Surveying Technology

Level II
Based on June.2022, Curriculum Version 1

Module Title: - Workplace Safety Arrangements

Module code: EIS SUR2 M10 0622
Nominal duration: 20 HOUR

Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill

NOV, 2022

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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 Acknowledgment
Ministry of Labor and Skills wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many representatives
of TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and expertise to the
development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).

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 Contents Page
Surveying Technology.....................................................................................................................1
Level II.............................................................................................................................................1
Acknowledgment.............................................................................................................................2
Introduction to the Module..............................................................................................................4
Unit One: Safety Arrangement.....................................................................................................5
Introduction............................................................................................................................6
1.1. Safety signs and symbols................................................................................................6
1.2. Survey Site Safety...........................................................................................................8
1.3. Perform risk control......................................................................................................12
1.3.1. Personal protective equipment............................................................................12
1.3.2. Safe Use of Tools and Equipment..............................................................................14
Self-check-1.........................................................................................................................16
Operation sheet-1.1........................................................................................................................18
Safety Arrangement.......................................................................................................................18
LAP Test 1.1..................................................................................................................................19
Unit Two: Workplace and Emergency..........................................................................................20
2.1. Instruction Hazard Events.............................................................................................21
2.2. Accident/ Incident.........................................................................................................38
Self- check 2..................................................................................................................................44
Unit Three: Emergency procedures in the workplace..................................................................45
Introduction..........................................................................................................................45
3.1 Emergency Procedures...................................................................................................46
3.2. Reporting details of hazardous events...........................................................................47
Self- check 3.........................................................................................................................49
Operation Sheet 3.1.......................................................................................................................50
LAP-Test 3.1..................................................................................................................................51
References......................................................................................................................................52

Introduction to the Module

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 This Unit of competence covers understanding and participating in workplace occupational health
and safety (OHS) policies and procedures in order to ensure own safety and that of others in the
workplace. It also covers recognising hazards and following workplace emergency procedures.
This module covers the units:

 Safety Arrangement.
 Workplace and emergency
Learning Objective of the Module
 Use Safety measures
 Control risk working environments.
 Identify hazard

Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:
 Read the information written in each unit
 Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
 Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units
 Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
 Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise

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 Unit One: Safety Arrangement
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics:
 safety signs and symbols
 Survey site safety
 Perform risk control
 personal protective equipment
 safe use of tools and equipment
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
After completing this unit, the trainee will be able to:
 Define workplace procedures
 Identify common workplace hazards

Introduction

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 Safety is the state of being "safe", the condition of being protected from harm or other danger.
Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of
risk.
A safe and healthy workplace not only protects workers from injury and illness, it can also lower
injury/illness costs, reduce absenteeism and turnover, increase productivity and quality, and raise
employee morale. In other words, safety is good for business.
Basic Safety Rules
 Always wear your seatbelt when in a vehicle or heavy equipment.
 Always inspect equipment and tools.

 Always use fall protection when working at heights.

 Stay of out the blind spots of heavy equipment.

 Never put yourself in the line of fire.

 Utilize proper housekeeping measures to keep work areas clean.

1.1. Safety signs and symbols
Safety signs give a specific message to those who may be exposed to hazards in the
workplace.
The message may be to prevent accidents, signify health hazards, indicate the location of
safety and fire protection equipment, or for giving guidance and instruction in an emergency.
Prohibition signs – these are signs that indicate something that you must not do. They are
made up of a red circle border with a line through it, a white background and black symbol.

Figure 1.1 prohibition sign

Mandatory signs – these signs tell you that you must wear some special safety equipment.
They are made up of a blue solid circle and white symbol.

Figure 1.2 Mandatory sign

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 Restriction signs – these signs tell of a limitation placed on an activity or use in the area concerned. They
are made up of a red circular border, no crossbar, and a white background.

Figure 1.3 restriction sign

Hazard warning signs – these signs warn you of a danger or risk to your health. They are
made up of a yellow triangle with a black border and a black symbol.

Figure 1.4 Hazard warning sign

Emergency information signs – these signs show where emergency safety equipment is kept.
They are made up of a green solid rectangle with a white symbol or text.

Figure 1.5 Emergency sign

Fire signs – these signs tell you the location of fire alarms and firefighting facilities. They are
made up of a red solid rectangle with white text.

Figure 1.6 Fire sign

Danger hazard signs – these signs warn of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that
could be life-threatening. They have the word DANGER in white on a red background, a
black border and black text.

Figure 1.7 danger hazard sign

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 1.2. Survey Site Safety
Survey personnel should have a fundamental understanding of basic safety requirements.
They should be competent to recognize possible serious problems that should
be corrected to protect their employees as well as the public.
Personnel are required to wear high-visibility safety vests of approved color, or DOT yellow and
orange rain coats, whenever working within the right-of-way, at any time when exposed to traffic
such as driveways, parking lots, construction sites, etc., and at any other time deemed necessary by
the supervisor on-site. In addition, during night operations the safety vests must be reflectorized. If
raingear or other outer garment is being worn the reflectorized vest must be worn as the outer layer.
There are four signs used most frequently; WORKERS AHEAD, SURVEY CREW, FLAGGERS
AHEAD, and STAY IN YOUR LANE.
The SURVEY CREW AHEAD symbol or legend shall be the principle advance warning sign used
for traffic control through survey work zones and may replace the ROADWORK AHEAD sign
when lane closures occur, at the discretion of the party chief. Type B light or dual orange flags shall
be used at all times to enhance the SURVEY CREW AHEAD sign, even with mesh signs.
When survey crew members are working between active traffic lanes, a STAY IN YOUR LANE
sign shall be added as the second immediate sign from the work area.
1.2.1. Party Chief Responsibility
It is the Party Chief’s responsibility to ensure that all safety rules and procedures are followed and
that all work is performed safely.
The Party Chief must ensure the use of the safest possible method for each operation. This
responsibility may not be delegated.
The following summarize common responsibilities of the Party Chief:
 Ensure that each subordinate possesses the required personal protective equipment
and uses the equipment as required.
 Train new employees to safely perform required work tasks before assigning them to
work independently.
 Ensure that tools are used and stored safely.
 Do not allow employees to work if they refuse to work safely. Refer the matter to
your supervisor.
 Report all violent acts, threats of physical violence, verbal abuse, property damage,
security hazards, and other inappropriate activities to the field supervisor or security
guard.

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  Conduct a tailgate safety meeting with party members at least once every ten
working days.
 Report and document all occupational injuries and illnesses.
 Cease work and notify the field supervisor immediately if any field conditions are
such that safety is jeopardized.
 Train and provide lookouts whenever necessary.
 Train and provide flaggers whenever necessary.
 Utilize protective vehicles whenever appropriate.
 Ensure that a copy of the Code of Safe Surveying and Safety Manual.
 Give safety first priority in planning each survey.
 Before starting work, inspect all traffic controls.
1.2.2. Field and Office Supervisor Responsibilities
Field and office supervisors may be first or second line supervisors. Field supervisors generally
supervise more than one field party.
This includes:
 Ensuring that employees who fail to comply with safety and health policies, procedures,
regulations, laws, or rules.
 Ensuring that all employees receive Safety Training for special circumstances including
construction surveys on superstructures.
 Ensuring that employee safety and health issues are discussed and assessed annually at the
time of issuing the “Individual Development Plan/Performance and Appraisal Summary”
report and when employee probationary reports are issued.
 Scheduling all required safety meetings.
 Periodically inspecting field and office work sites to identify, document, and eliminate
hazards that might cause injury or illness.
When assigning field crews to projects, field supervisors are responsible for:
 Approving work within six feet of moving traffic.
 Obtaining an approved traffic control plan, if necessary, and
providing a copy to the party chief.
 Approving all surveys without traffic controls.
When assigning field crews to projects or sending office personal on field trips, consider:
 The experience of personnel in undertaking hazardous tasks.
 Possible health problems for specific employees (such as poison oak
allergies).

