MOHD SHAHRIZAN BIN MOHMAD SHA (4171002661) TEST 1

a) Office

Slipping and falling

One of the biggest factors in this type of injury is workers using improper ways to reach
objects in high places. Often, they’ll climb on office chairs that roll out from under them.
Employees who need to access objects on high shelves or in tall cabinets should use
stepladders (and remember never to climb higher than what’s indicated on the ladder). Desks,
tables, and other types of furniture are unsafe substitutes for ladders.

Another major factor in trips and falls is wiring that runs through or near traffic areas. Any
wiring that is not permanently installed should be protected so that workers’ feet won’t
become entangled.

Finally, flooring choices pay a key role in slips and falls. Upturned edges on carpets or mats
invite tripping. Surfaces such as tile and terrazzo can become slick when wet or dusty. In
addition to proper cleaning, the use of mats at exterior doors will keep workers and visitors
from tracking in rain and snow that can contribute to slippery conditions.

Collisions and obstacles

Another contributor to trips and falls is the clutter that can be found next to desks, in
hallways, inside storage areas, and anywhere else that seems to be “out of the way.” A
worker who is focused on a task may not look down and notice the hazard in time to prevent
a fall. File and desk drawers that are left open are also ready to injure unsuspecting workers.

Even the workers themselves can be a hazard. Blind corners or cubicle walls may prevent
workers from seeing each other as they emerge into hallways or other common areas. Placing
convex mirrors at such intersections can minimize this type of collision.
Stacking and lifting

Stacking file boxes and other materials can be convenient, but it can also create a significant
hazard in the office. If an employee bumps into the stack, it can topple over and fall on
someone. Stacking materials also increases the likelihood that an employee will lift or
retrieve the materials incorrectly, leading to sprain or stain-type injury.

For that reason, it’s important to store materials properly, and to ensure that they are not
placed so high that they present a hazard. Once again, if employees have to access something
in a high location, they should use an appropriate ladder for the task. Heavy objects should
always be stored on or near the floor, so they’re less likely to fall on a worker’s foot.

Poor lighting

Office lighting may not seem to be a hazard, but it can be a significant contributor to a host of
hazards and illnesses. An obvious issue is inadequate lighting that conceals hazards. Poor
lighting in hallways and storage rooms is an example.

But one of the less recognized issues related to office lighting involves the areas in which
tasks are being performed. Poor lighting in offices can contribute to vision problems such as
eyestrain and related headaches in the short term, and impaired vision if the problem remains
uncorrected. It can also be a factor in increased worker stress, which may reduce productivity
and increase susceptibility to illness. Poorly designed office lighting also creates shadows and
glare. Some vision experts recommend less reliance on bright overhead lights and a greater
use of task lighting at each workstation.

Computer screens are a major source of vision-related problems. Placing monitors slightly
below eye level and about two feet from workers’ faces can reduce eyestrain, as can
eliminating sources of glare and using larger fonts on the screen. Many optometrists are now
recommending special glasses for frequent computer users. However, one of the best
weapons against eyestrain is also one of the simplest: following OSHA’s guideline to take 10
minutes away from the screen for every hour spent in front of it.
b) Laboratories

Chemical Hazards

Handling chemicals is a typical part of the day-to-day routine for many lab workers, but
the risks and hazards remain the same. Many organic and inorganic chemicals are
corrosive to the skin and to the eyes, and can be toxic. Full safety wear should be
provided to any members of the team handling chemicals, and provisions to treat any
exposure or clean spillages should be present in the laboratory. It’s not only direct contact
which may be hazardous, chemical reactions which generate heat can lead to thermal
burns. This further demonstrates the importance of ensuring the surface of the skin is
protected from the potential for burns and exposure. Similarly, incorrect venting within
the laboratory could be hazardous. Without full and correct ventilation, a distillation or
chemical reaction could lead to an explosion in the lab. Depending upon the size of the
explosion and the materials affected, this could be hugely dangerous for the team and for
the lab. Inhalation of certain chemicals can be dangerous, with many of the most common
solvents proving to be extremely toxic. These dangers can be immediate or slowly
manifest over time – making it important that the research team are protected from the
fumes produced by these hazardous chemicals. Ingesting chemicals is a huge risk in many
laboratories, due to contamination on hands, food and drink. This demonstrates the
importance of safe and secure storage for all food and drink items, away from chemical
exposure. Furthermore, comprehensive hand-washing and sanitation provisions should be
accessible for all members of the research team exposed to hazardous chemicals.

