

Chemical Hazards

• make sure to properly check labels of chemicals that will be used. Be on the lookout for flammable substances.

• Make sure to follow safety procedures indicated on product labels or packaging.

Electric Shock Hazards

• To minimize risks, make sure to check for faulty wiring before use.

• Do not disconnect power cords by tugging on the wire.

• instead, hold the plug end when disconnecting