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  Traffic hazards (plan for any controls that are needed).
 Unusual hazards associated with the work.
1.2.3. Construction Surveying Operations
Before beginning a construction survey, determine potential hazards that might arise from the
natural environment, the public, and the contractor’s operations and plan the survey accordingly.
During the course of the work, observe the following safety guidelines:
 Be extremely cautious around heavy and fast-moving equipment, especially on haul roads
and around equipment with limited driver visibility.
 Do not rely on the operator’s visibility, judgment, or ability. Make eye contact with the
operator before walking in front of or behind any piece of equipment.
 Use lookouts as conditions dictate.
 Suspend survey operations when uncontrollable hazards develop.
1.2. 4. Surveying near Traffic
Face Traffic: Whenever feasible, each employee must face moving traffic at all times. If it is
not possible to face traffic, a lookout should be used.
Move Deliberately: Do not make sudden movements that might confuse a motorist and cause
an accident.
Signal Cautiously: Whenever feasible, use radio communication. Carefully and deliberately
use surveying hand signals so they will not startle or confuse motorists or be mistaken for a
flagger’s direction.
Avoid Interrupting Traffic Flow: Minimize crossing traffic lanes and never attempt to run
across traffic lanes.
Physical Barriers: Whenever feasible, place a barrier vehicle or a shadow vehicle between
moving traffic and workers.
Distractions to Motorists: Minimize working near moving traffic, especially on high-speed
roads, when the motorists’ attention may be distracted by other ongoing activities, such as
vehicular accidents, maintenance activities, and construction operations; or distracting objects
on or along the highway. Do not work along streets or highways within 2000 feet of such
activities or objects.
1.2.5. Lookout
While working on foot on or near the traveled way, workers should normally be protected by barrier
vehicles, guardrail, or other physical means. Where the absence of such physical protection exposes
workers on foot to errant vehicles, a person shall be assigned as a lookout. A lookout is an

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 employee whose only duty is to provide immediate warning to coworkers of vehicles or equipment
that have become imminent hazards to their safety. The lookout shall not try in any way to direct
traffic. A lookout is used only to warn of impending traffic hazards, not direct or control it.
Lookouts should be considered whenever:
 Working without traffic controls on streets and highways.
 Where there is conflicting or multiple vehicular and equipment movements.
 In areas with restricted sight distances.

1.2. 6.Flaggers
A flagger is a trained person who gives motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists exact instructions,
enabling them to move through temporary traffic control zones safely. Flaggers should be
carefully chosen because they are responsible for public safety and make the greatest number
of public contacts of all highway workers. Because of their importance and responsibility,
flaggers should be rotated and relieved periodically to maintain alertness.
Flaggers must be used any time two-way traffic must share the same lane because of work in
the other lane. Generally, flaggers should not be used along freeways.
1.2.7. Protective Vehicles
Protective vehicles can be especially important at sites, such as instrument set-ups,
where surveyors might be located for an extended period of time. There are two
types of protective vehicles:
Barrier Vehicle: A vehicle, usually unoccupied, which is parked between the
oncoming traffic and a stationary work site.
Shadow Vehicle: A vehicle with an attenuator which follows a survey operation
moving in the direction of traffic.
1.3. Perform risk control
Risk: The likelihood, or possibility, that harms (injury, illness, death, damage etc) may occur
from exposure to a hazard.
Risk Control: Taking actions to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is reasonably
practicable. Where risks cannot be eliminated, then implementation of control measures is
required, to minimize risks so far as is reasonably practicable. A hierarchy of controls has been
developed and is described below to assist in selection of the most appropriate risk control
measure/s.
1.3.1. Personal protective equipment

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 Personal protective equipment (PPE) increases safety for workers performing potentially
hazardous tasks. Contractors shall ensure that the proper types of PPE (i.e., safety glasses,
hard hats, gloves, respirators or any equipment or clothing necessary to protect the worker
against injury or illness).
Minimum PPE for construction areas:
 Approved safety glasses
 Hard hats.
 Impact and compression resistant safety shoes.
 Long pants.
 Reflective vest when heavy power equipment is in operation within contract limit
line, or when working in high-traffic areas.
 Long-sleeved shirts are required when working in production buildings, utilities
or any pipe rack.
 Professional appearance is required.
Additional PPE considerations:
 Cut resistant or cut-proof gloves.
 Fall retention harness with arresting lanyard as required.
 Ear plugs or ear muffs if work will involve exposures to loud noises.
 Respiratory protection.
 Fire/heat resistant gloves with gauntlets.
 Impact resistant face shield.
 Electrical Hazard rated (EH) safety shoes for working in substations or while
performing work on live parts.

1.3.1.1. Responsibilities personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for the job site prior to starting the project.
Contractor workers may be required to wear additional PPE or use additional safety devices to
accomplish their work. Contractors are responsible for selecting and maintaining the required
PPE and devices as well as ensuring that their employees are trained and qualified to use all
the required equipment.
Contractors working near roads, i.e. during striping, excavation, or landscaping shall ensure
work area safety in accordance with Federal Highway Administration’s manual.
a. General Requirements

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 Protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respirators, and
protective shields shall be used wherever it is necessary to protect for the hazards, the environment,
chemical or radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered which are capable of causing
injury or impairment to any part of the body through inhalation, absorption or physical contact.
b. Eye and Face Protection
Employees shall use the appropriate eye or face protection whenever exposed to eye or face
hazards. The following hazardous work require the use of the appropriate eye/face protection;
drilling, chipping, pouring concrete, working with pneumatic tools, welding, working with
chemicals, molten metal, or potentially injurious light radiation.
c. Respiratory Protection
Employees shall use the appropriate respiratory protection when potentially exposed to air
contaminated containing harmful dusts, fumes, gases or vapors. Respiratory protection shall be used
as necessary for jobs such as cutting and sanding dry wall and spray painting.
d. Head Protection
Employees shall wear protective helmets to prevent head injury from falling objects in the work
areas. Head protection shall be worn whenever overhead work is performed such as crane
operations, excavations, and scaffold erection or when there is a risk of electrical shock from nearby
exposed electrical conductors.
e. Foot Protection
Employees shall wear protective footwear to prevent potentially dangerous foot injuries in the work
area such as crush or puncture injuries, falling or rolling objects, exposure to chemicals, slips, or
energized electrical circuits.
f. Hearing Protection
Employees shall wear protective ear gear whenever noise.
g. Hand Protection
Employees shall wear protective gloves when working in areas where hands will be exposed to
hazards which can be absorbed into the skin, cause severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions,
punctures, chemical or thermal burns and harmful temperature extremes.
1.3.2. Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is one of the responsible for reviewing hazards
associated with hand and portable power tools during annual shop inspections. The tools will
be reviewed to make sure they are in good working order, suitable for the jobs they are used
for, and do not pose a hazard to the operator. EHS is responsible for reviewing and updating
the Hand & Portable Power Tools Guidelines. EHS and supervisors can also work jointly in