When it comes to chemical hazards, effective prevention is the best way to manage
the risks of working with these dangerous substances. Practising proper chemical
segregation is essential in all labs, as some substances can react with each other to create
chemical reactions, fires and even explosions. Protective clothing and good housekeeping
are also important for protecting your team from chemical hazards.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical fires are another common laboratory hazard, which can occur when incorrect or
unsafe cords and plugs are used. Any electrical appliances used in the laboratory should
be fit for purpose, up-to-date and correspond to connected devices before they are
implemented. Any electrical apparatus, from adaptors to cables, not safety-tested could
compromise the safety of the lab and research team.
Electrical hazards can easily be overlooked in labs, which tend to have more health
and safety risks than in other workplaces. Electrical hazards are potentially life
threatening, however, so minimising their risk is vital. All power outlets that could be
exposed to wet conditions should be equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Flexible extension cords should also be well maintained and never used as a substitute for
permanent wiring. Electrical pendants can be used where possible to keep cords out of the
way.

Biological Hazards
The use of bacteria, viruses, blood, tissue and/or bodily fluids in the lab can lead to
potential biological hazards. These materials can all carry disease or hazardous allergens
which could put the lab team at risk. The effects of the diseases and allergens can be
immediate or take significant time to manifest, demonstrating the importance that all
members of the lab team are given sufficient protection, even if the dangers are not yet
known.
Proper storage and protection is key to preventing a biological emergency in your lab.
Wearing appropriate protective clothing and keeping biological agents contained in the
correct areas are essential for minimising exposure to risk. Systems and procedures for
safe use, handling, storage and transport of biological hazards should all be in place.
Appropriate housekeeping, such as disinfecting work surfaces and properly disposing of
waste, are also vital for minimising biological risk.
 c) Workshops
Manual handling
One of the most common causes of non-fatal injury as recorded by the Health &
Safety Executive is caused by lifting and carrying items. The definition of manual handling
includes lifting, carrying, moving or supporting items by hand or bodily force such as
pushing, pulling, etc. It’s not just a product’s weight, but also the size and shape of materials
being handled that can make manual handling hazardous. Wherever possible, try and avoid
manual handling tasks that could cause injury. Where this isn’t possible, assess hazardous
moving and handling tasks that could cause injury and make adequate mechanical handling
equipment available for use (e.g. use of a hoist for lifting an engine). Carry out an assessment
using the TILE principle (Task, Individual, Load, and Environment) to identify how to reduce
any risks, and make sure staff are properly trained in safe lifting/handling techniques.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work, and in the motor vehicle
repair industry account for about 20% of all injuries. Many of these types of incident can be
avoided by ensuring then premises are well maintained, kept clean and tidy, and free from
congestion. Floors that are uneven or in poor condition increases the risk of falls to both
employees and customers. Ensure these remain in good order and that any spillages from oils,
etc. are cleaned up immediately. Nearly 10% of serious injuries and death in the motor
vehicle repair industry are caused by falls from height, e.g. ladders, raised storage areas and
the like. Ladders should be fixed in place and subject to regular checks, plus adequate barrier
rails fitted to mezzanine areas. Many motor garages will also contain an inspection pit and
adequate measures should be taken to prevent falls and injury in these areas such as by
ensuring the pit is covered when not in use.

Tyre fitting and inflation

Many motor garages provide a tyre fitting service for customers nowadays. Tyre
fitting exposes motor garage workers to various hazards including manual handling injuries
from removing tyres, hand tool related injuries from using tyre levers, and compressed air
related accidents caused by a burst or ruptured tyre. People can also be at greater risk of being
struck by other vehicles especially when working away from the premises at roadside
locations. Inflated tyres contain a large amount of stored energy therefore an explosion of a
tyre can result in serious injuries including death, especially when fitting or inflating tyres for
larger vehicles such as heavy goods vehicles, buses, agricultural machinery and construction
plant (e.g. diggers) so additional safety precautions are needed when handling these types of
vehicles such as a restraining device (e.g. safety cage or portable inflation bag). Tyre fitting
should only be carried out by trained operatives in accordance with safe working procedures
which should take into account the type of tyres and wheels being handled plus the
appropriate equipment needed including use of quick release couplings for airlines.
 d) Stores
Theft of physical items
Shoplifters and other criminals remain a major headache for traditional retail store operators.
One-way retailers can thwart thieves is to install physical security systems, which can include
video-monitoring equipment, sensor-based product tags and labels, locked display cases for
items that can be easily stolen, and alerts that sound when customers enter or leave the store.
Even seemingly outdated anti-theft methods such as posting signs warning that shoplifters
will be prosecuted – can deter some would-be thieves.

