Workshop Risk Assessment: Occupational Health and Safety Issues - Term Paper Example

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Workshop Risk Assessment ABSTRACT Risk assessment is normally a procedure specified by law to ensure the safety of the people working in a facility. Risk assessment identify hazard that could affect a persons health and safety. The purpose of identifying hazards is to determine what precautionary should be taken to avoid the consequences of those hazards. It is being done to ensure the health and safety of the people and minimize the losses of the company. A risk assessment was conducted in a workshop to identify risks associated with employees work. The risks were noted down along with actions to be taken and priority level of such action. The observation reveals various health and safety issues present in the workplace. Three of the most important health and safety issues are the unsafe working practices of the employees, insufficient working spaces, and risky hazardous substances handling. Training of staff and development of safety policies is highly recommended by this report. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction - 4 2. Workshop Assessment - 5 2.1 Observation Sheet - 5 2.2 Observation Details - 6 2.3 Risk Assessment and Precautionary Measures Required - 10 2.3.1 Risk Factors - 11 2.3.1.1 Fire - 11 2.3.1.2 Slips, Trips, and Falls - 12 2.3.1.3 Machine and Tools Induced Injury - 13 2.3.1.4 Spillage - 13 2.3.1.5 Hazardous Substances - 14 3. Reference List - 16 4. Appendix - 16 1. Introduction Risk assessment is usually done on premises to identify hazards that could affect or harm a person. The objective for identifying these hazards is not only to recognize but to determine how this can be avoided and what precautionary measures should be taken to ensure health and safety of people in the vicinity1. It is therefore necessary to have a plan to ensure that precautionary measures are being taken to minimize risks particularly those identified as a result of the risk assessment. The plan should be reviewed regularly and make the necessary upgrading if required. This is because there are various changes happening in the workplace or workshop such as changes in the system of work, machines are being updated or replaced by new ones, and many other significant alterations. These alterations require different approach thus modification on routine tasks is necessary. It is therefore, necessary to revise the risk assessment plan whenever changes occur so that new hazards would be identified and precautions can be taken before any accident occurs2. Conducting a risk assessment is important to ensure the safety of people in the workshop and avoid losses to the company due to damage equipment and facilities, compensation claims of those who were affected. More importantly, risk assessment is necessary to comply with the law3. Failure to practice risk assessment can result to great losses not only to the organization but to the country as well. For instance, if an accident occurs such as a gas explosion due to improper handling or storage, the damage or the subsequent fire could spread to neighboring establishments causing protracted losses. This paper aims to present and discuss the various risks identified during the assessment conducted on a workshop. Details of the observation can be found on the observation sheets. 2. Workshop Assessment 2.1 Observation Sheet These are records of information about unsafe practices and hazards identified during the inspection of the workshop. Images of the actual condition or situation are provided in the appendix of this report. OBSERVATIONS (This observation includes good working practices, unsafe practices, and hazards found in the workplace) ACTION (Modification/Rectification to be taken to resolve the health and safety issues) PRIORITY LEVEL Insufficient or inadequate working spaces (see image 9) Management action required. Re-arrangement of machines and equipment. HIGH Improper handling of tools and working machines, used metals were not disposed properly (see image 10 and 11) Staff training on tool handling and waste management development HIGH Important safety signs are placed behind door (see image 12) Relocation of signs required. Management should review safety procedures. HIGH Dangerous tools are placed behind the door (see image 12) Staff training necessary. Management should rectify the problem by relocating these tools to its suitable store room HIGH Poor storage of tools (different types of tools are placed in one room –see image 24) Management should provide additional storage room MEDIUM Cupboards were blocked and inaccessible Removal of obstruction MEDIUM Fire Extinguishers are blocked by different things such as tools, equipments etc. Removal of obstruction and staff training on tool handling and storage required HIGH Poor handling & storage of tools and machines were also noticed (see image 13 & 21) Staff training and management review of safety procedures MEDIUM Hammer & other tools left on top of the working table and waste materials such as wood chips were not disposed (see image 13). Staff training and development of health and safety policies regarding waste disposal HIGH Worker in one area is not wearing protective gear (see image 16) Staff training on health and safety standards and regulations HIGH A big fan with bladed exposed is hazardously placed near the walkway. Removal or relocation of fan MEDIUM Machines was left on (see image 14) Staff training and management should have a clear policy on fire safety HIGH The door of a room that contain hazardous or toxic chemicals were left open (see image 15) Management should provide staff guidelines on hazardous chemicals HIGH Improper handling of hazardous chemicals (see image 17) Management should provide training and guidance HIGH Entrance/Exit door is blocked by an equipment (see image 19) Remove obstruction MEDIUM Small machine tool placed on top of pile of documents (see image 20) Relocate machine MEDIUM Gas valve are totally exposed (see image 23) Staff training required. Management should provide clear policy on explosive gases HIGH 2.2 Observation Details During observation of one of the area in the workshop, inadequate working space was noted. The machines were very close to where the operator sits and it appears that there were no sufficient spaces to move around. The inadequacies of space indicate that there is a high probability that a worker would accidentally press on the machines or shove off the tools from the table. The risks of these tools or machines falling or being destroyed is high. A workplace should have sufficient space to move to avoid injuries