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 the development of Job Safety Analysis for hand tools that present a unique hazard to the
employee.
Supervisor considerations:
 Select the Right Tool for the Job: Examples of unsafe practices are: Striking hardened
faces of hand tools together (such as using a carpenter's hammer to strike another hammer,
hatchet, or metal chisel), using a file for a pry, a wrench for a hammer, using a ‘cheater’,
and pliers instead of the proper wrench.
 Keep Tools in Good Working Condition: Wrenches with cracked work jaws, screw
drivers with broken points or broken handles, hammers with loose heads, dull saws, and
extension cords or electric tools with broken plugs, improper or removed grounding prongs,
or split insulation are examples of tools in poor conditions. Tools that have deteriorated in
this manner must be taken out of service.
 Use Tools the Right Way: Screw drivers applied to objects held in the hand, knives pulled
toward the body, and failure to ground electrical equipment are common causes of
accidents.
 Place/Keep/Store Tools in a Safe & Secure Place: Many accidents have been caused by
tools falling from overhead and by knives, chisels, and other sharp tools carried in pockets
or left in tool boxes with cutting edges exposed. Tools should be kept away from work
bench edges.
The following procedures are excellent shop practices for supervisors and employees to follow
in order to promote a safe working environment where hand and portable power tools are used:
 Establish regular tool inspection procedures and provide good repair facilities
to ensure that tools will be maintained in safe condition.
 Establish a procedure for control of tools such as a check-out system at tool
cribs.
 Provide proper storage facilities in the tool room and on the job.
 The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment
used by employees, but the employees have the responsibility for properly
using and maintaining tools.

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 Self-check-1 Written test

I. If statement is true say to ‘‘true’’ If statement is false say to

‘‘false’’.
1. Safe and healthy workplace not only protects workers from injury and illness.
2. Safety signs give a specific message to those who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace.
3. The person who gives motorists, pedestrians, and cyclist’s exact instructions, enabling them to
move through temporary traffic control zones safely called Flagger.
3. Personal protective equipment increases safety for workers performing potentially hazardous
tasks.

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 4. Environmental Health and Safety is not the responsible for reviewing hazards associated with
hand and portable power tools during annual shop inspections.
5. Taking actions to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable is called
Risk Control.
II. Choose the correct answers for the following questions.
_____1.___________ is the likelihood, or probability, that a hazard will cause harm to a person.
a) First aid b) PPE c) Risk d) All
_____2.Risk assessment will assist in determining the control measures that should be implemented
to:
a) identify which workers are at risk of exposure
b) determine what sources and processes are causing risk
c) identify if and what kind of control measures should be implemented
d) Check the ineffectiveness of existing control measures.
_____3.One of the following is not categorized as Measures for controlling hazards and risks
a) Elimination b) PPE c) Employee d) administrative control
_____4. Which of the following is not Construction Safety Signage?
a) Safety tags and lockout
b) unsafe condition signs
c) warning out of service tags
d) d) Regulatory signs

III. Short Answer Items

Instruction: Give short, brief and precise answer for the following questions.
1) What does mean safety in surveying?
2) Define risk and Risk controls in surveying?
3) What is personal protective equipment?

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 Operation sheet-1.1 Safety Arrangement

Operation Title: Making Site Safety Inspection Reports

Instruction: use the template given by your Instructor
Purpose: to exercise making site safety inspection report
Tools and equipment: Site Safety Inspection Template, pen, site
Procedures:
Step 1.Accept Site Safety Inspection Reports template from your instructor
Step 2.Go to construction sites
Step 3.Before entering to site use PPE properly
Step 4.Record site safety condition of the site on the provided template
Step 5.Return your repots to your instructor

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 Quality criteria: your report should be read able and clear
Precautions: Use safety equipment while inspecting sites

LAP Test 1.1. Practical Demonstration

Instruction I: to perform the following tasks.

Task 1: Make Site Safety Inspection Reports.
Task 2: Record OHS meeting.

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 Unit Two: Workplace and Emergency
This unit to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content coverage
and topics:
 Instruction hazard events
 Accident/incident
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Apply OHS legislation workplace procedures
 Apply electrical hazards
 Apply personal protective equipment
 Determine workplace safety inspections
 Apply First Aid

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 2.1. Instruction Hazard Events
2.1.1. Identification of OHS Hazards
Identification of occupational health and safety hazards has often come from observations of
adverse health effect among workers. We can say that potential problem areas must be identified
and its extent should be defined.
The purpose of identification is to:
 Obtain information on occupational health stresses
 Collect information on working conditions
 Collect information on processes and products
 Obtain the threshold limit values for substances
 Collect information on the effects of exposure on human
 Collect data on exposure levels by conducting elementary measurements
 Determine where problem or potential problem area exist

Advantages of Identification Not all exposure to occupational stresses are hazardous and in some
instances occupational Exposure limits are never reached, these areas can be eliminated from
extensive evaluation, this reduces the total evaluation and monitoring process with follows.

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 Identification lays the foundation of the evaluation, which follows as we have obtained a lot of
information we are going to use in the evaluation phase. Of course it is not necessary to carry out
identification in an area every time one wishes to quantify workers’ exposure in an area that would
be like redesigning the wheel. Identification saves time, effort and eventually money.
Identification of health and safety problems includes the following: ƒ
 Observe workplace ƒ
 Investigate complaints from workers ƒ
 Examine accident and near-miss records ƒ
 Examine sickness figures
 Use simple surveys to ask co-workers about their health and safety concerns; ƒ
 Use check-lists to inspect your workplace;
 Learn the results of inspections that are done by the employer, the union or anyone else;
 Read reports or other information about the workplace
2.1.2. Classifications of occupational health and safety hazards

The various hazards which give rise to occupational injuries, diseases, disabilities or death through work
may be classified as: -

 Physical Hazards

 Mechanical Hazards

 Chemical Hazards

 Biological Hazards

 Ergonomic Hazards

 Psychosocial Hazards

2.1.2.1 Physical Hazards

Physical hazards, which can adversely affect health, include noise, vibration, ionizing and non-
ionizing radiation, heat and other unhealthy microclimatic conditions. Between 10 and 30% of the
workforce in industrialized countries and up to 80% in developing and newly industrialized
countries are exposed to a variety of these potential hazards. Physical hazard has possible
cumulative or immediate effects on the health of employees. Therefore, employers and inspectors
should be alert to protect the workers from adverse physical hazards.
A. Extremes of Temperature
The work environment is either comfortable or extremely cold or hot and uncomfortable. The
common physical hazard in most industries is heat. Extreme hot temperature prevails on those who

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 are working in foundries or in those industries where they use open fire for energy. Examples of
these include soap factories in large industries and in the informal sectors that use extreme heat to
mold iron or process other materials.
Effects of hot temperature in work place include:
Heat Stress
Heat stress is a common problem in workplace because people in general function only in a very
narrow temperature range as seen from core temperature measured deep inside the body.
Fluctuation in core temperature about 2 0 C below or 3 0 C above the normal core temperature of
37.6 0 C impairs performance markedly and a health hazard exists. When this happens the body
attempt to counteract by: ƒ
 Increasing the heart rate ƒ
 The capillaries in the skin dilate to bring more blood to the surface so that the rate of cooling
is increased. ƒ
 Sweating to cool the body
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is caused when the body temperature rises rapidly in a worker who is exposed to a work
environment in which the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently. Predisposing factors for heat
stroke is excessive physical exertion in extreme heat condition. The method of control is therefore,
to reduce the temperature of the surrounding or to increase the ability of the body to cool itself.
Heat Cramp
Heat cramp may result from exposure to high temperature for a relatively long time particularly if
accompanied by heavy exertion or sweating with excessive loss of salt and moisture from the body.
Heat Exhaustion
This also results from physical exertion in hot environment. Signs of the problem include:
 Mildly elevated temperature
 Weak pulse
 Dizziness ƒ
 Profuse sweating ƒ
 Cool, moist skin, heat rash
Cold Stress
Cold stress could mainly be defined as the effect of the external working environment (Very low
temperatures i.e. less than 6 0 C) and the resultant inability of the body to maintain a constant
internal body temperature. High airflow is a critical factor here, as it will increase cold stress effects
considerably. This is commonly referred to as the wind chill factor.