Inventory damage
Natural disasters and weather events can affect both physical stores and e-commerce
businesses that store goods in warehouses. Not only do natural disasters damage physical
structures, but they frequently cause power outages, resulting in product losses for grocery
stores or other retail outlets that sell perishables. Part of any retail risk management strategy
should involve purchasing commercial property insurance and customizing it to your
business’s specific needs. General retail insurance policies may also cover inventory
damages.

Customer injuries
Customers who are visiting a brick-and-mortar store can become injured in a variety of ways,
no matter how many signs you hang warning of wet floors or construction work. General
liability insurance protects your retail businesses if a customer sues you for injuries they
sustained on your premises. Workers’ comp insurance is required by law for businesses with
employees in almost every state and protects both owners and workers who sustain injuries
on the job.
e) Autoclave rooms and wash up area

Burn Hazard
Be cautious of hot surfaces when loading and unloading autoclave. Recently autoclaved
contents inside will be extremely hot. Make sure to keep face, body and hands away from
escaping heat and steam when opening the door of an autoclave.

Explosion Hazard
Explosions can occur when the seal of the door malfunctions or when autoclave is loaded
improperly. Pressure and heat in chamber will escape rapidly potentially causing serious
injury.

 
Heavy Lifting Hazard
Ask for assistance if the contents you are loading or unloading is heavy. Use autoclave
rack cart to move removable rack, when applicable.
Step to reduce risk in workplace area.

1. CLEARLY COMMUNICATE YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY.

First and foremost, be sure that every employee is familiar with your workplace safety
policy and how it pertains to his or her specific job. Hold regular training sessions so that
the information is fresh in everyone’s minds, and ensure every new employee is brought
up to speed right away. In addition, consider how to best distribute your policy to your
employees. You might post key information in common areas, such as lunch rooms, or
provide a health and safety handbook to all employees. Or you can leverage mobile
technology by uploading your policy onto a mobile emergency management app, which
provides all employees with anywhere, anytime access to key information. No matter
what method you choose, ensure that everyone can access the information when they
need it most.

2. DEAL WITH HAZARDS QUICKLY.

Be sure to reconcile all risks right away. And remember: slippery floors, clutter and other
relatively small problems can actually cause significant risks in the workplace. The
majority of work injuries are slip-and-fall claims, most often from preventable dangers.
Establish an effective protocol for employees to report and deal with hazards. This is
another area where a mobile app is helpful; regardless of when or where an incident
occurs, the app allows employees to immediately notify the relevant department using
their mobile devices. They can also access relevant health and safety documents, such as
flowcharts, contact lists and regulation details.

3. MAKE HEALTH AND SAFETY PART OF YOUR CULTURE.

Workplace health and safety isn’t the sole responsibility of one individual or department;
it is a goal that belongs to everyone. That’s why a safety “culture” should be the objective
of every organization. Make it clear that health and safety are everyone’s responsibility. If
necessary, establish an incentive system to recognize those who set a good example.
Meanwhile, work to ensure all employees know how to recognize and fix specific
hazards. For example, to minimize slip-and-fall risk, educate them on best practices for
reducing clutter, securing cords, reaching objects at an elevated height and other relevant
situations.
4.  EQUIP EMPLOYEES FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY.
It can be challenging for employees to avoid injuries and illnesses if your organization
doesn’t provide them with the tools needed to stay safe and healthy. This is particularly
true in industries such as manufacturing or energy, where simple steps such as requiring
personal protective equipment and providing first-aid supplies can significantly reduce
everyday hazards. Even in corporate offices, providing the right tools for the job can help.
For example, ensure desk chairs and computer equipment are ergonomic. Provide step
ladders to discourage employees from using rolling chairs and other means to reach
supplies. Equip each area with fire extinguishers and other relevant tools. Consider
whether your facility would benefit from additional items, such as area rugs, which
reduce slippery floors, or convex mirrors, which reduce collisions at blind corners. When
possible, also take design into account. Practice “prevention through design,” or PtD, by
identifying and eliminating hazards during the design phase of new facilities or processes.
Addressing health and safety risks at the front end can save significant time and money—
and also avoid unnecessary injuries. Even simple engineering controls, such as guardrails
and skid-proof materials, can go a long way toward preventing many of the more
common accidents. Although these steps can cost some money upfront, they also may
save your organization even more in the long run.