PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• OHS procedures for controlling hazards and risk are strictly followed.

• Procedures in dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies

• are followed in accordance with the organization’s OHS policies.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance

• with organization’s OHS procedures and practices.

• Procedures in providing appropriate assistance in the event of

• workplace emergencies are identified in line with the established

• organizational protocol.

Materials/ Resources

1. Personal protective equipment:

Safety goggles

Safety shoes

Safety helmet

Safety gloves

Safety shoes

Safety belt

2. First aid kit

What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know controlling hazards and risks. Take this test.

What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 3.1 very well then find out how much you can remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 3.1.

3A. HAZARD CONTROL

All workplace hazards (chemical, physical, etc.) can be controlled by a variety of methods. The goal of controlling hazards is to prevent workers from being exposed to occupational hazards. Some methods of hazard control are more efficient than others, but a combination of methods usually provides a safer workplace than relying on only one method. Some methods of control are cheaper than others but may not provide the most effective way to reduce exposures.

To control hazards in your workplace you need to identify and understand those hazards. Your first priority should always be to eliminate the hazards. If the hazards can't be eliminated, try finding safer ways to carry out those tasks by substituting less harmful substances or changing the work environment through engineering controls. Also consider changing how work activities are organized and performed. For example, reduce the time workers are exposed to a hazard by rotating them to another task.

A. Controlling workplace hazards

Once a hazard has been identified and the risk assessed, control measures should be put into place. A simple list of control measures can be utilized - the hierarchy of control.

1. Identify the Hazard

​ Identify the source of the problem

2. Assess the Risk

​ Risk assessment is the process where you:

​o Identify hazards,

o Analyze or evaluate the risk associated with that hazard.

o Determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard

3. Eliminate the Hazard Or Risk

Elimination of a specific hazard or hazardous work process, or preventing it from entering the workplace, is the most effective method of control. Eliminating a hazard means removing it completely.

4. Engineering Control

may mean changing a piece of machinery (for example, using proper machine guards) or a work process to reduce exposure to a hazard.

5. Administrative Controls

Working a limited number of hours in a hazardous area is an example of an administrative control for example, job rotation.

6. Substitution

is one measure of replacing one hazardous agent or work process with a less dangerous one. It is important to consider worker health and safety when work processes are still in the planning stages.

Provide Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes ear and eye protection, respirators, and protective clothing.

Remember: it is always better to control the hazard as close to the source as possible. Using personal protection is the least acceptable and least effective of all control measures.

Read the Information Sheet 3.2 very well then find out how much you can remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 3.2.

Information Sheet 3.2

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK

​Personal hygiene

Finally, personal hygiene (cleanliness) is also very important as a method of controlling hazards. Your employer should provide facilities so you can wash and/or take a shower every day at the end of your shift, no matter what your job is. Wash your skin and hair with a mild soap, rinse and dry your skin completely to protect it. Washing hands regularly, and eating and smoking away from your work area help to prevent ingesting contaminants.

Lack of personal cleanliness can affect your family's health. Your family can be exposed to hazards you work with if you bring chemicals and other workplace contaminants home with you on your clothes, hair or skin. Before you leave work, wash/shower and change your clothes when necessary to prevent bringing workplace contaminants home.

Leave your dirty clothes at work or, if you must wash them at home, wash them separately — not with the family wash.

​It may seem that the amount of contaminant you can bring home on your clothes or skin is very small and cannot hurt your family. In reality a small exposure every day for months can add up to a big exposure. A classic example of this ―spreading the hazard‖ involves asbestos, where wives of asbestos workers have developed asbestosis from exposure to the asbestos on their husbands' work clothes. Similarly, children have developed lead poisoning from exposure to lead which comes home on their parents' work clothes. If you wear protective clothing at work, such as aprons, laboratory coats, overalls, etc., these should be cleaned regularly and you should inspect them for holes or areas that are worn out. Workers who launder these clothes should be trained in the types of hazards they may work with and how they can be controlled. Inspect your underclothes at home for any signs of contamination with oils, solvents, etc. If you find any signs, then it means your protective clothing at work is not effective.

Every workplace should have some kind of first-aid facility ​

Every workplace should have at least minimal first-aid facilities as well as adequate personnel trained to provide first aid. First-aid facilities and trained personnel are important components of a healthy and safe workplace.​

A basic first-aid facility

1. General cleanliness in the workplace is an important method of controlling hazards.

2. Good housekeeping reduces the risk of fire and is cost-effective. 3. Good housekeeping measures should be planned when work processes are in the design stage.

4. Safety signs are not a method of hazard control.

5. Personal cleanliness is an important method of controlling hazards.

6. Your employer should provide facilities so you can wash and/or take a shower every day.

7. Before you leave work, wash/shower and change your clothes when necessary to prevent bringing workplace contaminants home to your family.

8. Leave your dirty clothes at work. If you must wash them at home, wash them separately — never wash your work clothes with your family's wash.

9. Your protective clothing should be cleaned regularly. Inspect your protective clothing for holes and worn areas that could leave you open to exposures.

10. Inspect your undergarments for signs of contamination.

11. Your workplace should have at least minimal first-aid facilities.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Process of ensuring that an organization has complied with the preventive measures, is in a state of readiness to contain the effects of a forecasted disastrous event to minimize loss of life, injury, and damage to property, can provide rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and ​other services in the aftermath of the disaster, and has the capability and resources to continue to sustain its essential functions without being overwhelmed by the demand placed on them. Preparedness for the first and immediate response is called emergency preparedness.

Always remember that disaster comes in the most unexpected time and place. Being ready is always a necessity in all circumstances. The government is giving trainings that everybody needs in all our localities. One should participate in this disaster training so that we will not be caught unaware when calamity struck.