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OUMH2203 ENGLISH FOR WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION

NAME MATRIC NUMBER PHONE NUMBER E-MAIL COURSE CODE TUTOR E-TUTOR

: : : : : : :

VENNIA SOPITANG 671212125014002 0195892970 [email protected] OUMH2203 M.BALAKIRISNAN A/L P. MUNIANDY SITI SYARIFAH

TABLES OF CONTENT

NO.

DETAILS Report on improving safety standard at the factory. Introduction 2.1 Safety Breach 1 2.1.1 Reason why using sandals is considered safety breach 2.1.2 Preventive Measures 2.2 Safety Breach 2 2.2.1 Reason why smoking and not using proper attire protections when handling flammable materials is considered safety breach 2.2.2 Preventive Measures 2.3 Safety Breach 3 2.3.1 Reason why when operator overloads the loading machinery is considered safety breach 2.3.2 Preventive Measures 2.4 Safety Breach 4 2.4.1 Reason why when materials were not stored properly and operator who do not use head protection when staking materials is

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1 2

1 1-3

3-5

5-6

6-9

considered safety breach 2.4.2 Preventive Measures 3 4 Conclusion Bibliography 9-10 11

Windbell Industrial 123 Centre Industrial Area Inanam

Mr. Ombon Gurongot Managing Director Material and Handling Department 23 October 2012

Mr. Ombon,

REPORT FACTORY

ON

IMPROVING

SAFETY

STANDARDS

AT

THE

On 15 October 2012, I made an official tour to our factory for the purpose of the companys annual formal inspection. I am glad to

inform you that the workplace is in compliance with established safety standards. Congratulation! Keep it up.

However, there are a few matter of safety concern in the Material and Handling department that need prompt attention. I observed that the operators at the Material and Handling department were ignoring the safety regulations. I spoke to the worker from that department to find out if they are aware of the safety and health regulation when handling and moving materials. Majority of them were aware of it.

If what the workers say is true, that means these operators are purposely ignoring the safety and health regulation. information, this is what I have seen during my inspection: For your

1. There are workers who use sandals instead of protective footwear 2. Workers smoke and do not use proper attire and protective wear when handling flammable materials 3. Operator overload the loading machinery 4. Materials were not stored properly and operator do not use head protection when staking materials

Due to the above matter, please make sure that all workers in your department are briefed on the safety standards found in the document attached. Achieving culture change at

Regards,

................................. (VENNIA SOPITANG) Occupational Health Manager Windbell Industrial

1.

Introduction

Occupational and safety standard is about ensuring a safe workplace for resource recovery facilities. This includes staff employed at the facility as well as contractors and the public. In other words,

occupational and safety encompasses the social, mental and physical well-being of workers that is the whole person.

It is very important that all workers follow the procedures that have been set out for the purpose of managing occupational and safety as well as any others that ensure all work is done correctly. In addition, it is important that others on site follow these procedures. Remember, that these people such as members of the public and the contractor may not know what is required as it is their first time onsite, so it is important to provide the necessary advice in a manner that helps prevent any unpleasant incidents occurring.

On 15 October 2012, I made an official tour to our factory for the purpose of the companys annual formal inspection. I am glad to inform you that the workplace is in compliance with established safety standards. Congratulation! Keep it up.

However, I observed that the operators at the Material and Handling department were ignoring the safety regulations. Below are the regulation ignored there, and what these workers should do to prevent from unwanted accidents.

2.

Safety Breach 1

There are workers who use sandals instead of protective footwear.

1 2.1 Reason why using sandals is considered safety breach There are numerous foot hazards in most workplace. All workers

need protection from slipping and falling hazards. In addition there are specific hazards related to various jobs that put workers at risk for foot injuries:

Workers who work with or around heavy equipment or perform materials handling duties have to be additionally concerned about protecting their feet and toes from heavy falling objects or objects like barrels or drums rolling over their feet. Some workers need to

protect their feet from nails and other sharp objects that could puncture their shoes or sandals. Workers who work on wet surface

must be extra careful about slipping hazards. Workers who work with electricity need to be concerned about getting electrical shocks. Workers who handle hazardous substances must protect against chemical that could penetrate normal shoes.

2.1.1 Preventive Measures Safety footwear must be worn where there is danger of injury to feet through falling or moving objects, or from burning, scalding, cutting, puncturing, slipping or similar causes. Wear proper shoes, not

sandals or open toed shoes, in work areas where chemicals are used or

stored. Perforated shoes, sandals or cloth sneakers should not be worn in areas where mechanical work is being done. Safety shoes are

required for protection against injury from heavy falling objects when handling of objects weighing more than sis kilogram which, if dropped, would likely result in a foot injury, against crushing by rolling objects in warehouse, loading docks, and against cut or penetration by sharp objects. Use pullovers, worn over regular shoes, for protection against chemicals.