caused by accidental mishandling of workshop machines and tools4. In most of the area assessed, tools, working machines were not stored correctly, and proper waste disposal are being neglected. There was evidence of waste material such a used metal left behind and placed among high pressure gas machine. Leaving these sharp metals as shown in image #10, near a high pressure gas machine increases the chances of accident since sharp objects can cut through the pipes particularly when the machine is moved. Similarly, evidence that workshop employees are not handling the tools correctly is everywhere. For instance, as shown in image #11, the tools are just being left on top of the working bench and not stored appropriately in designated storage area. To reduce the risk, employees should be guided by a signage containing information about safety5. These are the things that they need to do and things that they should be careful of. In this workshop, some of the signs are placed at the back of the door where nobody can see it. Obviously, the placement is not correct and should be rectified by placing the sign on visible locations. Signs are very important requirements of a workplace because they contain information concerning the safety of those working in the area. It is therefore necessary to place them in areas where they can be easily read to avoid mistakes. Placing a sign at the back of a door serve no purpose as information contained would not be accessible to the people who need it. Moreover, some potentially dangerous tools with hooks are also hanged behind the door. These tools can fall at any moment causing harm and injury to those working near the area. In addition, workers may be accidentally hooked or ensnared by these tools causing bodily injury or may be fatal in some circumstances. In one area, as shown in image #24, there is clear evidence of poor storage of tools. Tools of varying types were stored in one room. In fact, a bicycle was also stored in the same room. The cupboard is supposedly a place for storing things of value but in this room, it is locked away and cannot be opened. This is because the doors of the cupboard were blocked by various things. The problem with this is the reality that when you need something important stored in the cupboard, you will be confronted and delayed by the things blocking the door. In an emergency, this would cause so much delay and probably would add up to the problem. For instance, a fire extinguisher located in area blocked by many tools would be difficulty to access. The only way to get it safely is to removed the blockage one by one but it would cause so much delay that the fire you intend to put-off had already spread rapidly causing more damage and harm. This situation clearly indicates that workers are not very familiar with good working practices as tools are not being stored correctly and disregard to the accessibility of emergency equipments. Similarly, in other area of the workshop, tools, machines, and storage are neglected as shown in image #13 and 21. Even though there were storage racks or toolboxes in the area, tools were not being deposited or returned properly. This problem can be resolved by training the employee on procedures about tool handling and storage. For instance, management can ask their employees to have a checklist of tools and their assigned storage rack. Strict implementation of this procedure can help management monitor workshop tools and avoid losses or damage to machines and facility. Lack of appropriate tools handling procedures is one the common cause of injuries in the workplace and therefore should be rectified. In one area, a hammer and some wood chips were left at the working table after the completion of the work. There was not worker at that time but in this type of work, protective gear is a must and workers should protect themselves from airborne dust. In image #16, a several employees of the workshop are not wear protective gear while working. A big fan with exposed blades was also noticed right at the edge of the walkway. The big fan, which is about the same height of a worker’s head, is not in operation during that time. However, if it did, there will be surely some severe injuries resulting from cuts caused by the fan’s blade. The fan should be moved away from the walk away to avoid any injury. In summary, there is indeed a need to rectify safety precautions in handling and storing workshop tools. The main problem observed is bad working practices particularly in tools and machines handling. Most of the tools are not placed in their right storage and in fact, placed in areas where they can cause injury. In one area, as shown in image #20, a machine is placed on top of a pile of documents instead of a rack. Similarly, documents are also placed on top of working machines. In view of these health and safety issues, tools and machines handling guidelines should be strictly implemented. Signs and reminders should be visibly placed around the workshop where workers can easily see and read it. More importantly, worker should be regularly trained in tool handling and storage, and they should be under strict supervision at all times. These procedures are essential to reduce the probability of accident caused by worker’s neglect of precautionary measures. Generally, safety rules require that all electrical appliances or machine tools should be switched-off after use or at the end of the working day. Apparently, as observed (image #14), one machine with no operator was not turned-off. In one section of the workshop, there was a strange sign that says “Please keep the door closed” while the door is widely open. This room is not an office but a chemical store where toxic or hazardous chemical are kept (see image #15). An employee probably forgot to close the door or an employee must be still inside and working on something. In both cases, however, this door should be kept close thus an automatic door shutter would help. In relation to hazardous materials in the area, a bucket of hazardous substance with gloves on the rim of the bucket and a funnel next to it was observed. The employee explained that he is using the funnel to obtain the chemicals which is very dangerous. There is a risk of spilling the substance and employees in the area may be injured from contamination. Siphoning is much better to use than funnel to avoid spills and if indeed spills occurred, appropriate methods should be use to avoid contamination. In a workshop or in any workplace, entry and exit is very important. The observation reveals that there is one door blocked by equipment (image #19). More importantly, gases are explosive and require proper storage. It should not be