OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PRACTICES/ DEMONSTRATE

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PRACTICES

Introduction
Occupational safety and health practices is a unit of competency offered in
TVET level 6 qualification for basic competencies. This learning outcome
describes the competencies required to comply with regulatory and
organizational requirements for occupational safety and health. The
significance of occupational safety and health practices to TVET level 6
curriculum is to equip trainee with knowledge, skills and attitude required to
identify hazards in the workplace and/or the indicators of their presence,
evaluation and/or work environment measurements of OSH hazards/risk
existing in the workplace, gathering of OSH issues and/or concerns,
prevention and control measures such as use of PPE and contingency
measures for a safe working environment.

The critical aspects of competency to be covered include; identification of

hazards/risks in the workplace and/or its indicators, requests for evaluation
and/or work environment measurements of OSH hazards/risk in the
workplace, gathering of OSH issues and/or concerns raised by workers,
identification and implementation prevention and control measures,
including use of PPE (personal protective equipment) for specific hazards,
recommending appropriate risk controls based on result of OSH hazard
evaluation and OSH issues gathered in accordance with organization
procedures. The unit of competency covers three learning outcomes. Each of
the learning outcomes presents; learning activities that cover performance
criteria statements, thus creating opportunity for the trainees to demonstrate
knowledge and skills in the occupational standards and content in the
curriculum. Information sheet provides; definition of key terms, content and
 illustration to guide in training. The competency may be assessed through
written tests, demonstration, practical assignment, interview/oral questioning
and case study. Self-assessment is provided at the end of each learning
outcome. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector
workplace and job role is recommended.

Performance Standard
Identify workplace hazards and risk, identify and implement appropriate
control measures to hazards and risks, implement OSH programs, procedures
and policies/guidelines in accordance with organization procedures.

Learning Outcomes
List of learning outcomes
a) Identify workplace hazards and risk
b) Identify and implement appropriate control measures to hazards and risks
c) Implement OSH programs, procedures and policies/guidelines
Definition of key terms
Hazards: It is anything (e.g. condition, situation practice or behavior) that
has potential to cause harm, including injury, disease, death, environmental,
property and equipment damage. It can be a thing or a situation.

Hazard identification: It is the process of examining each work area and

working task for the purpose of identifying hazardous inherent in the job.
Risk: The likelihood or possibility that a risk will occur e.g. injury, illness,
death, damage, may occur from exposure to hazard.

Monitoring and review: These involve ongoing process of looking out for the
hazard identified, risks assessed, risk control processes and adjusting them to
make sure that they are working.
Risk control: It is taking actions to eliminate health and safety risks as far as is
reasonably practicable.
Incident; refers to an event that occurs with interaction with a hazards
Hazard Identification; Refers to a process of examining each work area and
working task for the [purpose of finding out hazardous situations at work.
Risk Control; Refers to taking actions to eliminate health and safety risks as
far as is reasonably practicable.
Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs)-Isa device that is worn by a worn
by a worker in order to prevent any parts of his body from coming into
contact with hazards present at his/her place of work.
Importance of occupational safety and health Practice
Economic sense; when safety and health system is in place, productivity is
enhanced. Reduced insurance premiums, reduced long term health care costs,
reduced legal costs
Legal importance reduced litigations, reduced ambulance chasers (common
law costs), and cushion workers from exploitation by employers.
Health implications Reduced morbidity, mortality and fatality.
Organizational competitiveness Improved public image employee
satisfaction and employee retention

TYPES OF HAZARDS
1. Biological Hazards
-Biological hazards (biohazards)-are substances that pose a threat to the
health and safety of humans, animals and environment.
E.g. medical waste or body fluids containing microorganism, or toxin (from
a biological source)
 Mode of Exposure and Effects
• Contact (direct or indirect): touching a person or contaminated surface,
sexual contact. Examples: hemorrhagic fever virus, enteric pathogens,
Ebola, HIV, HBV
• Droplet: infected droplets come into contact with eyes, nose or mouth. •
Examples : influenza and rubella viruses, corynebacterium diphtheria
• Airborne: residue from infected droplets or contaminated dust particles
remains in the air for long periods of time and enter the body through the
respiratory tract. TB including MDR TB, chicken pox, and measles
• Fecal-Oral route: organisms infect the digestive system through
contaminated food or water. • Examples: salmonellosis, cholera, typhoid
fever, hepatitis A

• Vector: capable of transmitting disease, such as, mosquitoes, and fleas. • Examples:
malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever.