2 All workers and other persons present at a workplace shall wear the personal protective equipment required for the workplace when present at that workplace. a) All persons needing to wear personal protective equipment at department workplaces shall be instructed in its proper use, and where appropriate, in its service and maintenance. b) All personal protective equipment shall be inspected routinely, kept in good working condition, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. c) Any personal protective equipment found to be of questionable reliability, damaged, or in need of service will be removed from use, reported to the supervisor, and repaired by a qualified person or replaced.

2.2 Safety breach 2 Workers smoke and do not use proper attire and protections when handling flammable materials

2.2.1 Reason why smoking and not using proper attire protections when handling flammable materials is considered safety breach Flammable materials are substance that can ignite easily and burn rapidly. They can be common materials such as gases, and liquids.

Gases such as natural gas, propane, butane, that are at most methane, acetylene, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide. Liquids such as

gasoline, many solvents such as acetone, alcohols and toluene, paints and paint thinners, adhesives, degreasers, cleaners, waxes and

polishes.

Worker handling of these flammable materials should not Handling flammable

smoke because smoking can start a fire.

materials using bare hand might also cause injury to the hand.

3 2.2.2 Preventive Measures Worker should always keep in mind that smoking while working is also health hazard. Other workers who are not smoking will feel

uncomfortable or irritated by the smoke from smokers. Smoking can also cause flammable materials to start fire. If worker need to smoke, they can do it outside or in the smoking room.

Clothes are a main line of protection against hazards on the job. Workers must always dress suitably for work. Items such as denim coveralls and long sleeve cotton shirts protect against minor scrapes and bruises as well as ultraviolet exposure outdoors. Clothing made of synthetic fibres can be readily ignited by or melted by heat or electric

flash. Cotton or wool is recommended as they are more flame retardant.

Special body apparels may be required to prevent contact with: 1. noxious gas, liquid, fume or dust; 2. object that may puncture, cut or abrade the skin, 3. hot object, liquid, or molten metal; or 4. radiant heat.

Eye and face protection is designed to protect the worker from such hazards as: a) flying objects and particles b) molten metals c) splashing liquids; and d) ultraviolet, infrared and visible radiation (welding).

Mono frame goggles and eyecup goggles clip-on side shields must be used if they are not a built in feature of the spectacles. Prescription lens may be acceptable safety eye wear only if the lens provider has 4 certified them as "safety eye wear". In these cases, side shields must be clipped in place.

The second type "face protection", includes chemical and impact resistant (plastic) face shields; metal mesh face shields for hot, humid conditions and chainsaw use; and welders shields or helmets with specified cover and filter plates and lenses. Basic eye protection

should be worn with (underneath) face shields. Comfort and fit are important in the selection of safety eye wear. Lens coatings, venting or fittings may be needed to prevent fogging or to fit over regular prescription eyeglasses. Safety glasses should be cleaned daily or more often if required.

2.3 S afety breach 3. Operator overloads the loading machinery

2.3.1 Reason why when operator overloads the loading machinery is considered safety breach Using mechanical equipment to move and store materials increases the potential for worker injuries. loss of steering control Overloading a lift truck can cause a will cause accident and injury.

thus

Operators should be aware that overloading may bend and weaken forks of forklift..

2.3.2 Preventive Measures Workers must be aware of both manual handling safety concerns and safe equipment operating techniques. Workers should avoid by

overloading equipment

when moving materials

mechanically

letting the weight, size, and shape of the material being moved dictate the type of equipment used. All materials handling equipment has

rated capacities that determine the maximum weight the equipment 5 can safely handle and the conditions under which it can handle that weight. Employers must ensure that the capacity of the equipment is

displayed on each piece of equipment so that operator know what is the limit load of the equipment.

2.4 Safety breach 4 Materials were not stored properly and operator do not use head protection when staking materials

2.4.1 Reason why when materials were not stored properly and operator who do not use head protection when staking materials is considered safety breach Handling and storing materials involve varied operations such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane; driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks; carrying bags or materials manually; and stacking palletized bricks or other materials such as drums, barrels, kegs, and lumber. The efficient handling and storing of materials are vital to

industry. In addition to raw materials, these operations provide a continuous flow of parts and assemblies through the workplace and ensure that materials are available when needed. Unfortunately, the improper handling and storing of materials often result in costly injuries.

2.4.2 Preventive Measures Although workers may be knowledgeable about powered equipment, they should take precautions when stacking and storing material. When picking up items with a powered industrial truck, workers must do the following:

a) Centre the load on the forks as close to the mast as possible to minimize the potential for the truck tipping or the load falling,

6 b) Avoid overloading a lift truck because it impairs control and causes tipping over, c) Do not place extra weight on the rear of a counterbalanced forklift to allow an overload, d) Adjust the load to the lowest position when travelling, e) Follow the truck manufacturers operational requirements, and f) Pile and cross-tier all stacked loads correctly when possible.

Because numerous injuries can result from improperly handling and storing materials, workers should also be aware of accidents that may result from the unsafe or improper handling of equipment as well as from improper work practices. In addition, workers should be able to recognize the methods for eliminating or at least minimizing the occurrence of such accidents.