easily accessible by workers or treated like ordinary equipment where workers can put whatever object they want. 2.3 Risks Assessment and Precautionary Measure Required After the risks have been identified and possible solution determined, the following section is an overview of what actions should be taken to reduce the risk in the workshop. This section will discuss risk factors associated with the hazards previously identified and possible control measures required. Normally, workshop or workplace hazards include fire, slips, trips, falls, injuries caused by machine and tools, cuts, burns, puncture wounds, abrasions, contamination from hazardous substances, inadequate/poor ventilation or heating system, injury from lifting heavy objects, compressed air hazard, injury from mechanical equipments, and personal safety and hygiene6. Based on the observation conducted, the following are actual hazards identified in the workshop – injuries from tools and equipment, slips, trips, falls, compressed air hazard, personal safety, fire, spillage, and injury from mechanical equipments. 2.3.1 Risk Factors 2.3.1.1 Fire Risks of fire can be from lack of staff training on fire safety. For instance, smoking in restricted areas, inflammable substances and gases exposed to fire, electric fires and other source of ignition. Based on the observation, high probability of fire can occur due to mishandling electrical appliances since the workshop has no clear policy concerning safety. For instance, a fire extinguisher placed in a location where it is not visible or can be easily access during an emergency7. Control Measures All staff should be trained on fire safety measures, restriction signs concerning prohibition in smoking in the area should placed visibly in places where fires could possible occur or in places where ignition sources are available. Signs concerning care in handling of explosive substances should place in strategic areas whenever possible. Similarly, reminders concerning proper disposal of waster materials should be posted appropriately. Housekeeping standards should be also maintained. Electrical appliances should be switched-off at the end of every working day and must also be PAT tested with valid In Date sticker8. 2.3.1.2 Slips, Trips, and Falls These are caused by slipping on wet floors, falling from heights and tripping over obstructions. There were various obstructions noted in the observation sheet. There was accumulation of materials with tools being left on the benches, document placed on top of some machines and some items placed on to of cupboards. As shown in image #9, there was inadequate space and obstructions from machine parts that extend tot the walk/operation way. These obstructions can result to tripping and must be removed immediately. There are other areas that have obstructions such as those shown in image #19, 20, 21, and 24. A workshop that is not clean as required by standard causes tripping, slipping, or falling risk to workers. The workshop as observed was not clean and therefore potentially risky9. Control Measures Walkways and floors should be kept clean. Waste generated from working with a machine should be disposed or cleared off from the place of work at the end of every working day. Moreover, any spill should be cleaned appropriately. In most cases spills are of different substances, thus different cleaning techniques should be use as necessary. The management should therefore strive to train their staff in different of spills removal or cleaning10. 2.3.1.3 Machine and Tool Induced Injuries Machines are used for cutting, abrasions, drawing, chopping, and many other operations. A worker can be injured while working in these machines. Control Measures It is important to ensure that only those with required skills handle the machines. The machines should be assessed often for any risks. It should have preventive maintenance programs and emergency repair procedures. 2.3.1.4 Spillage Spillage risks occur due to spillage of coolants, liquid wastes or liquid substances used in a workshop. These could cause contamination of a workplace particularly when the liquid is toxic or hazardous. Moreover, the liquid spill can cause slipping and falling of unaware employees in the workshop. Control Measures Containers suspected to be damaged and could spill hazardous substances or liquid that could cause slipping should be replaced or disposed. Care should be taken to avoid spills while handling hazardous substances. There should be suitable containers for this type of substances. Manufacturer’s recommendation regarding safe storage of these materials should be followed11. 2.3.1.5 Hazardous Substances Hazardous are normally toxic gases or liquids that cause damage to one’s health. For instance, toxic substances used in manufacturing are dangerous and should not be touched by hand or get into contact with one’s eyes, or breathed by an individual. Thus, precautions should be taken whenever handling these substances to avoid complications. Solvents, airborne dust, acids, metal fumes, and pesticides are also considered highly hazardous. Although there is not pesticides in this workshop, acids, solvents, airborne dusts, and metal fumes are widely available. As shown in some images, there were saw dust left on the workbench that indicates inhalation or absorption of dust particles by some employees. Control Measures Appropriate disposal procedures should be followed along with suitable protective gears should be worn when dealing with hazardous substances. Signs and remainders containing information about safety while handling these substances should be posted in areas of work or where these materials are stored. Guidelines about proper storage and handling should be available for employees to avoid injury. Activities such as eating and drinking in the workshop should be prohibited12. 3. Reference List HSE, Five Steps to Risk Assessment, Health and Safety Executives, UK, 2006, available online at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf, p.1-8 IZZARD, N. Risk Assessment: Generic Workshop Risk Assessment, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, School of Engineering, UK, 2006, Retrieved on 29th April 2009 from http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/pls/portal/docs/page/eng/safety /risk/risk-files/generic-workshop-rax1.pdf, p. 1-2 LINSLEY T. Basic electrical installation work. UK, Newnes, 1998 MEEL J.V. The European office: office design and national context. Netherlands, 010 Publishers, 2000 UNIVERSITY OF BATH, WS1- Generic Risk Assessment for General Workshop Procedures, Retrieved 29th April, 2009 at http://www.bath.ac.uk/internal/bio-sci/bbsafe/raws1.htm 4. Appendix Read More