SAFETY AND SECURITY
Safety –refers to the actual conditions in a work environment. It
is freedom from injury or damage to property.
Security – refers to prevention of theft, fire, and other
emergencies. It is freedom from fear, anxiety and doubts concerning humans.
Maintenance and housekeeping are two departments most prone
to accidents –
-Labour intensive
-Nature of work
The management of any workplace is legally bound to provide
hazard free environment to their employees. (Even Guests)
An unsafe work environment can be costly in terms of –
Medical expenses
Legal expenses-Compensation, litigation etc.
Productivity-loss of man hours and lower moral of employees.
Safety management system
A safety management programme is designed to eliminate
hazards before they cause serious accidents or damage.
The steps involved in a safety management programme-
1.
Review
work procedures-JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Using Job Breakdowns from all
Job Lists analysis of each job element is done. In the Job breakdown additional
columns are added giving safe and standard method for performing each step.
Further columns add additional safety tips section for each such step.
2. Make department heads
aware of the nature and variety of hazards- making a list of SAFETY RULES. The
hazards in housekeeping are generally related to
-lifting
heavy objects
-use
of mechanical and electrical equipment
-use of chemicals.
3. Establish a SAFETY
COMMITTEE-consisting of key management personnel, supervisors and selected employees.
They develop a security handbook and design training and awareness programmes
.The role of the committee is –
-To monitor, analyse and
suggest solutions for recurring security problems
-Maintain records of
incidents.(theft, violence etc.)
-Conduct spot checks and
audits.
-Investigation of security
incidents.
-maintaining communication
with police etc.
4. Train staff
members to implement Safety consciousness.
Training must begin on the
first day .Orientation includes an introduction to the property rules and
regulations. Written Safety rules must be read and signed by the employees.
Further employees must
participate in safety education programmes at least on a monthly basis.
Refresher sessions must be
done as and when procedures are refined or renewed.
5. Practice
Safety management-
Follow
standard universal laws on-
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH (OSH) as per OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT(OSHA)
Each country has their own
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (OHSMS)
India has published and
follows-
IS-15001:2000 INDIAN
STANDARDS on Occupational health and
safety management systems –specifications and guidance for use.
6. Investigate,
analyse all incidences that occur inspite the Safety Management programme.
7. Evaluate the
effectiveness of the Safety Management Programme from time to time.
Three E’s of safety
1.
SAFETY EDUCATION-Employees must be trained in
-safe methods with
particular emphasis on areas of potential danger and how these can be guarded
against.
-Demonstrating the use of
safety equipment installed in the establishment and location of first-aid
materials.
-developing the ability to
recognise the signs of hazards around them.
-Teaching staff the legal
implications of non-adherence to safety procedures.
Training must start from
first day at the workplace and employee’s suggestions must a;lso be taken.
2. SAFETY ENGINEERING-Building
in of safety features into the structure of the establishment-in selecting the
design and features of the equipment, furniture and fittings and also
arrangement of space.
3.
SAFETY RULES ENFORCEMENT-People must be motivated to follow
rules and regulations and all safety rules must be enforced through rule and
practice.
SIGNS AND TAGS for safety.
OSHA requires special
signs for safety reasons like-
DANGER SIGNS- they
indicate immediate danger and necessity of special precautions.OSHA signs of
danger are in the colours-RED, BLACK and WHITE.Eg where caustic cleaning
chemical has spilled.
CAUTION SIGNS-they warn
against potential hazards. Their colours are YELLOW and BLACK.
Eg. A wet floor due to
spillage or mopping.
SAFETY INSTRUCTION SIGNS-they
give general instructions in certain areas. They are GREEN and WHITE OR BLACK
and WHITE. Eg. To instruct employees not to eat, drink or smoke in a storage
area.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION TAGS-
They are a temporary means
of alerting employees of hazardous conditions or defective equipment. They are
RED with WHITE or GREY letters. They are placed near electrical power
equipment, ladders and other housekeeping tools.Eg. a vacuum cleaner with a
frayed cord can read “do not start” or “out of service”.
Key terms-
OSH standards- Occupational safety and Health standards.
OHSMS-Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
HazComm-Hazard Communication under OSHA as per the Right-to-know
legislation.
MSDS- Material Safety Data Sheets –they are forms with
information concerning chemicals or cleaners. These have list of ingredients,
health hazard data, special precautions of use, or protective gear required
when using them along with any spill or leak procedures for the product. The
forms can be obtained from the supplier and are to be safely placed at the workplace
generally at the main office or stores.
UNDERWRITER’S LABORATORIES-(UL) An independent non-profit
organisation that tests and certifies electric equipment or devices to ensure
they are free from defects. Like ISI in India.
CCTV-Close circuit television.
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