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 Special conditions that occur in cold weather:-

Trench Foot
An injury which result from long exposure of the feet to continued wet condition at temperature of
freezing 10 0 C with little movement causes changes in the circulation of blood in the feet.
Result: loss of toes or part of the feet.
Treatment: keep foot dry and worm, do exercise for good circulation.
Immersion foot
Immersion of foot in water that is below 10 0 C, for a prolonged time, usually in excess of 24 hours
Frostbite
Injury of tissue from exposure to intense cold, body parts most easily frostbitten is cheeks, nose,
ears, chin forehead, wrists, hands and feet.
Prevention:-
 Wearing the proper amount warm, loose, dry clothing. ™
 Massaging the face, hand, and feet periodically to promote good circulation. ™
 Troops travelling in cold weather by, particularly in the rear of trucks should be allowed to
dismount and exercise periodically to restore circulation.
 If clothing become wet, it should be dried or change at once.
B.Vibration Motion Conditions
Vibration causes vascular disorders of the arms and bony changes in the small bones of the wrist.
Vascular changes can be detected by X-ray examination of the wrist. The most common findings is
rarefaction of the lunate bone.
C. Pressure –Atmospheric (high and low)
Exposure to increased atmospheric pressure (under water) leads to aseptic bone necrosis around the
knee, hip and shoulder that can be detected by X-ray examination
D. Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
Radiation having a wide range of energies forms the electromagnetic spectrum, which is illustrated
below. The spectrum has two major divisions: non-ionizing and ionizing radiation.
Radiation that has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule around or cause them to vibrate, but
not enough to remove electrons, is referred to as "non-ionizing radiation." Examples of this kind of
radiation are sound waves, visible light, and microwaves.
Radiation that falls within the ionizing radiation" range has enough energy to remove tightly bound
electrons from atoms, thus creating ions. This is the type of radiation that people usually think of as
'radiation.' We take advantage of its properties to generate electric power, to kill cancer cells, and in
many manufacturing processes.

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 Figure 2.1.Types of radiation (Source: Adapted from a 2005 National Research Council report)

Alpha radiation consists of helium-4 nuclei and is readily stopped by a sheet of paper. Beta
radiation, consisting of electrons, is halted by an aluminum plate.
Gamma radiation is eventually absorbed as it penetrates a dense material. Ionizing radiation is
produced by radioactive decay, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion, by extremely hot objects (the hot
sun, e.g., produces ultraviolet), and by particle accelerators that may produce, e.g., fast electrons or
protons or bremsstrahlung or synchrotron radiation.
In order for radiation to be ionizing, the particles must both have a high enough energy and interact
with electrons. Photons interact strongly with charged particles, so photons of sufficiently high
energy are ionizing. The energy at which this begins to happen is in the ultraviolet region; sunburn
is one of the effects of this ionization. Charged particles such as electrons, positrons, and alpha
particles also interact strongly with electrons. Neutrons, on the other hand, do not interact strongly
with electrons, and so they cannot directly ionize atoms. They can interact with atomic nuclei,

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 depending on the nucleus and their velocity, these reactions happen with fast neutrons and slow
neutrons, depending on the situation. Neutron radiation often produces radioactive nuclei, which
produce ionizing radiation when they decay.
The negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions created by ionizing radiation may
cause damage in living tissue. If the dose is sufficient, the effect may be seen almost immediately,
in the form of radiation poisoning. Lower doses may cause cancer or other long-term problems. The
effect of the very low doses encountered in normal circumstances (from both natural and artificial
sources, like cosmic rays, medical X-rays and nuclear power plants) is a subject of current debate.
A 2005 report released by the National Research Council (the BEIR VII report indicated that the
overall cancer risk associated with background sources of radiation was relatively low.
Radioactive materials usually release alpha particles which are the nuclei of helium, beta particles,
which are quickly moving electrons or positrons, or gamma rays. Alpha and beta rays can often be
shielded by a piece of paper or a sheet of aluminum, respectively. They cause most damage when
they are emitted inside the human body. Gamma rays are less ionizing than either alpha or beta
rays, but protection against them requires thicker shielding. They produce damage similar to that
caused by X-rays such as burns, and cancer through mutations. Human biology resists germ line
mutation by either correcting the changes in the DNA or inducing apoptosis in the mutated cell.

Non-ionizing radiation is thought to be essentially harmless below the levels that cause heating.
Ionizing radiation is dangerous in direct exposure, although the degree of danger is a subject of
debate. Humans and animals can also be exposed to ionizing radiation internally: if radioactive
isotopes are present in the environment, they may be taken into the body. For example, radioactive
iodine is treated as normal iodine by the body and used by the thyroid; its accumulation there often
leads to thyroid cancer. Some radioactive elements also bioaccumulate.
E. Noise
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Sound is any pressure variation or a stimulus that produces a
sensory response in the brain. The compression and expansion of air created when an object
vibrates.
Magnitude
Approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job and an additional 9
million are at risk for hearing loss from other agents such as solvents and metals. Noise-induced
hearing loss is one of the most common occupational disease and the second most self-reported
occupational illness or injury.
Industry specific studies reveal:
• 44% of carpenters and 48% of plumbers reported that they had a perceived hearing loss.

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 • 49% of male, metal/non-metal miners will have a hearing impairment by age 50 (vs. 9% of the
general population) rising to 70% by age 60.
While any worker can be at risk for noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace, workers in many
industries have higher exposures to dangerous levels of noise. Industries with high numbers of
exposed workers include: agriculture; mining; construction; manufacturing and utilities;
transportation; and military.
Prevention of noise exposure
OSHA requires a five phase hearing conservation program for industry:
 Noise Monitoring
 Audiometric (Hearing) Testing
 Employee Training
 Hearing Protectors
 Recordkeeping
F. Illumination
Good and sufficient lighting is aimed at promoting productivity, safety, health, well being and
pleasant working conditions at an economical cost.
Luminance: is the brightness on an object.
Illuminance: is the amount of light, which falls on the surface. It is measured in lux.
Purpose of good lighting
• help provide a safe working environment;
• Provide efficient and comfortable seeing
• reduce losses in visual performances.
Effects of Poor Illumination Some less tangible factors associated with poor illumination are
important contributing causes of industrial accidents. These can include:

 direct glare o reflected glare from the work

 dark shadows which may lead to excessive visual fatigue

 visual fatigue, itself may be a causative factor in industrial accidents

 Delayed eye adaptation when coming from bright surroundings into darker ones.

2.1.2.2. Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical factors include unshielded machinery, unsafe structures at the workplace and dangerous
unprotected tools are among the most prevalent hazards in both industrialized and developing
countries. They affect the health of a high proportion of the workforce. Most accidents could be

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 prevented by applying relatively simple measures in the work environment, working practices, and
safety systems and ensuring appropriate behavioral and management practices. This would
significantly reduce accident rates within a relatively short period of time. Accident prevention
programmes are shown to have high cost-effectiveness and yield rapid results. However, ignorance
of such precautions, particularly in sectors where production has grown rapidly, has led to
increasing rates of occupational accidents.
Workers who use hand tools such as picks, hammers, shovels, or who habitually kneel at their work
may suffer from “beat" condition of the hand, knee or elbow. Beat hand is subcutaneous cellulites,
which occurs among miners and stoker caused by infection of tissues devitalized by constant
bruising.