• Percutaneous: (needle stick/sharp injuries) and mucocutaneous route: splash of body

fluids into the eyes, nose or mouth. Examples: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV).

Prevention and Control of Biological Hazards

• Implementation of Standard Precautions (hand hygiene, handling of sharps,
decontamination of instruments)
• Immunization against hepatitis B, influenza, yellow fever, typhoid,
• Proper management of waste materials
• Provision of appropriate and proper use of PPE
• Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
2. Chemical Hazards
• Are substances that can cause harm or damage to the body, property or the
environment?
• Can be either natural or manmade.
• Classified as solids, liquids, gases,
– Health care environment houses a vast array of chemicals.
– Examples: formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, phenol, and per acetic acid;
anesthetics gases, laboratory reagents
Mode of Exposure and Effects
• Inhalation: gases, dust, vapor, fumes, aerosols or mists. • Examples:
xylene, formaldehyde, acetone
• Ingestion/swallowing: via contaminated foods or drinks, touching mouth
with contaminated hands, or inhaling airborne particles
• Topical (skin) – chemicals such as acids or alkalis can corrode or burn the
skin. • Example: organic solvents can penetrate through the skin causing
systemic damage. Others cause allergic reactions.
• Ocular (eye): Splash, contact – irritation, ulceration, loss of eye sight.
• Injection: sharp objects contaminated with chemicals can penetrate the skin
and cause damage.
• Chemical exposure can have severe effects to other body systems. •
Examples: respiratory, nervous, skin and reproductive etc. other effects
include cancers, tumors and mutations.
Prevention and Control of Chemical hazards
• Availability and use of Material Safety Data Sheet {MSDS}
• Availability of chemical Safety Policies and SOPs
• Provision and Appropriate use of PPE
• Management of exposures and first aid
• Emergency shower and Eye wash station
3. Physical hazards
• Are conditions or situations that can cause the body physical harm or
intense stress
• Can either be natural and/or human made?
• Example: extreme temperature and pressure, noise, vibration and radiation
(ionizing and non-ionizing) that can be harmful to workers if not properly
controlled.
Mode of Exposure and Effects
• Thermal Conditions
1. Heat-come about when temp and/or humidity are unusually high or
exposure to high radiant heat
2. Heat stroke.
3. Heat exhaustion
4. Heat rash
5. Heat cramps
6. Decreased work morale and inability to concentrate
2. Cold when the temp is usually low and when high wind speed in
background of low temp. – Effects: – Hypothermia – frostbite
At very cold temperatures, the most serious concern is the risk of
hypothermia– cold burns – Reduces sensitivity of the fingers Extremes of
Pressures - Caisson’s syndrome or decompression diseases
• Noise- Unwanted sound
• Effects:
1. Acoustic trauma: Very high sound egg. Bomb Blasts,
– Sudden hearing damage caused by short burst of extremely loud noise such
as a gun shot
2. Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ear
3. Temporary hearing loss: Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) occurs
immediately after exposure to a high level of noise.
4. Permanent hearing loss:
– Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS),
5. Interferes with communication
6. Sleep disturbance and fatigue
Vibration
• Refers to Mechanical oscillation of a surface around its reference point.
• Whole body vibration (WBV) -tractor, lorry
• Segmental vibration-e.g. hand transmitted vibrationvortexing, drilling
• Effects; Disorders in musculoskeletal (Tendons, muscles and joints) and
the nervous system • Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
• The symptoms of VWF are aggravated when the hands are exposed to
cold. --Mode of Exposure and Effects
• Workers affected by HAVS commonly report:
• Attacks of whitening (blanching) of one or more fingers when exposed to
cold
• Tingling and loss of sensation in the fingers
• Loss of light touch
• Pain and cold sensations between periodic white finger attacks
• Loss of grip strength
• bone cysts in fingers and wrists
Prevention and Control of Vibration
• Proper installation and maintenance of machines
• Remote operation of equipment
• Correct handling and use of hand tools
 • Proper adjustment of seating and working positions
• Early reporting of symptoms
Prevention and control of Physical Hazards
• Noise – noise minimization through muffling, use of acoustic materials and
signage. – Noisy equipment should be appropriately sited and isolated.
Hearing conservation programmer for noisy areas.
• Ionizing Radiation – time, distance, shielding, monitoring
• Light - – adequate and avoid glare
• Extreme hot temperatures – PPE, time (shifts), personal clothing (cotton, light and loose
fitting), rehydration (water avoid beverages), ventilation (spot cooling fans, air
conditioning), monitoring, permit to work

