Occupational Health and Safety : A basic Introduction
What is occupational health?
The protection of the bodies and minds of people from illness resulting from the materials, processes, or procedures used in the workplace.
The term “health” can be defined as a state of well-being in both a physiological and psychological sense.
In layman's language, it can be explained as the absence of any illness or ill health.
Examples :
- Absence of Health Hazards like Smoke,
- Absence of Health Hazards e.g. Hazardous chemical and its harmful effect like Cancer , Asthma
- Absence of Health hazards e.g. Corona Virus effect like Fever , Respiratory effects
- Absence of toxic Chemicals (Methyl Isocyanate, Styrene) at workplace so no chances of fatality,
- Absence of excessive noise so no chances of NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss)
- Absence of High temperatures at workplace so no chances of Sun Stroke , dehydration
- Absence of poor ventilation so no asphyxiation .
Activity 1 : Kindly read this format and fill the format for evaluation:
Use this link to download this format soft copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1owLBPiY5uWBg8H0AsZYijvNXzrpaarRH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104430867578231142437&rtpof=true&sd=true
What is occupational safety?
The term “safety” can be defined as the absence of danger or physical harm to persons, extending in the workplace to things such as equipment, materials, and structures.
Examples :
- The absence of Safety hazards such as muddy road conditions,
- The absence of Safety hazards such as Slips, Trips & Fall,
- The absence of Safety hazards such as uncontrolled fire,
- The absence of Safety hazards such as improper use of electricity,
- The absence of Safety hazards such as use of unguarded plant and machinery Hazards ( it may lead to crushing, cutting, drawing-in , entanglement etc.),
- The absence of Safety hazards such as unsafe Work at height,
- The absence of Safety hazards such as unsafe vehicle movement ( it may lead to collision, crushing) etc. at workplace .
What is welfare?
"The provision of accessibility to basic facilities to maintain the health and well-being of individuals at the workplace."
“Welfare” refers to the provision of workplace facilities that maintain the basic wellbeing and comfort of the worker, such as eating, washing, and toilet facilities, which enable them to fulfill their bodily functions.
Ref: (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Examples of welfare facilities:
- Drinking water
- Sanitary conveniences
- Washing facilities
- Changing rooms
- Accommodation for clothing
- Rest and eating facilities
- Heating and lighting
- Seating (when required by the work activity or for rest)
Checklist for Welfare Facilities from the ILO:
Download the Checklist for Welfare Facilities from the ILO. (As a safety professional, we need to ensure that adequate welfare facilities are provided to everyone at workplace.)
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