OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

 Occupational Health and Safety or OHS deals with the safety, health and welfare of personnel in
work environment. The objective of OHS is to put into practice the programs that will ensure a safe
and a healthy working environment.
 OHS must holistically include not only factory workers, but all other external persons who are
affected by the work environment and activities. This includes visitors, vendors, customers and
other stakeholders.
 Occupational health and safety aims at preventing hazards at the Workplace. Activities at the
workplace carry various risks which may lead to accidents, bodily injuries, hearing impairment,
circulatory, musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases, stress-related disorders and even cancers.
These are undesirable as the legal and moral responsibility is on the Organization’s Top
Management to provide a work environment that is safe and healthy.

“Occupational health deals with all aspects of health and safety in

the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of
hazards.”
WHO (World Health Organization)
 WHY STUDY HEALTH AND SAFETY ?

1. To appreciate importance of safety.

2. To learn how to prevent, minimize, or eliminate waste
of human resources cause by industrial accidents and
occupational illness.
3. To know what business, industry and the government
are doing to avoid or minimize human sufferings and
loss of earnings because of accidents or illness in the
industry. To know the duties and responsibilities of
management, the safety officer, the medical officers,
and the personnel manager regarding health and
safety.
4. To know the duties, responsibilities, and obligations
of employees in accident prevention.
 IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY

• To eliminate time loss, prevent waste of

human suffering because of industrial
accident or illness.
• To develop in the employee the proper
working attitude to make himself a healthy
and safe worker through the employee
induction and training program and good
supervision.
• Into the company, should have first aid kit.
• Health checkup of the employees in half
yearly.
REASONS FOR INJURIES, ACCIDENTS AND ILL HEALTH 

 Lack of awareness of safety aspects during work.

 Lack of safety and health procedures.

 Over exertion due to excessive work load.

 Psychological stress and / or personal problems leading to loss of concentration at

work.
 Slips, trips or falls due to lack of safety planning and infrastructure.

 Lack of safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

 Lack of insistence of regular medical checkups.

 Lack of assessment of work practices that are unsafe and / or spread diseases.

 Lack of sanitation and hygiene.

 Use of equipment and / or materials that are unsafe and spread diseases.

 No learning's from “near misses” that could potentially become future accidents.

 Failure to identify occupational hazards and conduct risk assessment.

 Negligent house-keeping activity.

 Absence of a good and sound Occupational Health and Safety Management

System.
THREE CATEGORIES OF WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS

1. Employee error
2. Equipment insufficiency
3. Procedure insufficiency
 EMPLOYEE ERROR

1. Mistakes such as misjudgement situation.

2. Distractions by others.
3. Inappropriate working condition.
4. Knowingly using defective equipment.
 EQUIPMENT INSUFFICIENCY

• Use of inappropriate equipment.

• Safety devices being removed or inoperative.
• Lack of protective clothing.
 PROCEDURE INEFFICIENCY

1. Failure of procedure of
eliciting warning of hazard.
2. Inappropriate procedure for
handling materials.
 MAJOR HEALTH RELATED PROBLEMS
1. Skin diseases, which are illnesses involving the worker’s skin that are caused by work
exposure to chemicals, plants or other substances.
2. Respiratory Conditions, illnesses associated with breathing hazardous biological
agents, chemicals, dust, gases or fumes at work (e.g. tuberculosis and occupational
asthma).
3. Poisoning includes disorders evidences by abnormal concentration of toxic substance
in blood, tissues, bodily fluids or the breath that are caused by ingestion or absorption
of toxic substance into the body.
 REPETITIVE MOTION & LOWER BACK DISORDERS
1. Affects tendons that become inflamed from the strains and stresses repeated, forceful motion.
2. Primarily affects the neck, back, legs, arms, hands, wrists or elbows.
3. Carpal tunnel syndrome (pain in the wrist bone) is the most common repetitive motion disorder.
4. Frequently caused by engaging in activities such as lifting, carrying and pulling of objects.
 WORKPLACE STRESS
1. Excessive amount of stress can have ill health
effects such as ulcers, hypertension, headaches
and cardiac conditions.
2. Stressed employee may perform poorly or suffer
low morale.
3. Causes include unclear supervisory directives,
unclear deadlines for completing work, poor
relationship with co-workers and overly close
supervision.
WAYS TO ELIMINATE OR AT LEAST MINIMIZE JOB
STRESS
1. Effective selection and training procedures to help
ensure that workers are properly suited to the demands
of their jobs.
2. Clear job descriptions to reduce worker uncertainty
regarding job responsibilities.
3. Effective job performance system to relieve stress by
clarifying performance expectations.
4. Effective rewards programs to relieve stress by
reducing worker uncertainty regarding rewards.
 SUBSTANCE ABUSE