• High Pressures – decompression camps, permit to work

• Low Pressures – time

• Electrical energies – Earthling, fusing, de-energize equipment, circuit breakers,

appropriate wiring, insulation, PPE, permit to work

4. Electrical Hazards the major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock
and fire. The severity and effects of shock depend on:

• Pathway through the body

• The amount of current

• The length of time of the exposure

• Whether the skin is wet or dry. Effects the effect of the shock may range from a slight
tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest. Sparks can serve as an ignition source for
flammable or explosive vapors or combustible materials

Prevention and Control of Electrical Hazards

• Inspection of wiring of equipment
• Replacement of damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately.
• Information of specific location shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker
panels. • Limit the use of extension cords,
• Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.
• Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical
equipment.
5. Ergonomic Hazard
An ergonomic hazard is a physical factor within the environment that harms
the musculoskeletal system.
• Ergonomic hazards include themes such as repetitive movement, manual
handling, workplace/job/task design, uncomfortable workstation height and
poor body positioning.
Mode of Exposure and Effects
• Healthcare personnel are exposed to many ergonomics risk factors due to
the nature of their work.
• Examples of risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or
prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling,
or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures
Prevention and Control in Ergonomic Hazards
• Mechanization (equipment and assist devices), proper work station design,
use of appropriate tools, proper lifting procedures, adequate staffing, training
• the application of ergonomic principles to workstation design can result • in
increased effectiveness, • work quality, • health and safety, • job satisfaction
DO: – Push rather than pull.
– Keep a good grip.
– Maintain clear vision between the
object and your destination.
 – When lowering an object, try and keep the natural curve of your back.
– Place the load on the edge (tailgate) and push it back.
• DON’T: – Lift above shoulder height. – Catch falling objects.

6. Mechanical Hazards
A mechanical hazard is any hazard involving a machine or process.
• Equipment used in healthcare facilities if not properly installed and
maintained may pose mechanical hazards.
• Compressed gases or liquids can also be considered a mechanical hazard.
Mode of Exposure and Effects
• Dangers in machinery are divided into
– Continuing danger – the danger that occurs during the normal operation of
the machinery such as dust, heat, fumes etc.
– Contingent danger
- The danger which is as a result of failure of a guard or a safety device.
Effects
• being trapped between fixed and moving parts of machines
• Entanglement
• struck by moving parts
• striking fixed/and or moving parts
Prevention and Control of Mechanical hazards
• Training of operators to get competent persons
• Incorporating machinery safeguards in design
• Improvisation/modification where necessary
• Maintenance of machines
• Use of suitable PPE
7. Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards include but aren't limited to stress, violence and other
workplace stressors. • Examples;
• unsatisfactory work environment such as “work overload, lack of control
over one’s work, no supportive supervisors or co-workers, limited job
opportunities, role ambiguity or conflict, rotating shift work, and machine-
paced work.”
• However, may be anything that conflicts with an employee’s social and
mental well-being. • Workplace violence
Mode of Exposure and Effects
Stress
Stress is the “wear and tear” our minds and bodies experience as we attempt
to cope with our continually changing environment – lead to fight or flight
• NEGATIVE STRESS It is a contributory factor in minor conditions, such
as headaches, digestive problems, skin complaints, insomnia and ulcers
• Excessive, prolonged and unrelieved stress can have a harmful effect on
mental, physical and spiritual health’

