Occupational Health and Safety Session Long Programs - Assignment Example

Module Preventing Traumatic Injuries from Slips and Falls: Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK has reported that more than one third injuries reported annually are caused by slips or trips, incurring costs over £512 to employers in lost production and other costs. HSE (2007) has encouraged the development of a good system involving planning, organization, control, monitoring, and review to mitigate the hazards posed by slips and trips. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to control risks from slips and trips. Hazards from slips and trips include spillage of wet and dry substances, trailing cables, rubbish such as plastic bags, rugs or mats, poor lighting, slippery surfaces, change of floor surface from wet to dry, changes in levels, slopes, smoke, steam, and/or unsuitable footwear. HSE has outlined the following five-step approach to manage risks from slips and trips. Identify slip and trip hazards, such as uneven floors and trailing cables in the workplace. Make a decision on possible people at risk, and consider whether precautionary measures in place are adequate. Record the findings and review the assessment periodically. Also, HSE has recommended establishing good working practices, such as training workers in the correct use of safety and cleaning equipment, provide sufficient lighting to illuminate risk areas, check floors for slip and trip risks and minimize them, keep the workplace free from obstructions, and provide appropriate footwear wherever necessary. Reference: Health and Safety Executive. (2007). Preventing slips and trips at work (INDG225) [Brochure]. UK: Health and Safety Executive. Violence in the Workplace: Health and Safety Executive (2008), UK has defined workplace violence as: "Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work." This includes physical violence, verbal abuse, and threats and intimidation. Workplace violence is a matter of concern because it can cause physical injury, work-related stress, fear and anxiety, job dissatisfaction and poor performance among employees. Besides having an impact on staff, it can also affect business by causing lost time, higher employee turnover, damage to reputation of business, and potential compensation claims. The Health and Safety Act 1974 requires employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees. As a first step towards addressing workplace violence, the hazards must be identified. This includes finding the main causes of violence in the particular workplace setting. The next step is to determine how violence could affect staff in the workplace. This includes identifying at risk people, such as staff, customers, or visitors who could be harmed by workplace violence. Young workers, trainees, temporary workers, night shift workers, evening shift workers, and lone workers have been considered to be at higher risk. Risk factors, such as night shift workers, or handling cash, etc. should be evaluated, and precautionary measures adopted. The existing controls must be evaluated to ensure that they have been working as intended. It is beneficial to consult staff and consider their ideas. The findings must be recorded, the assessments reviewed periodically and updated as necessary. Controlling workplace violence has been effective by the use of training, legal options, establishing working practices, such as cash handling and transit and dealing with customers, designing the work environment, such as improving lightening, use of surveillance, etc., and the use of partnerships or special schemes. Reference: Health and Safety Executive. (2008). Managing work-related violence in licensed and retail premises (INDG423) [Brochure]. UK: Health and Safety Executive. Module 2 Working on Computer Workstations: Users of computer workstations for long hours are at risk for upper limb disorders, such as pain in the hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back. These disorders are also known as repetitive strain injuries. Users may also suffer from stress, fatigue, or discomfort especially if the workstation is not properly designed. Some factors include glare, poor image quality, workload, and/or poor posture. Poor postures can arise from extensive work with keyboards and mouse, and working position. The Health and Safety Regulations 1992 require employers to minimize risks from working with computer workstations by providing well designed work and workplaces. Employers must assess equipment, furniture, the working environment, the task being done, and the whether the employee has any special requirements. During the assessment of risk, staff should be encouraged to report any health problems and participate in the risk assessment. Employers are required to ensure that workstations meet minimum requirements. This includes provision of good features in screens, keyboards, desks, chairs, working environment, software, and lighting. Work must have suitable breaks, such as short frequent breaks or less but longer breaks. Breaks should be designed to suit the nature and intensity of work, and in consultation with the worker. Employers must provide employees with eye and vision tests and special glasses if required, and training for employees making them aware of health and safety issues related to their workstations. Employees are responsible proper adjustment and use of their workstations (Health and Safety Executive, 2006). Adjusting the Computer Workstation for Proper Posture: Health and Safety Executive has suggested guidelines for attaining proper postures (see fig. 1). The chair, keyboard, mouse and monitor should be adjusted for the maximum comfortable position. There should be enough workspace for documents and/or equipment. Figure 1. Adjusting the Computer Workstation for Proper Posture (Working with VDUs) While working, the forearms should be horizontal, back straight, wrists horizontal, and eyes at the same height as the top of the monitor. A document holder could be used to avoid awkward neck and eye movements. The desk and monitor should