Figure 2.2.Moving part of machinery is securely fenced (Source: Deglaville et.al. Occupational
Health, a manual for health workers in developing countries)

2.1.2.3. Chemical Hazards

Average annual world production of chemicals amounts to an estimated 400 million tones. There
are between 5 to 7 million known chemicals, however, only 70,000 to 80,000 are on the market,
with 1,000 or so being produced in substantial quantities. In North America around 1,000 to 1,200
are produced annually (50 % are polymers).In Western Europe, some 150 to 200 new substances
are registered each year. Of the 70,000 to 80,000 chemicals only 5 to 10 %( i.e., 500 to 7,000
should be considered hazardous; 150 to 200 of these are carcinogenic.
Chemical hazards are dependent on their amount:-
 Amount
 Concentration
 Time of exposure

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  Mode of entry to the body
 Age
 Sex
 Health status
 Resistance of the exposed workers
The effects of chemical agents are as follows:
 Asphyxiation
 Systemic intoxication
 Pneumoconiosis
 Carcinogens
 Irritation
 Mutagencity
 Teratogenicity
Among all chemical agents in work place the most notorious and most in contact with the skin or
respiratory system that deserve attention is solvent

Solvent
In most occupational settings or industries a potential threat to the health, productivity and
efficiency of workers is their exposure to organic solvents. Exposure to solvents occurs throughout
life. Example, organic solvent vapor inhaled by a mother could reach the fetus.
Classification of Solvents
The term solvent means materials used to dissolve another material and it includes aqueous or non-
aqueous system. Aqueous solutions include those based in water.
Example: ƒ
 Aqueous solution of acids ƒ
 Aqueous solution of alkalis
 Aqueous solution of detergents
Aqueous solutions have low vapor pressure thus the potential hazard by inhalation and subsequent
systemic toxicity is not great. Examples of non-aqueous solutions

 Aliphatic hydrocarbons. ƒ
 Aromatic hydrocarbons.
 Halogenated hydrocarbons. ƒ
 Cyclic hydrocarbons.
The solvent we are concerned in occupational health and safety will include any organic liquid
commonly used to dissolve other organic material.

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 These are: ƒ
 Naphtha
 Mineral spirits
 Alcohol,etc
Solvent hydrocarbons are important compounds in the formation of photochemical smog. In the
presence of sunlight they react with oxygen and ozone to produce Aldehyde, acids, nitrates, and
other irritant and noxious compounds. The great portion of hydrocarbons contributing to air
pollution originates from automobiles and industries.
Dangerous chemical substances
Many dangerous substances are used in industry, commerce, agriculture, research activities,
hospitals and teaching establishments.
The classification of dangerous substances is based largely on the characteristic properties of such
substances and their effects on man. Legislation on this subject also requires the provision of a
specific pictorial symbol on any container or package.

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 Figures 2.3.Pesticides are dangerous wherever used. (Source: Deglaville et.al. Occupational Health,
a manual for health workers in developing countries)

The following terms are used in the classification of dangerous substances in the classification,
packing and labeling of dangerous substances regulations 1984.
 Corrosion
 Oxidizing
 Harmful
 Very toxic and toxic
 Irritant
 Highly flammable
 Explosive

Figure 2.4. Hazard warning signs and symbols (Source: Barbara A. Plog, Fundamentals of
Industrial hygiene, 4th. Edition, 1996)

Chemical Hazards Evaluation

• Toxicity assessment
• Work activity/risk assessment evaluation Assessment of controls effectiveness to block routes of
entry
• Exposure monitoring

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 • Recommendations for improvement
Chemical Hazards: - Exposure Monitoring

 Special instruments - infrared absorption, photoionization, gas Chromatography

 Detector tubes

 Air sampling and lab analysis

 Professional judgment

Chemical Hazards: Engineering Controls

 Substitution (use lower toxicity materials) ƒ
 Enclose processes and otherwise engineer for low emission / low risk ƒ
 Provide local exhaust to remove airborne agents ƒ
 Local exhaust ventilation ƒ
 Reduce exposure time ƒ
 Better procedures ƒ
 Training ƒ
 PPE - gloves, face shields, respirators ƒ
 Remote Operation
2.1.2.4. Biological Hazards
Many biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, moulds and organic dusts have
been found to occur in occupational exposures. In the industrialized countries around 15 % of
workers may be at risk of viral or bacterial infection, allergies and respiratory diseases. In many
developing countries the number one exposure is biological agents.
HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C viruses and other blood borne pathogens, tuberculosis infections
(particularly among health care workers), asthmas (among persons exposed to organic dust) and
chronic parasitic infections (particularly among agricultural and forestry workers), are the most
common occupational diseases that result from such exposures.
Exposure to biological hazards in workplace results in a significant amount of occupationally
associated diseases.
Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, or any living organism that can
cause disease to human beings.
Biological hazards can be transmitted to a person through:

 Inhalation

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  Injection
 Ingestion
 Contact with the skin
The contract of biohazard depends on:
 The combination of the number of organisms in the environment.
 The virulence of these organisms
 The susceptibility of the individual
 Concomitant physical/chemical stresses in the environment
Classification of Biohazard Agents
Knowing the biohazard and their groupings is important to decide on what to do to safeguard the
workers from the hazards. There are two points that are important to remember. These are:
 Any accident involving biohazard material can result in infection.
 When working with biological agents or materials for which Epidemiology and etiology is
not known or not completely understood, it must be assumed that the materials present a
biological hazard
Occupational Exposure to Biohazards
The most obvious work place in which employees are subjected to hazards as a result that the work
requires handling and manipulation of biological agents include: surgery, autopsy, contaminated
discharges, blood, pipettes, laboratory specimens, etc.
Biohazard Control Program
 Employee health. ƒ
o Pre-placement examination for new employee. ƒ
o Periodic physical examination as part of a surveillance program. ƒ
o Vaccination.
 Laboratory safety and health. ƒ
o Employee training ƒ
o Avoid if possible entering into a biohazard areas. ƒ
o Avoid eating, drinking, smoking and gum chewing in biohazard areas ƒ
o Wearing personal protective equipment is always advisable.
 Biological safety cabinet ƒ
o To protect workers from exposure to aerosols especially when there is contact with
biohazards in laundry activities.
 Animal care and handling ƒ

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 o Periodic examination, disposal of manure, cleanliness, collection of medical history and
treatment.
2.1.2.5. Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomics
Between 10% and 30% of the workforce in industrial countries and between 50% and 70% in
developing countries may be exposed to heavy physical workload or to un ergonomic working
conditions such as lifting and moving of heavy items or repetitive manual tasks. Repetitive tasks
and static muscular load are found in many industrial and service occupations. In many industrial
countries musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of both short-term and permanent work
disability, which can cause economic losses that may amount to 5% of the GNP.
Most exposures can be eliminated or minimized through mechanization, improvement of
ergonomics, and better organization of work and training. In particular, the growing numbers of
elderly workers and the female workforce require constant vigilance from those responsible for the
work organization.
Improving the conditions of the work environment and opportunities for providing workers’
health, safety and wellbeing essentially means contributing to sustainable improvement of
ergonomics. Local perceptions about ergonomics in many countries have not captured headlines in
the newspapers. However safe and hygienic workplaces contribute to sustainable development and
this issue can be raised through proper media exposure.
Principles of biomechanics
It deals with the functioning of the structural element of the body and the effect of external and
internal forces on various parts of the body.
Taking an example of "lifting" an object from the ground biomechanics seek relevant information:
 What is the task to be performed (task variable)
 Would the person be able to do the task (human variable)
 What is the type of work environment (environmental variable)
Task variable
• Location of object to be lifted
• Size of object to be lifted
• Height from which and to which the object is to be lifted
• Frequency of lift
• Weight of object
• Working position
Human Variable