When moving materials manually, workers should attach handles or holders to loads. In addition, workers should always wear suitable personal protective equipment and use accurate lifting techniques. To prevent injury from oversize loads, workers should seek help in the following situation: a) When a load is so bulky that workers cannot properly grasp or lift it, b) When workers cannot see around or over a load, or

c) When workers cannot safely handle a load

Using the following personal protective equipment prevents unwanted injuries when manually moving materials: a) Hand and forearm protection, such as gloves, for loads with sharp or rough edges. b) Eye protection. c) Steel-toed safety shoes or boots. 7 d) Metal, fibre, or plastic metatarsal guards to protect the instep area from impact or compression.

Workers should use blocking materials to manage loads safely. Workers should also be cautious when placing blocks under a raised load to ensure that the load is not released before removing their hands from under the load. Blocking materials and timbers should be large and strong enough to support the load safely. In addition to materials with cracks, workers should not use materials with rounded corners, splintered pieces, or dry rot for blocking . Stored materials must not create a hazard for workers. To prevent

creating hazards when storing materials, employers must do the following: a) Keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that cause tripping, fires, or explosions, or that may result to the harboring of rats and other pests;

b) Place stored materials inside buildings that are under construction and at least 6 feet from elevate ways, or inside floor openings and at least 10 feet away from outer walls; c) Separate non compatible material; and d) Equip workers who work on stored grain in silos, hoppers, or tanks, with lifelines and safety belts.

Safety headgear is designed to protect the head from the impact of flying and falling objects, bumps, splashes from chemicals or harmful substances, and contact with energized objects and equipment. Safety hats must be CSA approved and be in accordance with the current Occupational Health and Safety regulations. This requirement implies the safety hat will provide protection from impact to the side and back of the head. Where a hazard of electrical contact is present, the 8

worker must use a safety hat which is specifically designed to provide protection from this type of hazard.

Safety hats must be adjusted to fit securely on the head. Where there is a possibility of the hat falling off, or being blown off, chin straps must be used. All parts of the headgear must be compatible and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If attachments are used with the headgear, they must be specifically designed for use with the specific headgear issued.

Safety hats should be inspected before and after each shift. Any sign of wear or damage to the suspension harness indicates it must be repaired or replaced. Similarly, any damage to the shell indicates it must be replaced. A visual inspection of the shell should look for breakage, cracks, discoloration, chalky appearance and brittleness. The entire safety hat must be discarded if it was subjected to any penetration or significant impact. Safety headgear must be worn wherever there is a hazard of flying or falling objects. It must be routinely worn at all construction sites and road maintenance

operations, although it does not have to be worn while a worker is inside a vehicle. Safety hats must be worn by traffic control persons at all times while on duty.

3.

Conclusion

Workplace accidents are frequently the result of human error, which in turn are the unfortunate result of faulty systems of work. When the method, for various reasons, is faulty, it can create terrible

consequences for individuals and organisations.

Improved safety

behaviour yields many benefits for employers and workers alike. Firstly, and most importantly, it reduces the risk of workplace 9 fatalities and serious injuries. Secondly, it reduces the monetary cost related with accidents such as hospitalisation charges, medical expenses, loss of earnings, legal fees, damage to equipment, outlay for accident investigation reports, compensation costs, as well as the cost of training replacement staff. Thirdly it increases self-

confidence in the organisation as repeated accidents and absences

reduce self-confidence and security. and often injured part of the body.

Feet are a frequently ignored Worker should not forget their Workers must

feet when they are thinking about safety on the job.

always wear the right shoes for the job. Workers must make sure to check their footwear is always in good conditions so that it will afford the necessary degree of protection.

Manual handling of goods and equipment should be eliminated, or reduced as much as possible Training by a competent person must be given to those working in manual handling areas. Managers and

supervisors should instil in workers an awareness of the dangers of lifting heavy items and the importance of wearing protective

footwear.

Heavy items stored at a height should be moved

mechanically and in order to address the breadth of manual handling a proper risk assessment should be carried out. While legislation may

help to create and foster safer workplaces, the key factor that tends to either hinder or help an organisations progress is its safety culture that is how things are done in that organisation. How those actions

are perceived by workers, how risk or dangers are perceived by workers, how they feel about injury and illness and show they feel about themselves. Attitudes are a key element of a safety culture, and an organisation can improve its safety culture, and in turn its safety record, by modifying the attitudes of both management and workers towards safety. (2749 words) 10 4. Bibliography

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penyemak

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[online ] http://journalarticle.ukm.my/4692/1/V22_1.pdf

3.

Laws Of Malaysia.(2006).Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. [online ] http://www.scribd.com/doc/27774071/Akta-514Akta-Keselamatan-Dan-Kesihatan-Pekerjaan-1994

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Ranjit

S, Caroline English

M, Juliana for

O,Woo Tai

Kwan.(2011). Open

OUMH2203

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University Malaysia. Peremalhta Sundram.(2010).Manual Keselamatan dan

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Kesihatan Pekerjaan. [online ] https://docs.google.com/viewer? a=v&q =cache:7moI08IbxtMJ:hsajb . moh.gov.my

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Malaysia: Putrajaya.

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