1. Organizations can curb substance

abuse at the workplace by screening
out applicants and discharging
employees who have been identified
as substance abusers.
2. Take the rehabilitative approach
wherein help is provided to abusers to
overcome their problems through
remedial counselling.
SAFETY RULES FOR DIFFERENT WORK CONDITIONS

1. Introduction Of PPE.
2. Ladder safety
3. Handling Chemicals safety
4. Electrical safety
5. Fire safety
6. Slips, Trips, and Falls safety
7. Lifting appliances safety
8. Entry into compiled space safety
9. Power tools safety
10. Hand tools safety
11. House keeping safety
12. Avoid Hand Injuries

13. Eye protection

 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a key role in ensuring
that the workers are protected while carrying out activities that
have the potential to create injuries or harm to their body.
A range of personal protective equipment is available in the
market which includes
1. Safety Helmet for head protection
2. Safety nose masks & respirators for protecting against dust,
smoke and fumes released during certain work activities
3. Safety goggles and related eye wear that ensures the eyes
are adequately protected against fast moving small particles
and chemical / fluid splashes during work operations
4. Safety Ear plug to prevent ears from excessive noises at the
workplace
5. Safety Aprons to prevent body from particles, chemicals,
etc.
6. Safety Shoes to prevent the feet from sharp chips and other
particles
However above list is only partial since there are various other
PPE such as body harness with ropes & tackles, gum boot, Visor
(face safety), shields, ear muffs, safety cone, and many others.
 LADDER SAFETY
Ladders (portable or fixed) are extensively used to carry out works at height. Misuse of ladders
is a cause for many accidents.
Here are some tips for safe use of ladders:
1. Use the right ladder for the job.
2. Examine the ladder for defects and damages.
3. Keep the ladder away from electrical circuit.
4. Place the ladder with the feet one quarter of its working height away from the structure.
5. Check your footwear before climbing a ladder.
6. Only one person should climb the ladder at a time.
7. Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
8. Do not carry tools or materials in your hands as you climb a ladder.
9. Don't stand on higher than third rung from the top of the ladder.
 HANDLING CHEMICALS SAFETY
The more you learn about the chemicals you work with, the better your chances of preventing an
accident & protecting yourself.
Follow these guidelines for chemical handing:
1. Do not handle chemicals unless you are trained and authorized to do so.
2. Read the labels on chemical containers for the information.
3. Read Material Safety Data Sheet for information regarding the chemicals & its hazards.
4. Follow manufacturer's instructions and your workplace training for chemicals.