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 • Sex of worker
• Age of worker
• Training of worker
• Physical fitness of worker
• Body dimension of worker
Environmental variable
• Extremes of temperature (hot/cold)
• Humidity
• Air contaminants
Work physiology
People perform widely different tasks in daily work situation. These tasks must be matched with
human capabilities to avoid "over loading" which may cause the employee to breakdown, suffer
reduced performance capability or even permanent damage.
Matching people with their work
It is important to match human capabilities with the related requirements of a given job. If the job
demands are equal to the worker's capabilities or if they exceed them, the person will be under
much strain and may not be able to perform the task.
Work classification
The work demands are classified from light work to extremely heavy in terms of energy
expenditures per minute and the relative heart rate in beats per minute. For example the energy
requirement for light work is 2.5 Kcal/minute and the heart rate is 90 beats rate per minute, while it
was extremely heavy work energy requirement is 15 Kcal/minute and heart beat is 160/minute.
Workstation design
Workstation means the immediate area where the person is performing his/her duties. The goal of
designing a workstation is to promote ease and efficiency of the person’s performance.
Productivity will affected if the operator is uncomfortable and the workstation is awkwardly
designed.
Workplace design
Workplace is the establishment or department where the person or worker is performing his/her
duties. The most basic requirement for a workplace is that it must accommodate the person working
in it. Specifically this means that:
 The workspace for the hands should be between hip and chest height in front of the body.
 Lower locations are preferred for heavy manual work.
 Higher locations are preferred for tasks that require close visual observations.

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 Another key ergonomic concept is that workplace should be designed relating the physical
characteristics and capabilities of the worker to the design of equipment and to the layout of the
work place.
When this is accomplished:
 There is an increase in efficiency
 There is a decrease in human error
 Consequent reduction in accident frequency.
Design is accomplished after learning what the worker's job description will be, kind of equipment
to be used for that process and the biological characteristic of the person (worker).
Workspace dimension
Workspace dimension can be grouped in three basic categories:
 Minimal, maximal, and adjustable dimensions. ƒ
 Minimal workspace provides clearance for ingress and egress in walkways and doors. ƒ
 Maximal workspace dimensions permit smaller workers to see the equipment.
This is ensured by selecting workspace dimension over which a small person can reach or by
establishing control forces that are small enough so that even a weak person can operate the
equipment.
Adjustable dimensions permit the operator to modify the work environment and equipment so that
it conforms to those individuals on particular set of anthropometric characteristics.
Effects of non ergonomic working conditions
• Tendosynovitis
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Raynaud’s syndrome (“white fingers”)
• Back injuries
• Muscle strain
To avoid ergonomic hazards the following points should be considered:-
• Sensibility and perceptibility (visual,audible,tactile)
• Kinetic ability and muscular power or strength
• Intelligence
• Skill
• Ability to learn a new technique of skill
• Social and group adaptability

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 • Kinetic conditions (body size or physical constitution)
• Effect of environmental conditions on human ability
• Long term short term or short term adaptable limits of man(desirable or normal,
compensatory or fatal)
• Reflexion and reaction patterns
• Mode of living (custom) and sex distinction
• Racial differences
• Human relationship
• Factors that affect on synthetic judgment
2.1.2.6. Psychosocial hazards
Up to 50% of all workers in industrial countries judge their work to be “mentally heavy”.
Psychological stress caused by time pressure, hectic work, and risk of unemployment has become
more prevalent during the past decade. Other factors that may have adverse psychological effects
include jobs with heavy responsibility for human or economic concerns, monotonous work or work
that requires constant concentration.
Others are shift-work, jobs with the threat of violence, such as police or prison work, and isolated
work. Psychological stress and overload have been associated with sleep disturbances, burn-out
syndromes, stress, nervousness and depression. There is also epidemiological evidence of an
elevated risk of cardiovascular disorders, particularly coronary heart disease and hypertension.
Within the work environment emotional stress may arise from a variety of psychosocial factors,
which the worker finds unsatisfactory, frustrating, or demoralizing.
For example: ƒ
• A peasant who migrates from the rural areas to a city will face entirely different
environment if he/she start to work in an industry. In his /her rural life he used to work at his
/her own speed but in the factory he may have to work continuously at speeds imposed by
the needs of production. ƒ
• Workers may be working in shifts that will expose them to unusual hours. They may upset
their family’s life as a result of their work conditions. ƒ
• Workers may be working with a person who is paid more but who is incapable of working.
ƒ
• Financial incentives are too low etc.
These and other stresses will have adverse psychosocial problems on workers.
Reduction of occupational stresses depends not only on helping individuals to cope with their
problems but also on:

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 • Improved vocational guidance,
• Arrangement of working hours,
• Job design, and work methods;
• Good management.
2.2. Accident/ Incident
2.2.1. Accident/ Incident Reports
Definition of terms
An accident is an incident that resulted in injury to personnel, or loss of any kind, including the
loss of materials, assets and property damage.
An Incident is an unplanned event or chain of events that has, or could have, resulted in injury or
illness or damage to assets, the environment or company reputation or consequential business loss.
After an accident or incident on a worksite, a report should be completed as soon as possible so that
an investigation can begin.
Most organizations will have a report form that collects details of:
• what happened
• what plant or equipment was involved
• what injuries were sustained
• Any witnesses.
If you have to fill out one of these reports, you must take it seriously and be truthful. If workers’
compensation insurance is involved, the report may end up as evidence in a court case.
Acts and regulations
Legislation means laws that are made by federal or state parliament. These are called ‘Acts’. An
Act may give particular people or agencies the power to make laws that relate to the Act, known as
‘Regulations’.
Regulations are the specific details and minimum requirements that relate to the Acts. The Act Acts
of Parliament are what make up the law. Most workers are protected by a Work Health and Safety
Act (WHS) that covers the duties, responsibilities and penalties of different people with regard to
health and safety in the workplace.

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 Figure 2.5.Acts and regulations
The Act is written in quite broad and unspecific terms because it must cover a diverse range of
workplaces. It needs to work for everybody, with jobs as different as: librarians, farm hands,
teachers, bank managers, construction workers, bus drivers, supermarket trolley collectors, Wait
staff.
Australian standards
• Australian Standards® Australian Standards® are nationally recognized documents that set
the quality requirements for products and services to ensure safety, reliability and
consistency of performance.
• To keep the Regulations document to a manageable size, the relevant standard is specified
and should be referred to for details. Australian Standards® are not available from the state,
territory or Commonwealth regulators; they must be purchased.
• Examples of topics covered by standards include safety helmets, scaffolding set-ups,
electrical installations on building sites and colors of safety signs.
Codes of practice
Codes of practice From time to time, state and federal agencies publish codes of practice with the
purpose of:
• providing practical advice and guidance on how WHS hazards and risks associated with
an issue can be managed in relation to legislation
• Describing the preferred method or course of action that can be taken to manage hazards
and risks in order to achieve the required standard of health, safety and welfare.
However, a code of practice may be used as evidence in a court case over a failure to comply with
the Regulations.
Construction documentation and plans
• Risk assessment documents Safe work method statements (SWMSs) and job safety
analyses (JSAs) are forms to be filled out by workers who are (or will be) carrying out
activities that have the potential to be hazardous.