• POSITIVE STRESS can also have a positive effect, spurring motivation

and awareness, providing the stimulation to cope with challenging situations.
Main causes of stress at work are • shift work • work overload/under load
(Quantitative and Qualitative) • lack of task control/role ambiguity • working
alone • drug and alcohol abuse • Violence
Effects:
• Burnout • Irritability • Depression • Anxiety • Absenteeism/Presenters •
Insomnia, headache, stomach upsets, loss of appetite, • high blood pressure,
ulcers, neurosis, stroke
Prevention and Control of Psychosocial Hazard
• Work Schedule should be compatible with demands and responsibilities
outside the job. When schedules involves rotating shifts the rate of rotation
should be stable and predictable
• Work load: demands should tally with the capabilities and resources of
individual
• Contents: jobs should be designed to provide meaning, stimulation and an
opportunity to use skills
Participation and control: workers should be given the opportunity to have
input on decision that affects their jobs
• Work roles: roles and responsibilities at work should be well defined
• Social environment: opportunities for personal interactions both for
purposes of emotional support and help as needed in accomplishing assigned
tasks (sports club, family fun days, and open events)
• Job future: career development and job security
– Counseling,
– Psychotherapy
– developing employees assistance programmer
– Seek medical advice
– Relaxation, yoga, meditation, massage, Aromatherapy, Floatation,
Homeopathy – Use of the “Right Based approach.

The hazards and risk indicators at the workplace

 A high rate of increased incidents of accidents and injuries
 Increase in occurrence of sickness or health complaints and symptoms
 Common complaints of workers as aspects related to the occupation
safety and health
  Cases of high absent seem for work related reasons that may affect
the normal working trend
Evaluation and/or work environment measurements of OSH hazards/risk
existing in the workplace is conducted by Authorized personnel or agency
The evaluation and work environmental measurement may include the following:
Health audit: This is a process by health professionals to assess, evaluate
and improve care of workers in a systematic way. It measures current
practice against defined standard. It forms part of health governance which
aims to safeguard high quality care of workers.
Safety audit: It is used to describe an activity where a facility gets
information about one or more aspects of the workplace in order to evaluate
the risks levels for health and safety issues. It is a structured process where
information is collected relating to the efficiency, effectiveness and
reliability of a company’s total health and safety management system.
Work safety: This describes procedures in place to ensure safety and health
of the employee. It involves hazard identification and action according to the
government standards and ongoing safety training and education for
employees. The occupational
Safety and health issues can be gathered from workers by a number of
methods. These methods include:
 Questionnaires
 Oral interviews
 By use of suggestion box
The data collected using these methods are analyzed to get the required
information to facilitate site taking of the corrective actions. The concerns
may concern the following aspects:
 Environmental safety
 Workplace safety
 Machine safety
 Workers welfare issues
 Compensation issues in case of injury or loss of life
 Operational hours and maximum exposure limit


OSH issues and/or concerns raised by workers are gathered.

