NCERT SOLUTIONS Information Technology (402) Class - X Unit 4: Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment Chapter 13. Health, Safety and Security at Workplace Important Notes of Health, Safety and Security at Workplace Health, Safety, and Security at the Workplace Ensuring a safe and secure workplace is essential for the well- being of employees and the overall productivity of an organization. This document outlines key aspects of workplace health, safety, and security, including relevant policies, definitions, reasons for implementing these programs, types of hazards, hazard control measures, and safety guidelines. 1. Definitions - Health: Refers to the physical and mental well-being of employees. It encompasses the absence of illness or injury and the presence of conditions that allow employees to perform their duties effectively. - Safety: Involves protecting employees from accidents, injuries, and other physical harms in the workplace through preventive measures and protocols.- Security: Pertains to safeguarding the workplace from intentional threats such as theft, violence, and unauthorized access, as well as ensuring the protection of company assets and information. 2. Reasons for Health, Safety, and Security Programs Policies in the Workplace Legal Compliance: Adhering to local, state, and federal regulations to avoid legal penalties and fines. Employee Well-being: Promoting a healthy and safe environment to enhance employee morale, reduce absenteeism, and increase job satisfaction. Productivity: Minimizing workplace accidents and illnesses leads to fewer disruptions and higher overall productivity. Reputation Management: Demonstrating a commitment to safety and security can enhance the organization's reputation among clients, partners, and potential employees. Financial Benefits: Reducing accidents and incidents can lower costs related to workers' compensation, insurance premiums, and medical expenses. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential hazards helps prevent incidents that could result in significant losses or disruptions. 3. Workplace Safety Hazards 101 Psa. Physical Hazards : Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces. Noise: High decibel levels causing hearing impairment. : Temperature Extremes: Excessive heat or cold affecting} employee comfort and safety. Radiation: Exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation in certain industries. . Vibration: Prolonged exposure leading to musculoskeletal issues. b. Chemical Hazards + Toxic Substances: Exposure to harmful chemicals like solvents, pesticides, and asbestos. Flammable Materials: Increased risk of fires and explosions. c. Biological Hazards Infectious Agents: Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Mold and Fungi: Causing respiratory issues and allergic reactions. d. Ergonomic Hazards Poor Posture: Leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Repetitive Movements: Causing strain and injury. e. Psychosocial Hazards- Stress: Resulting from high workloads, tight deadlines, or workplace bullying. + Violence: Including harassment, intimidation, and physical assault. 4. Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organization - Work Processes: Inadequate procedures or unsafe practices. + Equipment: Faulty or poorly maintained machinery and tools. + Work Environment: Poor lighting, ventilation, or cleanliness. + Human Factors: Lack of training, fatigue, or negligence. - Materials: Use of hazardous substances or materials. - External Factors: Natural disasters, power outages, or security breaches. 5. Hazards Using Computers - Ergonomic Issues: Poor workstation setup leading to musculoskeletal problems. . Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time causing visual discomfort. - Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): From excessive typing or mouse use. - Electrical Hazards: Risks from faulty electrical equipment.- Data Security Risks: Unauthorized access to sensitive information. 6. Handling Office Equipment Proper Use: Training employees on the correct operation of equipment like printers, copiers, and shredders. - Maintenance: Regular servicing to prevent malfunctions. - Storage: Keeping equipment in designated areas to avoid tripping hazards. - Safety Features: Ensuring equipment has necessary safety guards and features. - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing PPE when handling heavy or potentially dangerous equipment. 7. Hazard Control a. Hierarchy of Controls 1. Elimination: Removing the hazard entirely from the workplace. 2. Substitution: Replacing the hazard with a less dangerous one. 3. Engineering Controls: Isolating employees from the hazard (e.g., ventilation systems). 4. Administrative Controls: Changing work policies or procedures (e.g., training, shift rotations). 5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing protective gear to employees. 131 P3b. Risk Assessment - Identifying potential hazards. - Evaluating the risks associated with each hazard. - Implementing appropriate control measures. c. Incident Reporting and Investigation - Establishing a system for reporting accidents and near- misses. - Investigating incidents to determine root causes. - Implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 8. Safety Guidelines Checklist General Workplace Safety - Conduct regular safety audits and inspections. - Ensure all employees receive safety training. - Display clear signage for hazards and emergency exits. - Maintain clean and organized workspaces. - Provide and maintain necessary PPE. Ergonomics + Set up ergonomic workstations tailored to individual needs. - Encourage regular breaks to reduce strain. - Provide adjustable chairs and desks. Equipment Safety - Perform routine maintenance on all equipment. 