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 • They set out the steps involved in the activity, how potential hazards will be eliminated or
minimized at each step and who’s responsible.
• Filling out these forms is a way of making sure that the people who’ll be doing the job
have thought through the whole process, identified where the hazards exist and decided
how each one will be controlled.
Emergency Information Contact
• Accidents happen at work every day. It’s important to collect emergency information for each
of your employees.
• In fact, OSHA estimates that one in ten construction workers are injured every year. It’s important to
collect emergency information for each of your employees to have on file just in case the unthinkable
happens.
• Remind employees to keep this form current in case of any life changing events (marriage, divorce,
death). The forms should be reviewed annually.
• Access to the information should be given only to those on staff who have access to human resources
information.
Evacuation Plans
Evacuation is the process of moving people away from a hazard. It may involve all or some of the
people on site. Evacuation procedures are developed to move people as safely and efficiently as
possible.
The best thing you can do is to learn the evacuation procedures and follow them calmly.
• In any location, make sure you know the best way out of the building and off the site to the
allocated assembly area.
• Know where your supervisor is likely to be at all times, and who your emergency control
organization (ECO) members are.
Obey instructions given by emergency services officers, e.g. firefighters, police and ambulance
officers. They are professionals and know what’s best in the situation.
• Don’t panic. Keep calm.

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 Figure 2.6.Evacuation plans

Guidance Notes
• The Building Responsibly Guidance Notes are a set of instructions for the practical
application of the Worker Welfare Principles.
• They offer a discussion around the potential issues and challenges faced by the industry on
each principle and suggest good practice options for their implementation.
• The Guidance Notes have been informed by multiple consultations with external
stakeholders and provide basic expectations for construction companies dealing with worker
welfare issues.
Job Safety Analyses
A job safety analysis (JSA) is completed before a task is started if:
• there is a hazard that could cause injury or loss of life
• an incident has occurred in the past while that same task was being carried out
• the task is being done for the first time in a new environment
• procedures have changed
• The worker is new.
The task is broken down into steps and the hazards for each step are identified by considering four
key aspects as follows.

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 Figure 2.7.Job safety analyses

Once the hazards have been identified, the measures required to control the risks are listed. For
example, if the first step in the task is to move a heavy load of bricks and there is a risk of muscle
strain or injury, a wheelbarrow or trolley could be used.
It’s important to be specific when filling out a JSA and to record every hazard and exactly what
needs to be done to correct the hazard. For example, ‘Keep a straight back and lift using your leg
muscles’, is better than, ‘Be careful when lifting’.
Labels
Construction sites can pose serious hazards for workers, including fall risks, falling objects, live
power lines, and moving machines. Our heavy duty construction labels can help maintain high
workplace safety standards, proper signage and visible communication that are required to provide
clear instructions and warnings.

Figure 2.8.Labels
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

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 Safety data sheets (SDSs) – formally known as material safety data sheets or MSDSs – explain
how to use a material or substance safely, and how to deal with any hazards associated with it.
The SDS also provides information on how to dispose of hazardous materials/substances safely.
Manufacturers of hazardous materials/substances are required by law to produce SDSs. These are
available from the manufacturer or supplier, as well as from the internet.
Relevant SDSs should be available in any workplace where hazardous materials/substances are
being used. By law, you are able to look at the SDS for any material/substance you’re using.
An SDS contains information about a material/substance such as:
• its name and any other names it’s known by
• its physical appearance, e.g. what it looks and smells like, its color, whether it’s a liquid,
solid or gas, and under which conditions it is in these states
• its physical properties, e.g. whether it’s corrosive, flammable or explosive and under what
circumstances
• its reaction with other substances, e.g. advice about which other substances to avoid contact
with
• its toxicity, e.g. how it affects humans if swallowed, inhaled or comes into contact with skin
or eyes
• safety precautions when handling or using it
• first aid measures in case of accident
• Storage, handling and disposal.

Self- check 2 Written test

Item I. Short Answer questions

1. What are the common health hazards of organic solvents?

2. Explain the reasons why the magnitude of occupational health hazards is increasing in health
care industries (hospitals, health centers, laboratory etc).
3. What are the main health effects of Noise?

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 4. How does the occupational environment of the worker affect the health of his or her families and
the general population?
5. What are the criteria to state that substances are hazardous or dangerous?
Item II. Matching

A B

_____1. Accident A. Process of moving people away from hazard

_____2. Incident B. resulted in injury to personnel

_____3. Evacuation C. Unplanned event

Item III. True or False

1. Once the hazards have been identified, the measures required to control the risks are listed.
2. Legislation means laws that are made by federal or state parliament.
3. Principles of biomechanics deals with the functioning of the structural element of the body and
the effect of external and internal forces on various parts of the body.
4. Biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, moulds and organic dusts have been
found to occur in occupational exposures.
5. Dangerous substances are used in industry, commerce, agriculture, research activities, hospitals
and teaching establishments.

Unit Three: Emergency procedures in the workplace

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Emergency Procedures
 Reporting details of hazardous events
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.

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 Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Report accident/incident
 Follow instructions to hazard events

Introduction
An emergency procedure is a plan of actions to be conducted in a certain order or manner, in
response to a specific class of reasonably foreseeable emergency, a situation that poses an
immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment. Where a range of emergencies are
reasonably foreseeable, an emergency plan may be drawn up to manage each threat. Most
emergencies require urgent intervention to prevent a worsening of the situation, although in some
situations, mitigation may not be possible and agencies may only be able to offer palliative care for
the aftermath. The emergency plan should allow for these possibilities
Need Organizations are frequently required to have written emergency procedures in place to
comply with statutory requirements demands from their insurers, their regulatory agency,
shareholders, stakeholders and unions; to protect staff, the public, the environment, the business,
their property and their reputation.
Risk Assessment: - Before preparing a procedure, it may be appropriate to carry out a risk
assessment, estimating how likely it is for an emergency event to occur and if it does, how serious
or damaging the consequences would be. The emergency procedure should provide an appropriate
and proportionate response to this situation. A risk assessment is usually in the style of a table,
which rates a risk on its likelihood and severity
Testing and Training: - An emergency procedure identifies the responsibilities, actions and
resources necessary to deal with an emergency. Once drafted, a procedure may require a
consultative period with those who could be involved or affected by the emergency, and a program
set out for testing, training and periodic review.
Controlled Issue: - When an emergency procedure is revised and reissued, previous versions must
be withdrawn from point of use to avoid confusion. For the same reason, a revision numbering
system and a schedule of amendments are frequently used with procedures to reduce the potential
for errors and misunderstandings.
Style and Complexity: The document itself may be just a few lines, perhaps using bullet points,
flow charts or it may be a detailed set of instructions and diagrams, dependent on the complexity of
the situation and the capabilities of those responsible for implementing the procedure during the
emergency.

