Question

IN 250 WORDS Consider your current or past job(s). Discuss their safety and health risks with respect to the different dimensions of health (physical, mental, social, spiritual, intellectual). Does/did your employer do anything to reduce workplace hazards? If you were the boss, what strategies would you implement to protect your employees?

Answer 1

Ans) Workplace hazards are any aspect of work that cause health and safety risks and have the potential to harm.

- The six main categories of hazards are:

Biological- Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, etc., that can cause adverse health impacts. For example, mould, blood and other bodily fluids, harmful plants, sewage, dust and vermin.
Chemical- Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can cause harm. These hazards can result in both health and physical impacts, such as skin irritation, respiratory system irritation, blindness, corrosion and explosions.
Physical- Physical hazards are environmental factors that can harm an employee without necessarily touching them, including heights, noise, radiation and pressure.
Safety- These are hazards that create unsafe working conditions. For example, exposed wires or a damaged carpet might result in a tripping hazard. These are sometimes included under the category of physical hazards.
Ergonomic- Ergonomic hazards are a result of physical factors that can result in musculoskeletal injuries. For example, a poor workstation setup in an office, poor posture and manual handling.
Psychosocial- Psychosocial hazards include those that can have an adverse effect on an employee’s mental health or wellbeing. For example, sexual harassment, victimisation, stress and workplace violence.

The main ways to control workplace hazard include:

Elimination (including substitution): remove the hazard from the workplace, or substitute (replace) hazardous materials or machines with less hazardous ones.
Engineering Controls: includes designs or modifications to plants, equipment, ventilation systems, and processes that reduce the source of exposure.
Administrative Controls: controls that alter the way the work is done, including timing of work, policies and other rules, and work practices such as standards and operating procedures (including training, housekeeping, and equipment maintenance, and personal hygiene practices).
Personal Protective Equipment: equipment worn by individuals to reduce exposure such as contact with chemicals or exposure to noise.

- Step 1: Preparation.
Step 2: Hazard Identification.
Step 3: Risk Assessment.
Step 4: Plan Control Measures.
Step 5: Record Keeping.
Step 6: Implementation and Review.