Introduction to Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

Every workplace accident, illness or dispute is a cost to organization, as well as a cost to injured
individuals
and their families. All the Employees have to take responsibility for their own health and safety
rather than relying solely on the “safety officer” or management.
Health
Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being. Every organisation
must provide the following facilities to their employees.
1. Cleanliness at workplace.
2. A proper air conditioning to provide clean and cool air at workplace.
3. A properly filtered water facility.
4. A food cafeteria must provide fresh and good quality food.
5. The organisation should maintain a clean washroom facility for the employees.
Safety
The work environment of the organisation must be safe. It must be free from hazards and risk.
A hazard is something that can cause harm to the people. A risk is a probability of causing harm to
the people.
Security
Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm. Security ensures the safety of the people
working in the organisation. Every organisation must have separate security department. This
department should be responsible for various security such as personal safety, computer system
safety, electrical safety, transport safety and other equipment safety.
Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety and Security
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has prepared the policy to provide employees
with a healthy and safe work environment.
A health, safety and security policy is a written statement by an employer stating the company’s
commitment
for the protection of the health, safety and security of employees and to the public. It is an
endorsed commitment by management to its employees regarding their health, safety and
security.
Reasons for Health, Safety and Security Programs or Policies in Workplace
There are several reasons that can be specified for safety policy as given below.
• It clearly indicates the company’s commitment for their employee’s health and safety;
• It shows the performance of the business and the safety performance are compatible
with each
other.
• It clearly state that the company is not only doing the business for profits but it is
taking care of all
its stake holders.
• Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy.
A typical policy of an IT company may contain the following OH&S clauses.
1. Provide adequate resources to ensure continual improvement in its OH&S
performance.

2. Set appropriate OH&S objectives & targets and conduct periodic performance reviews
against these targets.

3. Adopt measures and processes that focus on the prevention of occupation related
accidents, injuries.

Workplace Safety Hazards

Hazard is ‘a danger or risk’ that is associated with something. Workplace hazards poses potential
harm to people at work.

An occupational hazard is the illness one may acquire due to his occupation. Some types of
occupational hazards are : Physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, , behavioural
hazards, radiological hazards, ergonomic hazards etc.

1. Physical Hazards
It is the risks arising from the physical work environment – floors, facilities, walls, and ceilings.
Physical hazards
could also mean working with machinery and electricity-operated machines.

Falling Off Heights, Slipping and Tripping

The reasons for falling are attributed to faulty scaffolding and ladders, as a result of contact with
electricity, and slipping or crashing into anything that throws the worker off balance. On the other
hand, trips and slips occur right on lower levels, particularly the floor, on ramps and any uneven
surface in the workplace.
Falls and Slips Safety rules
1) Keep the moving area clean and clutter free.
2) Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.
3) Wear non slippery footwear.
4) Floors must be clean and dry
5) Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned.

2. Electrical Hazards
There are many reasons why workers suffer from electric shock at work. For the most part, it’s due
to coming in direct contact with live wires, or having indirect contact through a conductor
Electrical Safety Rules:
1) Electrical equipment used should be approved by a recognised organization.
2) Workers should be trained to handle the electric equipment safely.
3) Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately replaced.
4) Heat emanating equipment should be kept away from the electrical equipment.

3. Fire Hazards
Each establishment must comply with housekeeping standards to ensure fire safety. Those who do
not follows such requirements, may leads to accidents resulting to fire.
Basic Fire safety rules in an organization are :
1) Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels
2) Conduct regular drills
3) Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals
4) Keep workplace a no-smoking zone
5) Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly
Health Hazards
Health refers to the physical well-being of the workers, and this includes the condition of their skin,
eyes, ears and all other body parts. It also includes the health situation of which we cannot see
upfront like their respiratory and cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. Hazards are
present in most workplaces
For example, a noisy machine or factory environment could damage the sense of hearing of the
workers.
Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organisation
A. Bright light sources
Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems, making it difficult to
clearly see your work. Apply the following possible solutions to avoid this.
1. Use blinds or drapes on windows to eliminate bright light
2. Reorient the workstation so bright lights from open windows are at right angles with the
computer screen.
3. Furniture placement should be adjusted to allow light into the room, but not directly into your
field of view.
B. Hazards using Computers
Hazards while using computers include poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one
position.
These hazards may result in pain and strain. Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the
eyes.
Stretching at regular intervals or doing some simple yoga in your seat can mitigate such hazards.
C. Handling Office Equipment
Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. For example, sharp-edged equipment
if not handled properly, can cause cuts. Staff members should be trained to handle equipment
properly.
Lifting or moving heavy items without proper procedure or techniques can be a source of potential
hazard.
D. Stress at Work
In organisations, we may encounter various stress causing hazards. Long working hours can be
stressful. Have some relaxing hobbies for stress against long working hours.
E. Working Environment
Potential hazards may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of inappropriate height, hard
furniture, poor
lighting, staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor housekeeping.
Hazards may also include physical or emotional intimidation, such as bullying.
Hazard Control
Hazard control measures are a crucial tool to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. They are

taken to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with workplace hazards.

Control measures should follow the hierarchy with a strong emphasis on eliminating hazards at the
source, whenever possible.

1. Take all feasible measures to eliminate the hazard, for example, by substituting or modifying the
process.
2. If elimination is impractical, take all feasible measures to isolate the hazard.

3. If it is totally impossible to eliminate or isolate the hazard, its likelihood to cause injury should be

minimised.

Safety Guidelines Checklist

1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.

2. Throw garbage daily.

3. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.

4. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.

5. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some
machinery, tools or equipment.

6. Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves,

and hair nets.

7. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.

8. Do not play with electrical controls or switches.

9. Do not smoke in ‘No Smoking’ areas.