be arranged to avoid glare or reflections. There should be enough space under the desk to move legs freely. The seat should be adjusted to avoid excess pressure on the back of legs and knees. For smaller users, a footrest could be helpful. While using the keyboard, good use of keyboard techniques must be exercised and the keyboard must be adjusted to a good keying position. While reading the screen, the brightness and contrast controls for the screen should be adjusted to suit the conditions in the room. The text should be sharp, large enough to read easily, and the colours should be easy on the eye. Finally, adequate breaks should be taken to allow for changes in posture (Health and Safety Executive, 2006). Reference: Health and Safety Executive. (2006). Working with VDUs (INDG 6 rev 3) [Brochure]. UK: Health and Safety Executive. Module 3 Elements of Hearing Loss Prevention Program for Forklift Operators: Exposure to loud noise (sound greater than 85 dBA) for long hours can cause permanent hearing loss. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employees to assess risks from noise at the workplace and reduce or prevent the hazards associated with the exposure to noise. Forklift operators in the warehouse are exposed to noise while operating the vehicles. According to the Regulations, a hearing loss prevention program should be implemented. This includes an assessment of risk for the concerned groups. Ambient noise levels must be measured by the use of sound level meters, and individual exposure to noise measured by the use of noise dosimeters. An assessment must be made to determine whether the exposure can cause hearing loss over the long term. Exposures over the allowable limits require control of noise levels to minimize the hazards associated with exposure to noise. This includes use of control measures, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment such as ear plugs or ear muffs. Audiometric tests should be conducted for high risk individuals to determine whether there has been hearing loss. Forklift operators must be trained to understand the health and safety risks associated with exposures to high levels of noise, and the use of control measures to protect themselves from such risks. This includes the proper selection, use and maintenance of hearing protective devices such as ear plugs and ear muffs. Other measures include examination of possible engineering controls, such as barriers or noise damping equipment to reduce noise levels. Practices, such as low-noise purchasing policy have proved to be beneficial over the long term, resulting from reduced costs of implementing control measures at a later stage (Health and Safety Executive, 2006). Types of Hearing Protection: Earplugs are used to cover the ear canal. Earplugs are rated for particular levels of noise reduction. The rated reduction gives reduction for different frequencies. However, proper considerations should be made in the level of noise attenuation to be achieved. The effectiveness of earplugs depends on the seal between the ear and the earplug. Therefore, earplugs must be selected properly, and users trained in the correct use and fitting of earplugs. Earplugs have several advantages, such as they are inexpensive and simple to use, effective in protection against high frequency sound levels, and are easy to carry. The disadvantages include uneven frequency attenuation, interference with speech communication, and training for effective use. The disadvantages have been addressed in pre-moulded or custom moulded earplugs. Premoulded earplugs are typically triple-flanged, and are shaped for the average ear canal. They are available for uniform attenuation. Custom-moulded earplugs are moulded to the shape of the users ear canal, and have specific applications, such as musicians or DJs. However, they are expensive. Canal caps have rounded tips that cover the entrance of the ear canal. They are suitable in applications that require frequent use for short durations. Earmuffs are cups made of plastic and cover the ears. The headband provides tension for the seal. Earmuffs have advantages, such as ease of fit and use and more comfortable in cold environments. However, they may not provide much comfort in humid environments or effective when used with beards, spectacles, and/or long hair. Earmuffs, with microphone outside and speaker inside that provide sound restoration are available. Also, some earmuffs have systems to relay audio signals (Sound Advice Working Group, 2007). References: Sound Advice Working Group. (2007). Sound Advice Note 5. Retrieved March 17, 2009, from Sound Advice Web site: http://www.soundadvice.info/thewholestory/san5.htm Health and Safety Executive. (2006). Noise at work (INDG362 rev1) [Brochure]. UK: Health and Safety Executive. Module 4 Worker’s Compensation Package for Chip-Manufacturing Business: California requires employers to provide employees with worker’s compensation, which may be through the state, private, or self-insured. Employees are entitled to complete medical benefits without restrictions, such as time or money. The employee initially selects the physician, but the employee has a choice of provider after thirty days. In certain cases, the employee could pre-designate a physician from the health plan sponsored by the employer. Also, if the employer has established a network of care givers, the employee must select a physician from the network. Disability benefits are provided for temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent partial disability, or permanent total disability. Payments are calculated as a percentage of the worker’s wage, subjected to maximum and minimum weekly amounts. Payments for temporary disability could continue for two years, payments for permanent partial disability could continue for 619.25 weeks, whereas payments for permanent disability continue for life. When temporary total disability is terminated, scheduled awards are payable. In the determination of total disability, disfigurement is considered. Other benefits, such as physical rehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation may be payable. Hearing loss is compensable. Spouse or children are entitled to death benefits of an employee. The calculation is made based on the employee’s wages, with a maximum and minimum value. Also, a burial allowance is payable. Benefit claimants may be eligible for attorney fee depending on the case (Larson, 2003). Reference: Larson, Aaron (2003, 07). California Workers Compensation Benefits. