Health and Safety

What is a hazard

a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person/s

What is a risk

the likelihood that a person may be harmed or suffers adverse health effects if exposed to a hazard

How are risks categorized?

Upon the potential harm or adverse health effect that the hazard may cause

The number of times persons are exposed

The number of persons exposed

6 levels of control methods

1. Eliminate

2. Substitute

3. Isolate

4. Engineering controls

5. Administrative controls

6. PPE

ESIEAP

Example of elimination

Removal of lead from petrol, so people are no longer at risk of lead poisoning from car fumes

Example of substitution

In lab research, toluene is now used in place of benzene. They have similar properties and makeup, but toluene is less toxic and not carcinogenic.

Example of isolation

Use of chemicals in a fume cupboard

Example of engineering controls

Redesigning the process to place a barrier.

Machinery guarding and proximity guarding.

Example of administrative control

Adopting a standard of procedures

Providing mandatory training

What is a risk assessment

Where the severity of the hazard and its potential outcomes are considered, in conjunction with other factors (the level of exposure, the number of persons exposed, the impact of exposure)

4 + 1 categories of hazards

Chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic + psychosocial

CPBE + P

What are safety representatives?

An employee elected by their fellow employees, to repersent all employees to management on all health and safety issues

Provides a line of communicaiton between employees and employers

Carry no extra responsibilities or liability for health and safety in the workplace

Have the right to inspect the part of a workplace that they represent and accompany a HSA inspector.

What must be provided to safety representatives

Employer must provide/pay for training

Paid time off work for training

Access to information on any risk assessments, safety statements, safety and health measures legally required

Access to reportable accidents, occupational illnesses and dangerous occurrences without identifying any individual at their workplace

Information on any safety and health information on dangerous equipment, chemicals or processes used at their workplace

What are the benefits of having a safety representative?

If workers see their company making progress on promoting safety and health, they will be motivated to do more to ensure compliance.

Allows for worker's opinions to be valued and considered, and for them to be included in the implementation of health and safety measures in the workplace

Why is effective communication important

Reduces Misunderstandings

Strengthens Relationships

Enhances Collaboration

Improves Decision Making

Increases Efficiency

What are the Key Components of Effective Communication?

Clarity and Conciseness

Listening

Empathy

Non-Verbal Communication

Timing

Feedback

Openness and transparency

Respect and courtesy

Adaptability

Technology

CLENTFORAT

Function of effective communication

Ensures that the message is delivered in a clear, understandable, and engaging way, with a focus on creating a positive and productive interaction.

Examples of PPE

1. Gloves

2. Face masks

3. Gowns

4. Face shields

5. Goggles

6. Shoe covers

7. Helmet

Roles/responsibilities of employees

Comply with relevant laws

Protect their own and the people they affect’s safety and health

Not under the influence of any dangerous intoxicant work

Cooperate with their employer with regard to safety, health and welfare

Not engage in any dangerous conduct

Safety and health training

Make proper use of all machinery, tools, substances and PPE

Roles/responsibilities of an employer

Provide and maintain a safe workplace, machinery and equipment.

Ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees.

Assess risks.

Create a safety statement.

Provide and maintain necessary facilities for your employees.

Provide appropriate training, information and emergency procedures.

Report incidents to the HSA.

Role of HSA

Make organizations compliant with laws

Preform inspections

Give warnings and penalties

Provide resources and training information to employers

Stress in the workplace

Definition: a response to perceived issues and demands, manifesting harmfully for the person experiencing stress.

Cause: Bullying, high demand, understaffing, lack of breaks

Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, irritable, fatigue, low mood, dread

Impact: Poor performance at work, high turnover rates and mental health issues

Preventative measures: Employers ensuring employees take breaks and get furlough. Awareness on mental health.

How do you assess risk

Hazards

Control measures

Likelihood of it causing harm

Severity of the harm

Do we need more control measures?

WHO definition of health

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or injury

How to break the chain of infection

PPE

Wash hands

Cough into your elbow

Stay home, isolate

Dispose of contaminated garment/equipment

What do germs need to survive

Food, temperature, moisture, pH and protection from the elements

What is a balanced diet

Eating enough and not too much of each food group, enough nutrtients

How are companies promoting good mental health of staff

Ensuring employees take breaks

Mandatory holidays

Mental health awareness

Having a metal health liaison

How are companies using effective communication to communicate health and safety procedures with their staff

Mandatory training

Large eye catching posters

Posters where people linger

Posters next to hand washing facilities/PPE storage

Universal signs