🗄️Management of Human Resources Unit 9 – Workplace Safety and Health

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Occupational health and safety (OHS) focuses on protecting the safety, health, and welfare of workers in the workplace
• Hazard refers to any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone
  • Includes physical hazards (noise, heat, radiation), chemical hazards (toxic substances, fumes), biological hazards (viruses, bacteria), and ergonomic hazards (repetitive motions, awkward postures)
• Risk is the likelihood that a person may be harmed or suffer adverse health effects if exposed to a hazard
• Safety culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and practices that prioritize and support safety within an organization
• Incident is an unplanned event that results in, or has the potential to result in, injury, ill health, damage, or loss
• Near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so
• Hierarchy of controls is a system used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards, prioritizing elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Legal Framework and Regulations

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970 established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions
• OSHA sets and enforces standards, provides training, outreach, education, and compliance assistance
• Employers must comply with OSHA standards, provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, and keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• Workers have the right to safe working conditions, to receive information and training, and to file complaints with OSHA
• State-specific regulations may supplement or supersede federal OSHA standards, offering more stringent or industry-specific requirements
• Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), also regulate aspects of workplace safety
• International Labor Organization (ILO) sets global standards and guidelines for occupational safety and health

Common Workplace Hazards

• Physical hazards include noise, vibration, extreme temperatures, radiation, and poor lighting
  • Noise-induced hearing loss is a common consequence of prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Chemical hazards involve exposure to toxic substances, such as solvents, acids, pesticides, and heavy metals
  • Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can lead to acute or chronic health effects
• Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that can cause infectious diseases
  • Healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, and those handling animals are at higher risk
• Ergonomic hazards result from poorly designed workstations, repetitive motions, and awkward postures
  • Musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries, are common outcomes
• Psychosocial hazards include stress, bullying, harassment, and violence in the workplace
  • These can lead to mental health issues, reduced productivity, and increased absenteeism
• Electrical hazards arise from improper wiring, damaged equipment, and inadequate grounding
• Fire and explosion hazards are associated with flammable materials, combustible dust, and gas leaks

Risk Assessment and Management

• Risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining appropriate control measures
• Involves hazard identification, risk analysis, and risk evaluation
• Hierarchy of controls prioritizes risk management strategies:
  1. Elimination: Physically remove the hazard
  2. Substitution: Replace the hazard with a less hazardous alternative
  3. Engineering controls: Isolate people from the hazard or implement design changes
  4. Administrative controls: Change work practices, policies, or procedures to reduce exposure
  5. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Protect workers with gear such as hard hats, gloves, and respirators
• Job hazard analysis (JHA) is a technique that focuses on job tasks to identify hazards before they occur
• Regular inspections and audits help monitor the effectiveness of risk management strategies
• Continuous improvement and updating of risk assessments are essential as work environments and processes change

Safety Policies and Procedures

• Written safety policies demonstrate an organization's commitment to safety and provide a framework for action
• Policies should clearly state the responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and employees in maintaining a safe workplace
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) provide step-by-step instructions for safely performing specific tasks
  • Include necessary precautions, PPE requirements, and emergency response procedures
• Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures prevent the unexpected startup of machinery during maintenance and repair
• Confined space entry procedures outline the necessary precautions and permits required for working in confined spaces
• Emergency action plans detail the procedures for responding to fires, chemical spills, natural disasters, and other emergencies
• Regular review and updating of policies and procedures are necessary to ensure they remain relevant and effective

Employee Training and Education

• Effective training equips workers with the knowledge and skills to identify hazards, follow safe work practices, and respond to emergencies
• New employee orientation should include a comprehensive overview of the organization's safety policies and procedures
• Job-specific training focuses on the hazards and safe work practices associated with particular tasks or equipment
• Refresher training helps reinforce safety knowledge and keeps workers updated on changes in policies or procedures
• Toolbox talks are brief, informal safety meetings that focus on specific topics relevant to the current work environment
• Training should be engaging, interactive, and tailored to the needs and learning styles of the audience
• Competency assessments and certifications ensure that workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks safely
• Documentation of training, including attendance records and training materials, is essential for compliance and continuous improvement

Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Incident reporting systems encourage workers to report injuries, illnesses, near misses, and hazardous conditions
  • Can be anonymous or confidential to encourage reporting without fear of retaliation
• Prompt reporting allows for timely investigation and implementation of corrective actions
• Incident investigations aim to identify the root causes of incidents and prevent their recurrence
  • Use techniques such as root cause analysis, fault tree analysis, and the 5 Whys
• Investigation teams should include representatives from management, safety professionals, and affected workers
• Corrective actions may involve changes to equipment, processes, training, or policies
• Sharing the findings and lessons learned from incident investigations promotes organizational learning and continuous improvement
• Tracking and analyzing incident data helps identify trends and prioritize safety interventions

Promoting a Safety Culture

• Safety culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that prioritize and support safety within an organization
• Leadership commitment is essential, with senior management actively promoting and modeling safe behaviors
• Employee involvement and empowerment encourage workers to take ownership of safety and participate in decision-making
  • Safety committees, suggestion programs, and peer observations are examples of employee engagement initiatives
• Positive reinforcement, such as recognition and rewards, encourages safe behaviors and reinforces the importance of safety
• Open communication and feedback loops ensure that safety concerns are heard and addressed promptly
• Integration of safety into all aspects of the organization, from hiring and performance evaluations to procurement and project planning
• Continuous improvement through regular audits, benchmarking, and adoption of best practices
• Celebrating safety successes and milestones helps maintain momentum and foster a sense of pride in the organization's safety achievements