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from ExpertLaw Web site: http://www.expertlaw.com/library/comp_by_state/California.html Company Policy on Health and Safety Issues: Companies with predefined policies and procedures have been better equipped to deal with risk posed by occupational health and safety risks. Such practices have helped companies cut costs in lost time or compensation. Also, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) Regulations require employers to provide employees with a working environment free from health and safety risks. Overall, it is desirable to have companywide policies, backed by procedures to address risk from health and safety hazards present. Hazards could be classified into biological, chemical, physical and ergonomic hazards. The overall corporate policy would be to assess risks posed by all hazards present in the working environment. This policy would be supported by procedures to assess the risks posed by hazards classified under each individual group, such as noise under physical hazards, secondhand smoke under chemical hazards, workstations under ergonomic hazards, and mold, fungi under biological hazards. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), OSHA and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have recommended procedures to conduct assessments for each hazard type. This includes sampling requirements, methods, and samples for statistical significance. Another corporate policy would be to address the risks posed by hazards present in the working environment, which would be backed by selection of control measures based on the assessments, such as use of hearing protective devices for exposures to noise. Thus, several companywide programs would be developed depending on a preliminary assessment of hazards present in the working environment. Some programs applicable in a microchip processor manufacturing plant include Exposure Assessment Program, Hearing Conservation Program, Indoor Air Quality Program, and Ergonomics Program. A companywide campaign such as Health Day could be organized annually to make employees aware of health and safety issues present in the working environment. Module 5 Secondhand Smoke: Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is made up of smoke from the burning end of the product and smoke exhaled by the smoker. Exposure to secondhand smoke can occur in the workplace, besides homes, restaurants or other public places. Cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other tobacco products are the common sources of secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke has been classified as a cancer-causing agent by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Secondhand smoke is made up of chemicals, such as arsenic, benzene, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, ethylene oxide, nickel, polonium-210, vinyl chloride, and many other harmful chemicals. Some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer. Secondhand smoke has been responsible for as many as 3000 deaths annually from lung cancer, and the Surgeon General, US has estimated that a non smoker’s chances of developing cancer is increased 20-30 percent by living with a smoker. It has been suggested that secondhand smoke can increase risk of developing diseases, such as breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma and brain tumours. Other health effects include irritation of the airways, adverse effects on a person’s heart and blood vessels, increased risk of heart disease, increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, colds, pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, and/or ear infections. Even low levels of secondhand smoke have been considered unsafe, and complete elimination of secondhand smoke is desirable to prevent the risks from secondhand smoke. Testing indoor air for nicotine or other smoke constituents can help determine presence of second hand smoke. Measurement of levels of cotinine in nonsmoker’s body fluids such as blood, saliva or urine can help determine exposure to secondhand smoke (National Cancer Institute, 2007). Controlling Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It is desirable to completely eliminate secondhand smoke from the working environment. Following the example set by state and local governments prohibiting smoking in public places, a companywide policy would be adopted to discourage smoking. Smoking zones would be setup for smokers. Employees would be allowed to smoke only within smoking zones. These smoking zones would be completely isolated from the rest of the working environment to prevent secondhand smoke from infiltrating and contaminating the workplace. Also, these smoking zones would be located in ways to discourage smoking. Some form of penalty would be levied on employees violating the policy. Monitoring of secondhand smoke would be conducted as a part of the exposure assessment program and indoor air quality program to ensure that smoke from smoking zones are not infiltrating the working environment. This would include testing the indoor air for the presence of constituents of secondhand smoke, such as nicotine. Also, medical tests would be arranged for employees on request. A companywide campaign would be conducted to make employees aware of health risks from secondhand smoke. This would include seminars, presentations and use of posters at strategic locations. Reference: National Cancer Institute, (2007, 08 01). Secondhand Smoke: Questions and Answers. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from National Cancer Institute Web site: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS Read More