14| Pa- Train employees on proper equipment use. - Ensure safety guards and features are functional. Fire Safety + Install and maintain fire extinguishers. - Conduct regular fire drills. - Keep fire exits unobstructed. Electrical Safety - Inspect electrical cords and outlets for damage. - Avoid overloading electrical outlets. - Ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment. Chemical Safety - Store chemicals properly with appropriate labeling. - Provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals. - Train employees on safe handling and disposal of chemicals. Emergency Preparedness - Develop and communicate an emergency response plan. - Provide first aid kits and trained first aid personnel. - Ensure availability of emergency contact information. Security Measures - Implement access control systems. + Conduct background checks for employees where necessary. a5 [Ps+ Train employees on security protocols and procedures. 9. Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety, and Security a. Health Policies - Wellness Programs: Initiatives promoting physical and mental health. - Sick Leave Policies: Guidelines for reporting illness and taking sick leave. - Health Screenings: Regular health check-ups and screenings for employees. b. Safety Policies - Incident Reporting: Procedures for reporting accidents and near-misses. - Safety Training: Mandatory training sessions for all employees. - Emergency Procedures: Clear guidelines for responding to emergencies. c. Security Policies - Access Control: Rules governing who can enter certain areas. - Data Protection: Policies to safeguard sensitive information. - Surveillance: Use of cameras and monitoring systems to ensure security. d. Implementation Procedures 16| Pa- Policy Communication: Ensuring all employees are aware of policies. - Regular Reviews: Periodically updating policies to reflect changes. . Enforcement: Consistently applying policies and addressing violations. 10. Best Practices for Maintaining a Safe and Secure Workplace + Continuous Training: Regularly update employees on safety and security practices. - Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to participate in safety committees and provide feedback. - Promote a Safety Culture: Foster an environment where safety and security are prioritized. - Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously assess the effectiveness of safety and security measures. - Adapt to Changes: Update policies and procedures in response to new hazards or changes in the workplace. By implementing comprehensive health, safety, and security policies and procedures, organizations can create a safe and productive environment that protects employees and enhances overall organizational performance.Book Exercise A. Multiple choice questions 1. Workplace safety is essential in organisation (a) to avoid the accident and injury (b) to increase the productivity (b) to improve the work environment (d) All of the above Ans: (d) All of the above 2. Which of the following is not mandatory to keep the good health of an employee? (a) Cleanliness (b) Food court (c) Clean and fresh air (d) Clean washroom Ans: (b) Food court 3. The security department is not responsible for (a) personal safety (b) computer system and equipment safety (c) electrical safety 18] Ps(d) personal belongings Ans: (d) personal belongings 4. The proper security procedures will increase (a) liabilities (b) insurance (c) business revenue (d) operational charges of the company Ans: (c) business revenue 5. Which kind of hazards can occur in IT industry? (a) Biological (b) Chemical (c) Physical (d) Ergonomic Ans: (d) Ergonomic 6. Which of the following can cause hazards while usiiig computers? (a) Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position (b) Lifting heavy object (c) Mishandling of tools and equipment 19| Pa(d) Improper handling of office equipment Ans: (a) Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position 7. Which of the following statements is likely to resultjin an injury to the operator? (a) Selecting the right tool for the job (b) Wearing safety goggles or glasses (c) Using a tool with loose handles (d) Keeping cutting tools sharp Ans: (c) Using a tool with loose handles 8. What are the potential cause of hazards at workplafe? (a) Poor ventilation (b) Poor lighting (c) Poor housekeeping (d) All of the above Ans: (d) All of the aboveB. Fill in the blanks 1. Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental andsocial well being. 2. The work places must be cleaned in the morning before the people start working. 3. A proper ventilation system / air conditioning provide clean and cool air at the workplace. 4. A fresh food cafeteria helps to maintain the health / well- being of the employee. 5. The work environment of the organisation must be safe and free from hazards and_risk . 6. The proper security procedures will increase the business revenue and will reduce the operational charges / liabilities of the company. 7. Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through national policy on occupational health & safety. 8. Physical hazards occurs due to physical work environment / unsafe conditions. 9. Electrical hazards mostly caused due to coming in direct contact with live wires, or indirect contact through a conductor/ conductive surface. 10. Hazards while using computers occurs due to poor posture or excessive duration of sitting in one position. 21|PaC. State whether the following statements are True or False 1. The employer and employees are responsible for workplace safety. TRUE 2. Any injury at work should be reported to the supervisor immediately. TRUE 3. No matter how big or small the injury; the injured person should receive medical attention. TRUE 4. While working with machines and equipment, employees must follow the safety guidelines set by the company. TRUE 5. Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems. TRUE 6. Exposure to bright lights and toxic fumes and vapour could damage the mouth and ears. FALSE 7. The use of personal protective clothing and equipment can control the hazards at workplace. TRUE 8. Do not throw rubbish daily. TRUE 9. Proper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. FALSE 10. Stress at workplace can cause hazard in today's organisation. TRUED. Short answer questions 1. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace. AnsHealth refers to the physical and mental well-being of employees. Safety involves protection from accidents, injuries, and health risks in the workplace. Security deals with protecting employees and company assets from intentional threats such as theft, violence, and breaches in confidentiality. 2. State the most important reasons for health, safet: and security programs in workplace AnsReasons include legal compliance, enhancing employee well-being, increasing productivity, managing risks, reducing costs (insurance, medical expenses), and improving the company’s reputation. 3. List out the various workplace safety hazards. AnsPhysical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, ergonomic hazards, and psychosocial hazards. 4. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organisation. Ans: Work processes, faulty equipment, unsafe environments, lack of training, improper handling of materials, and external factors like natural disasters.5. List some of the IT workplace hazards. Ans: Ergonomic issues, repetitive strain injuries, eye strain, electrical hazards, and data security risks. 6. What are the examples of potential hazards? Ans: Poor lighting, wet floors, loud noise, exposure to toxic chemicals, unsafe machinery, and electrical faults. 7. Describe information technology workplace hazardq. Ans: IT workplace hazards include ergonomic issues (improper posture, repetitive strain), electrical hazards from faulty equipment, eye strain from prolonged screen use, and data security risks. 8. What are the workplace safety rules? Ans: Follow safety protocols, use protective equipment, report hazards immediately, ensure proper machine operation, maintain clean and organized workspaces, and adhere to emergency procedures. 9. List out different safety guidelines? Ans: Regular safety audits, employee training, use of PPE, maintaining equipment, emergency response plans, and incident reporting systems.10. Describe type of emergency with example. Ans:Types of emergencies include fire (e.g., an electrical fire), medical (e.g., an employee having a heart attack), natural disasters (e.g., an earthquake), and security threats (e.g., a break-in).Mind Map for Health, Safety, and Security at the Workplace: 1. Health, Safety, and Security at the Workplace - Health: Well-being (physical and mental) - Safety: Protection from harm (accidents, injuries) - Security: Protection from intentional threats (theft, violence) 2. Reasons for Health, Safety, and Security Programs - Legal Compliance . Employee Well-being Productivity . Reputation Management - Financial Benefits . Risk Management 3. Workplace Safety Hazards - a. Physical Hazards Slips, trips, falls o Noise ° Temperature extremes « Radiation » Vibrationb, Chemical Hazards e Toxic substances « Flammable materials . ¢. Biological Hazards » Infectious agents e Mold, fungi - d. Ergonomic Hazards « Poor posture > Repetitive movements - e. Psychosocial Hazards « Stress o Violence 4. Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organization - Work processes Equipment + Work environment Human factors Materials External factors 5. Hazards Using Computers Ergonomic issues aa- Eye strain - Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) - Electrical hazards - Data security risks 6. Handling Office Equipment - Proper use - Maintenance - Storage - Safety features - Personal protective equipment (PPE) 7. Hazard Control - Hierarchy of Controls » Elimination » Substitution « Engineering controls « Administrative controls o PPE Risk Assessment o Identify hazards > Evaluate risks « Implement control measures- Incident Reporting and Investigation 8. Safety Guidelines Checklist . General Safety « Regular audits o Employee safety training « Clear signage 2 Clean, organized spaces > PPE availability - Ergonomics e Ergonomic workstations o Regular breaks © Adjustable furniture - Equipment Safety e Routine maintenance e Equipment training > Functional safety features . Fire Safety o Fire extinguishers o Fire drills o Clear exits - Electrical Safety « Cord and outlet inspection« Avoid overloading outlets o Proper grounding . Chemical Safety « Proper storage and labeling o Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) ° Safe handling training - Emergency Preparedness < Emergency response plan > First aid kits and personnel « Emergency contacts . Security Measures » Access control « Background checks « Security protocols 9. Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety, and Security - a. Health Policies o Wellness programs e Sick leave policies e Health screenings . b. Safety Policies Incident reporting> Safety training o Emergency procedures . c. Security Policies « Access control « Data protection » Surveillance - d. Implementation Procedures « Policy communication > Regular reviews « Enforcement 10. Best Practices + Continuous training Employee involvement Promoting a safety culture Monitoring and evaluating measures - Adapting to changes This mind map helps structure and visualize the different aspects of health, safety, and security in the workplace.