5. Wear the right personal protective equipment depending on the chemical involved.
6. Learn the procedure for removing & disposing of contaminated clothing.
7. Close chemical containers when not in use.
8. Make sure the containers are labelled.
9. Store chemicals according to manufacturer's instructions.
10. Know what to do in case of an emergency.
11. Wash before eating, drinking etc.
12. Keep beverages, food etc. out of work area.
 ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Following are some reminders about electrical safety:
1. Keep electricity & moisture away from each other.
2. Report any indication of electrical malfunction.
3. Never attempt electrical repair unless you are qualified and authorized.
4. Do not alter plugs by removing third pin of the plug to connect into two pin plug. This defeats the
safety of a ground wire.
5. Extension cords should be used only temporarily.
6. Use GFCI \ ELCB while using electrical tools, amid moisture or outdoors.
7. Wear correct personal protective equipment.
8. Stay away from high voltage installation.
9. In case of an electrical shock, do not touch the affected person unless power has been disconnected.
10. Never put water on electrical fire. Use correct fire extinguisher.
 FIRE SAFETY
Fire prevention is everyone's responsibility at work. Promptly report any fire hazards so that they
can be eliminated.
Follow these guidelines of fire prevention:
1. Maintain electrical equipment properly to avoid short circuit & overloading.
2. Do not overload circuits.
3. Store materials safely. Flammable materials should be stored safely.
4. Dispose of oil rags properly in covered containers.
5. Keep prophetic waste in specific containers and in wet condition.
6. Know the fire extinguisher and how to use it.
7. Fire extinguisher must be maintained and recharged as per schedule.
8. Do not obstruct fire extinguishers.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER USE – P.A.S.S.
The acronym “P.A.S.S.” Describes the four-steps used in operating a fire extinguisher.
1. Pull: Pull the safety pin on the extinguisher.
2. Aim: Aim the hose of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to discharge the material.
4. Sweep: Sweep the hose across the base of the fire from side to side.
 SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
Falls are a leading cause of injury in all level of workplaces. These are caused by slipping on a surface, tripping on an
obstacle, while stepping off an elevated surface etc.
Follow these tips to prevent falls:
1. Keep workplace free of obstacles & clutter.
2. Keep walking surface clean and dry.
3. Block \ barricade the areas while cleaning floors.
4. Wipe up the spills immediately or barricade temporarily.
5. Report hazards on surfaces immediately.
6. Avoid running cables or cords on the walkways.
7. Use ladders safely.
8. Ensure scaffolds are erected correctly & certified.
9. Wear proper footwear.
10. Maintain adequate illumination.

11. Do not jump from elevated surfaces.

12. Floor openings shall be covered & barricaded.

13. Never engage in horseplay.

 LIFTING APPLIANCES - SLINGS
Following safety guidelines should be followed before using lifting appliances with slings:
1. Use only properly tested and marked lifting tackle of adequate strength. Do not use faulty or damaged lifting
gear - report defects to your supervisor.
2. Never exceed the safe working load of the tackle. If in doubt about the weight of the load, ask your supervisor.
Refer always to the standard sling charts to find out the suitability of the sling for the particular job.
3. Never drop lifting tackle or drag it from under a load - it weakens it.
4. Never tie knot in a chain to make it shorter.
5. See that there are no kinks or twists in chains or slings.
6. Use a proper safety hook - not a makeshift one.
7. Check that any support used to suspend the lifting tackle is strong enough for the job.
8. Use wood or other packing to protect the sling from any sharp edges on the load.
9. Position the lifting hook over the load so as to prevent the load swinging when it is raised.
10. See that the load is free before the lift is taken.
11. Take your hands away from the sling before the lift begins and stand clear.
12. Keep clear of loads in motion and never stand under one.
13. Return lifting tackle to the store after use. Chains and slings must always be stored off the floor and Check all
the safety latches.
 ENTRY INTO CONFINED SPACE
Confined space entry is not something to be taken lightly and not something to do on an impulse, even if the impulse
is to save a life.
Before entering any confined space, observe the following:
1. Have an entry authorization authorizing you to proceed.
2. Obey the instructions contained on the authorization, e.g. wearing PPE etc.
3. Gas test shall be done before entry and periodically as per requirement.
4. Ensure positive isolation (blind with tag) as per the blind list.
5. Ensure availability of an attendant all the time.
6. Isolate electrical equipment with provision of multi lock.
7. Never attempt to rescue anyone unless you are trained for rescue.
8. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
9. A person detailed for rescue service is available, equipped with breathing apparatus set along with a rescue
plan ( for critical entries ).
10. Provision of ventilation and communication facilities at site.
11. Wear appropriate respiratory protection.
12. Display all warning signs and associated permits & authorizations at the entrance.
 POWER TOOLS
Power tools get the job done fast but these can also cause injuries such as eye injury, electrical shock, cuttings
fingers etc. while using power tools, here are some reminders about power tool safety:
1. Read & understand the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Before using a portable electric tool, make sure the tool is in good order check for cords, cables insulation etc.
3. The tool must be grounded or double insulation.
4. Electric cables must be kept away from water, oil, heat and sharp edges.
5. Ensure you have the correct length of electric cables or compressed air hose serving the apparatus if it is too
short get a proper extension.
6. Place the power switch in ' OFF ' position before plugging in the tool.
7. Do not lift or drag power tools by their cables.
8. Disconnect the tool before making any adjustment such as blades, bits etc.
9. Check for tightness, all joints in air hoses to compressed air tools.
10. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when using the power tools. Avoid loose gloves or
loose clothing.
11. Pay attention to why you are doing and don't take your eyes off the job.