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 Business continuity: business continuity planning may also feed off of the emergency procedures,
enabling an organization to identify points of vulnerability and minimize the risk to the business by
preparing backup plans and improving resilience. The act of producing the procedures may also
highlight failings in current arrangements that if corrected, could reduce the risk levels.
Escalating Situations: Even with a well-documented and well-practiced procedure using trained
staff, there is still the potential for events to spiral out of control, often due to unpredicted scenarios
or a coincidence of events. There are many well documented examples of this such as: Three Mile
Island accident, the Chernobyl disaster and the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform explosion in
April 2010. In a press release by BP on the 8 September 2010, BP's outgoing chief executive Tony
Hayward said of this: The investigation report provides critical new information on the causes of
this terrible accident. It is evident that a series of complex events, rather than a single mistake or
failure, led to the tragedy.
Review It is common practice with emergency procedures to have review processes where the
lessons learnt from previous emergencies, changing circumstances, changes in personnel, contact
details, etc. can be incorporated into the latest version of the documentation.
3.1 Emergency Procedures
Some typical emergency procedures are:
Procedure carried out during a fire alarm in commercial buildings where the occupants are
evacuated via the nearest exit as the emergency services are called. Fire wardens or security may
search the building to ensure everyone has left or there may be a roll call at the assembly point. The
procedure would identify who is responsible for these various tasks, and their deputies, detailing
other arrangements such as assisting those in the building who may have mobility issues, liaison
with the fire fighters, etc. In large multi tenanted buildings the procedure may be complex and
address several possible scenarios.
Medical emergency where first aiders are called to attend an unconscious person and after checking
their airways and general condition, put them into a recovery position whilst awaiting the
paramedic.
Written guidance on aircraft which indicate the steps to be undertaken by the crew to give the best
chance for a successful recovery or with the least loss of life.
Abandonment of a ship which is sinking, wrecked, or uncontrollably on fire.
Other potential emergencies that may affect an organization include the following
3.2. Reporting details of hazardous events
3.2.1. Reporting Hazards

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 To make a worksite safe for everyone, you must report any hazard – even if it doesn’t directly
affect you and the task you’re doing. For example, if you notice a faulty tool and don’t report it, a
co-worker who uses the tool later, without noticing the problem, may be injured.
Many organizations have hazard report forms that can be filled in by a worker who notices a hazard
on any part of the worksite.
A hazard report form provides a written record of a problem that can be followed up by your
employer or WHS committee to make sure the hazard is effectively controlled.
3.2.2. Reporting Incidents And Injuries
After an accident or incident on a worksite, a report should be completed as soon as possible so that
an investigation can begin. As time passes, it becomes more difficult to establish or remember
exactly what happened, so it’s best to do the report straight away.
Most organizations will have a report form that collects details of:
• what happened
• what plant or equipment was involved
• what injuries were sustained
• Any witnesses.
If you have to fill out one of these reports, you must take it seriously and be truthful. If workers’
compensation insurance is involved, the report may end up as evidence in a court case. Your
supervisor or WHS rep can help you write a report.
3.2.3. Reports Of Near Misses And Dangerous Occurrences
All near miss /incidents should be recorded by the manager or the reporting staff member
If a person has been injured, the need for first aid should be assessed and action taken as
appropriate. Managers should follow the Early Intervention Guide, and contact their relevant Injury
Management Coordinator if the staff member requires time off work or medical treatment as a
result of an incident.
If the near miss / incident is considered to be serious, the manager should contact the WHS team for
advice. The WHS team will advise regarding the notification of the incident to Work Safe.
Notify able incidents also include those involving registered or licensed plant collapsing,
overturning, falling or malfunctioning collapse or failure of an excavation, or shoring supporting an
excavation collapse of a building structure (or partial collapse) implosion, explosion, or fire escape,
spillage or leakage of any substance plant or objects falling from high places
3.2.4. Site Safety Inspection Reports

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 The primary objective of a Workplace inspection is to identify and prevent any and all unsafe
conditions or work procedures, which if left uncorrected, could result in an accident or occupational
illness and disease or property damage.
Regular inspections of the workplace shall be carried out as part of the ongoing routine of
supervisory staff.
In order to facilitate a complete and thorough inspection, the inspector should follow these steps:
• Always refer to previous inspection reports and information about illness, injuries, and
accidents that have occurred since the last inspection.
• Identify, classify and record any unsafe conditions or actions using the inspection recording
form.
• Where an unsafe condition or action exists which requires immediate attention, ask the
superintendent to correct it and inform the necessary staff in the workplace of the hazard and
corrective action taken.
• Using the inspection recording form, highlight any uncorrected hazards reported during
previous inspections.
• Recommend corrective actions and time frames for review by the Health and Safety
Committee.
• Finalize inspection report in the presence of the superintendent and have them sign it..

Self- check 3 Written test

Item I. True or False questions

1. The primary objective of a Workplace inspection is to identify and prevent any and all unsafe
conditions or work procedures.
2. All near miss /incidents should be recorded by the manager or the reporting staff member.
3. After an accident or incident on a worksite, a report should be completed as soon as possible so
that an investigation can begin.

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 Item II. Matching

A B

_____1. Emergency procedure A. Prevent all unsafe conditions or procedures

_____2. Workplace inspection B. A plan of actions to be conducted

_____3. To make a worksite safe C. Report any hazard

Item III. Short Answer Questions

1. List the details of report form that most organizations reporting accidents and incidents.

2. Describe the steps to report site safety inspection.

3. What are emergency procedures?

Operation Sheet 3.1 Making Site Safety Inspection Reports

Operation Title: Making Site Safety Inspection Reports

Instruction: use the template given by your Instructor
Purpose: to exercise making site safety inspection report
Required tools and equipment: Site Safety Inspection Template, pen, site
Precautions: Use safety equipment while inspecting sites
Procedures:
Step 1.Accept Site Safety Inspection Reports template from your instructor
Step 2.Go to construction sites

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 Step 3.Before entering to site use PPE properly
Step 4.Record site safety condition of the site on the provided template
Step 5.Return your repots to your instructor

Quality criteria: your report should be readable and clear

LAP-Test 3.1 Practical Demonstration

Instruction I: Given necessary templates, tools and materials you are required to perform the
following task within 2 hours.
Task 1: Identify, classify and record any unsafe conditions or actions using the inspection recording
form.
Task 2: Using the inspection recording form, highlight any uncorrected hazards reported during
previous inspections.
Task 3: Recommend corrective actions and time frames for review by the Health and Safety
Committee.
Task 4: Finalize inspection report in the presence of the superintendent and have them sign it.

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 References
- Occupational Health and Safety for Environmental and Occupational Health Students In
collaboration with the Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative, The Carter Center, the
Ethiopia Ministry of Health and, and The Ethiopia Ministry of Education August 2006
- Personal Protective Equipment U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health
Administration OSHA 3151-12R 2004
- Incident and Emergency Management Procedure Policy Code: CG1867, Authorized by:
University Health and Safety Policy Committee | Document Owner: Manager, Health,
Safety and Wellbeing | Original Issue: 29/02/2000 | Current Version: 10/08/2022 | Review
Date: 29/11/2024 | Policy Code: CG1867
- Ministry of Urban Development and Construction, August 2013,Directives for the
Registration of Construction Professionals and Contractors (Amended), (Directive No
19),Addis Ababa

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 - The Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and the Australian Industry Group, (2009). CONSTRUCTION WORK Code of
Practice, Safe Work Australia
- U.S. Department of Labor, (2004), Occupational Safety and Health Administration.Personal
Protective Equipment, OSHA 3151-12R 2004

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 Participants of this Module (training material) preparation

No Name Qualification Field of Study Organization/ Mobile E-mail

(Level) Institution number
1 Egigayehu A(MSC) COTM Hosanna polly TC 12141058 klkidn@gimail.come
Gizachew
2 Addise Shemlls A(MSC) Go informatics Athlete Kenenisa 20165853 Addis shimellsabeb@
bekele PTC Gmail.come
3 Getahun Nigussie B(BSC) Surveying Yirgalem Industrial 13249671 Getalem14@gmail.come
Technology C.College
4 Tigabu Abate B(BSC) Surveying Manbuk TVET 18216048 abateTigabu76@gmaile.co
Technology college me

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