TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO OSH (2)

CITY UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (HONS)

BNOS1083 INTRODUCTION TO OSH

Topic 1: Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health

Learning Outcomes

  • Upon completion of this topic, students should be able to:

    • Define hazards

    • Differentiate unsafe acts and unsafe conditions

The Importance of Safety

Why We Need Safety

  1. Avoid accidents.

  2. Enhance workers’ comfort.

  3. Protect the company’s reputation.

  4. Reduce medical expenses and absenteeism.

The Cost of Injury and Illness

  • Direct costs are often just the tip of the iceberg.

  • Indirect costs can be 50 times greater than direct costs of injuries and illnesses.

Definition

Hazard

  • A source or situation with potential for harm in terms of:

    • Human injury or ill health

    • Damage to property

    • Damage to the environment

  • Anything that can cause harm (e.g., chemicals, electricity, broken ladders).

Accident

  • An event that results in injuries/illness to people and/or damage to assets and the environment.

Near Miss

  • An event that did not result in injuries/illness or damage to assets and the environment.

Safety Violations

Example

  • Safety Violation: Neither of the workers are wearing goggles. (Illustrates the importance of personal protective equipment)

Death Rates by Industry

  1. Oil/Gas Drilling

  2. Agriculture (Farming, Forestry)

  3. Construction (Building)

  4. Transportation

  5. Manufacturing

Health Definition

  • According to WHO: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Safety and Health Movement

Case Study: Bhopal Tragedy

  • Date: 03/12/1984

  • Event: Over 40 tons of methyl isocyanate and other lethal gases leaked in Bhopal, India, killing over 3,000 people.

  • Chemicals involved: Extremely toxic and volatile methyl isocyanate.

Other Historical Disasters

  • Bright Sparkler, Sg Buloh (Virginia, U.S.A)

  • Chernobyl (Ukraine)

  • Minamata Bay (Japan)

  • Itai-Itai Disease (Japan)

  • Hawk’s Nest Tragedy (West Virginia)

  • Piper Alpha

Causes of Accidents

Unsafe Conditions and Acts

  • Unsafe Conditions: Poor working environment or practices.

  • Unsafe Acts: Actions that violate safety protocols.

  • Other factors include:

    • Irresponsible management

    • Low enforcement

    • Human error

Conclusion

  • Emphasizes the collective responsibility required to ensure safety in workplaces.