Safety and Industrial Hygiene
Safety Programs
Learning Objectives:
Benefits of Safety Programs:
Implementing effective safety programs brings numerous benefits to organizations, including:- Reduced accidents, injuries, and fatalities, leading to lower workers' compensation costs and insurance premiums.
- Increased employee morale, satisfaction, and retention due to a safer work environment.
- Improved productivity and operational efficiency resulting from reduced downtime and absenteeism.
- Enhanced reputation and credibility among customers, investors, regulators, and the community.
- Legal compliance and avoidance of costly fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage associated with safety violations.
Challenges in Implementing Safety Programs:
- Despite the benefits, implementing safety programs may face challenges such as: Resistance to change from employees or management.
- Limited resources or budget constraints for safety initiatives.
- Cultural barriers or lack of safety awareness in the organization.
- Complexity in managing safety across diverse work environments or locations.
- Maintaining momentum and sustaining long-term commitment to safety.
Solved Example: 9043-01
Consider the goals of the safety policy of a company, at once designating also the responsibilities and authority for their achievement :
1. Safety of employees and the public at large
2. Efforts to be made to involve all managers. supervisors and employees in the development and implementation of safety procedures
3. Clearing of all caveats that may tell on keeping the morale of the employees high
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1 and 3 only
Correct Answer: A
Regulations
Learning Objectives:
- Identify relevant regulatory agencies responsible for developing and enforcing safety regulations, such as OSHA, MSHA, EPA, DOT, and NIOSH.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of these agencies in setting and enforcing safety standards and regulations.
Key Regulatory Agencies:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): In the United States, OSHA is the primary regulatory agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations. OSHA sets and enforces standards, conducts inspections, provides training, and offers compliance assistance to employers and workers.
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA): MSHA regulates safety and health standards in the mining industry to protect miners from hazards such as cave-ins, explosions, and exposure to harmful substances.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA regulates environmental health and safety aspects related to hazardous substances, air and water quality, chemical spills, and waste management.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): DOT sets safety regulations for transportation modes such as roadways, railways, airways, and waterways to ensure the safe movement of goods and passengers.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): NIOSH conducts research, develops guidelines, and provides recommendations to prevent occupational injuries, illnesses, and hazards.
Solved Example: 9040-01
As per the colour code a red colour indicates:
A. Fire prevention
B. Radiant hazards
C. First-aid equipment
D. General caution
Correct Answer: A
Solved Example: 9040-02
Direction: consists of two statements, one labelled as Statement (I) and the others as Statement (II). You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the answer using the codes given below:
Statement (I): Lifts and external staircases are provided with access from the lobby area of each floor in multistorey blocks. The external staircase must be accessible through self-closing 180 swing unlocked doors (with provision for locking at appropriate conditions)
Statement (II): Such staircases should not be inadvertently subjected to spreading of smoke, but mist yet provide unhindered exit from the lobby of each floor.
A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) individually true and Statement (II) is the correct explanation of Statement (I)
B. Both statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true, but Statement (II) is not the correct explanation of Statement (I)
C. Statement (I) is true, but Statement (II) is false
D. ​Statement (I) is false, but Statement (II) is true
Correct Answer: B
Solved Example: 9040-03
In order to limit the seriousness of an accident, emergency controls should be provided with which of the following as determining factors in the location of emergency stops?
A. Speed and ease of operation
B. Speed and ease of operation
C. Nearest exits and checkpoints
D. Supervisors and decision-makers
Correct Answer: A
Solved Example: 9040-04
Which one of the following is NOT included in the safety program for achieving good results during the prevention of accidents?
A. Development of safe working conditions
B. Promotion of employees participation in safety
C. Compensation and medical payment
D. Corrective action when safety rules are ignored
Correct Answer: C
Workplace Hazards
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and understand various types of workplace hazards, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
- Recognize the unique characteristics and risks associated with each hazard type.
- Physical Hazards: These include factors like machinery, noise, temperature extremes, and radiation.
- Chemical Hazards: Chemicals, such as corrosive substances and toxins, can pose risks to workers.
- Biological Hazards: These relate to exposure to microorganisms, viruses, and other biological agents.
- Ergonomic Hazards: Poor workplace ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.
- Psychosocial Hazards: Factors like workplace stress, bullying, and harassment can affect mental health.
Author, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Solved Example: 9042-01
Which of the following aspects is not a part of safe work place?
A. Variation
B. Noise control
C. Color code
D. Temperature
Correct Answer: A
Solved Example: 9042-02
The only thing that can keep you safe consistently is:
A. Personal protective equipment
B. Yours supervisor
C. Obeying all warning signs
D. Your attitude
Correct Answer: D
Environmental Hazards
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the diverse range of environmental hazards, including chemical, biological, physical, and radiological hazards.
- Identify common environmental hazards and categorize them based on their nature and potential impact on human health and the environment.
- Explain the key characteristics and properties of various environmental hazards.
- Air pollution
- Toxic waste.
- Radiation hazard
- Bacteria and Virus
- Chemicals in consumer products.
- Extreme temperatures and weather events.
Clemenspool, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Solved Example: 9039-01
What is the range of the intensity scale used in measuring earthquakes?
A. 1 to 12
B. 1 to 7
C. 1 to 15
D. 1 to 5
Correct Answer: A
Solved Example: 9039-02
Tsunami occurs due to:
A. Earthquake generated in a subduction zone
B. Wave upwelling
C. Wind impact
D. Tidal force
Correct Answer: A
Solved Example: 9039-03
Seismograph is used for:
A. To measure speed of cyclone
B. To measure earthquake
C. To measure rainfall
D. To measure charge on any metal rod
Correct Answer: B
Solved Example: 9039-04
Smog is:
A. Ozone and smoke
B. Vehicular pollutant
C. Fog and smoke
D. Fog and Ozone
Correct Answer: C