Hazard
A hazard is a situation or source that has the potential to cause harm, such as injury, property damage, or environmental damage. Hazards can be natural, human-caused, or a combination of both.
There are four main types of hazards in safety: chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic:
Physical Hazards
It is the risks arising from the physical work environment – floors, facilities, walls, and ceilings. Physical hazards could also mean working with machinery and electricity operated machines.
Chemical hazards
These can include liquids, vapors, fumes, dust, gases, flammable materials, and pesticides. Exposure to these substances can cause severe health conditions.
Biological hazards
These include exposure to harm or disease from working with animals, people, or infectious plant materials. Examples include blood, bodily fluids, bacteria, viruses, mildew, molds, poisonous plants, and stinging insects.
Ergonomic hazards
Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions that may pose a risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system due to poor ergonomics. These hazards include awkward or static postures, high forces, repetitive motion, or insufficient rest breaks activities.
Electrical hazards refer to the potential dangers and risks that are associated with electrical systems.
Health, safety and security at workplace
Health
Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being. Every organisation must provide healthy and safety working environment for their employees at the workplace. Health of an employee must be in a good condition so that the employees of the organisation will not suffer from any diseases
Safety
The work environment of the organisation must be safe. It must be free from hazards and risk. A risk is a probability of causing harm to the people. A proper safety guidelines must be prepared by the company and it should be strictly followed.
Security
Every employee working in an organisation must feel that they are secured in the company campus. Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm. Security ensures the safety of the people working in the organisation.
Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety and Security
1. A health, safety and security policy is a written statement by an employer stating the company’s commitment for the protection of the health, safety and security of employees and to the public.
2. A health, safety and security program /policy contains the health, safety and security elements of an organisation and objectives which make it possible for the company to achieve its goal in the protection of its workers at the workplace.
3. The government has a specific section mentioned in their company laws, which states the minimum requirements to be followed for health, safety and security programme.
Safety Guidelines
1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.
2. Throw garbage daily.
3. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.
4. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.
5. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some machinery, tools or equipment.
6. Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, and hair nets.
7. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.
8. Do not play with electrical controls or switches.
9. Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly trained and allowed to do so by your supervisor.
10. Repair torn wires or broken plugs before using any electrical equipment.
11. Do not use equipment if it smokes, sparks or looks unsafe.
12. Cover all food with a lid, plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
13. Do not smoke in ‘No Smoking’ areas.
14. Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.