When workplace hazards have been identified and controls introduced, top
management, supervisors, safety and health personnel, employees, and
employee representatives should be provided with training that describes
these control measures. Standards developed by the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration require the employer to train employees in the
safety and health aspects of their jobs initially upon assignment, and/or
annually. Many of these OSHA standards make it the employer’s
responsibility to limit certain job assignments to employees who are
“certified,” “competent,” or “qualified” m e a n i n g that t h e y h a v e had
special p r e v i o u s t r a i n i n g , i n o r o u t of the workplace. The term
“ designated” p e r s o n n e l m e a n s s e l e c t e d or a s s i g n e d by
the employer or t h e employer’s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e as
 being qualified to perform specific duties. Training records
p r o v i d e evidence o f t h e employer’s g o o d f a i t h and compliance with
OSHA standards. Documentation can also supply an answer to one of the
first questions an accident investigator will ask: “Was the injured
employee trained to do the job?” Many researchers and studies conclude that
those who are new on the job have a higher rate of accidents and injuries
than more experienced workers. To help employers, safety and health
professionals, training directors, and consultants can help fulfill OSHA
training related requirements.
Further Reading
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007

Definition of key terms

Hazard prevention and control: These are efforts geared towards
protecting workers from the work place hazards i.e. help avoid injuries,
illness, and incidents, minimize or
 Eliminate safety and health risk and help provide workers with safe and
healthful working conditions.

Prevention and control measures for specific hazards identified and implemented

There are six major control measures to hazards. They include:

 Use of personal protective equipment
 Elimination
 Substitution
 Isolation
 Engineering controls
 Administrative controls
Elimination
It is often cheaper and more practical to eliminate hazards at the design or
planning stage of a product, process or place used for work. In these early
phases, there is greater scope to design out hazards or incorporate risk control
measures that are compatible with the original design and functional
requirements. For example, remove trip hazards on the floor or dispose of
unwanted chemicals. This involves getting rid of dangerous machine, tool
and equipment away from the work environment.
Substitution
If it is not reasonably practical to eliminate the hazards and associated risks,
you should minimize the risk. For example, today the dangers associated
with asbestos are well known and there are numerous alternatives to asbestos
products currently on the market including cellulose fiber, thermoset plastic
flour or polyether foams. Replacing solvent- based paints with water-based
ones is also a better alternative. In this case, the faulty machine
is/tool/equipment is replaced by safe ones.
Isolate the hazard from people
This involves physically separating the source of harm from people by
distance or using barriers. For example, introducing a strict work area, using
guard rails around exposed edges and holes in the floors, using remote
control systems to operate machinery, enclosing a noisy process from a
person and storing chemicals in a fume cabinet.
Engineering control
An engineering control is a control measure that is physical in nature,
including a mechanical device or process. For example, this can be done
through the use of machine guards, effective ventilation systems and setting
work rates on a roster to reduce fatigue. Involves incorporating engineering
design to reduce accidents and hazards e.g. having guards.
Administrative control
Administrative controls are work methods or procedures that are
designed to minimize exposure to a hazard. Establish appropriate
procedures and safe work practices such as; limit exposure time to a
hazardous task so that fewer employees are exposed, routine
maintenance and housekeeping procedures, training on hazards and
correct work methods and use signs to warn people of a hazard. This
involves training and proper sensitization on how to use equipment
safely, OSH related topics. Issue warming signs and ensure work
operation shift.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provide suitable and properly maintained PPE and ensure employees
are trained in its proper use. Examples include gloves, earplugs, face
masks, hard hats, gloves, aprons and protective eyewear. PPE limits
exposure to harmful effects of a hazard but only if workers wear and
use the PPE correctly.
Contingency measures during workplace incidents and
emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with
organization procedures
Contingency measures

In relation to occupational health and safety, contingency measures

refer to plans involving suitable immediate action for responding to
accidental hazards and emergencies. It refers to security measure put
forward for emergence response to reduce the effects of system
disruption and increase system efficiency. The contingency measures
include:
 i. Evacuation: This involves removal of operatives from the
scene of hazard/accident to prevent the situation worsening. It
also involves further medical attention i.e. evacuation to a
medical facility.
ii. Isolation: The affected victims can be isolated to give a
secrecy and more attention to prevent spread
iii. Decontamination: In the event of exposure to chemical
hazards, where the level of contamination can be controlled
then it can be done.
iv. Engage emergence personnel: This involves getting an expert
where possible to address situation.