12. Store tools, cables and hoses in a safe and tidy fashion.
 HAND TOOLS
Whether you have a tool cabinet filled with expensive tools or a kitchen junk drawer containing a hammer
and a screwdriver, you have to use hand tools safely. When using hand tools, the following general
principles should be followed:
1. Use the correct tool for the job.
2. Do not use damaged or worn out tools.
3. Never use a file without a handle - file tangs are dangerous.
4. Use spanners that fit the nut or bolt head properly.
5. Keep your hands behind the cutting edge when using cutting tools.
6. If you use knives or scissors in your work, keep them in a safe place.
7. Use reduced - sparking tools as instructed when there is a risk from flammable or explosive material.
8. Keep your tools clean and in good condition. Protect the edges of sharp tools, both when carried and in
store.
9. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
10. When working on heights, place tools in a box or on a sack to prevent them falling on to the floor below.

11. Keep tools in boxes or racks when not in use.

12. Tie the tools with rope to prevent falling or hitting others.
 HOUSE – KEEPING SAFETY

Housekeeping at workplace is part of your job. Keeping your workplace clean & tidy helps avoid
accidents, incidents, falls, cuts, fires & chemical exposures.
Follow these tips for safe workplace housekeeping:
1. Keep all material & equipment in proper storage place when not.
2. Keep aisles & walkways clear.
3. Keep emergency equipment in good condition & free of obstacles.
4. Clean up spills immediately. Know what to do to take care of chemical spills and Keep properly
in labelled containers.
5. Keep trash & scrap cleaned regularly.
6. Confine you’re eating & drinking to the food shelters only.
7. Store prophetic waste in designated prophetic drums only in wet condition.
8. Maintain electrical equipment, cords untangled & away from heat, moisture.
 AVOID HAND INJURIES
Your hands are two of your most important assets.
By recognizing hazards, following established safety guidelines, and using protective guards, shields,
gloves and other personal protective devices.
Here are some safety guidelines that can help you protect your hands:
1. Inspect tools, equipment and machinery before use to make sure that they are in good operating
condition.
2. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment - gloves, guards, forearm cuffs an barrier
creams (for example, when working with chemicals).
3. Always wear gloves to protect your hands from heat, acid, caustic, oil, sharp edges and general
wear & tear. Remember not to wear gloves near moving machinery as these can trap the hand.
4. Disconnect power and follow established lockout procedures before repairing or cleaning
machinery, and use brushes to wipe away any debris.
5. Never wear jeweller, such as rings, bracelets and watches, or loose clothing when working with
moving machine parts.
6. Select tools designed to keep wrists straight to help avoid repetitive motion / overuse problems.
 EYE PROTECTION
1. Eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. They are susceptible to all kinds of injuries if not properly
protected.
2. Protect your eyes from:
 Splash or spray of chemicals
 Dust or flying particles
 Sharp objects or splinters
 Extreme heat, fumes or mists
 Exposure to UV light, infrared rays etc.
3. Wear right kind of protective eye wear such as safety glasses, goggles, face shields, hoods, welding helmets etc.
4. Replace scratched or broken lenses immediately.
5. Learn to use eyewash and use them immediately when you get something in your eyes.
6. Use other safety measures to prevent eye injuries such as:
 Protective screens for flying particles
 Use enclosures for processes with dust, mist, vapour
 Exhaust system for dust & fumes
 Vacuuming for reducing dust
 Dampening of area to reduce dust
 EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

1. Employees can adopt employees wellness

programs to eliminate health problems that
can be caused by a person’s poor health
choices.
2. Programs should provide employees with
physical fitness facilities and programs to
help them quit.
3. Smoking, manage stress and improve
nutritional habit.
 WHO ARE INVOLVED IN SAFETY AND HEALTH
PROBLEMS
Human Resource Professionals
1. Develop and evaluate various safety
and health programs such as safety
incentive, training and employee
wellness programs.
2. Responsible for ensuring
compliance to health and safety
laws.
Managers
3. Must emphasize safety during
orientation training and by
constantly reminding their workers
of its importance.
4. Must ensure that workers are doing
their job safely.
5. Investigate accidents to prevent
future occurrence of similar
accidents.