Healthy Safe Secure Working Environment Notes – Class 10 IT 402

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Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

Introduction to Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

Health

Health means the physical, mental, and social well-being of an employee. Every organisation should provide a healthy and safe working environment. A good health condition helps employees avoid diseases and work efficiently.
To maintain employee health, the workplace should have:

• Clean and hygienic environment
• Daily cleaning before work starts
• Clean drinking water facility
• Clean and well-maintained washrooms

Safety

Safety means the workplace must be free from hazards and risks. Safety helps in preventing accidents and injuries at workplace.
To ensure safety:

• Companies must create clear safety guidelines
• Employees must follow them strictly
• Safety procedures should be practiced regularly

A hazard is anything that can cause harm.
A risk is the chance or probability of harm occurring.

Security

Security means protection from any potential harm or threat at the workplace. It ensures that employees feel safe and protected inside the organisation.
Every organisation should have a security department responsible for:

• Personal safety of employees
• Computer system security
• Electrical safety
• Equipment safety

Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety and Security

• A health, safety and security policy is a written statement by employer showing commitment to protect employees’ and public’s health, safety and security.
• A HSS programme/policy includes:
  • Health, safety and security elements of organisation
  • Objectives to achieve workplace safety goals
  • Measures to protect workers at workplace

Reasons for HSS Policies

• Shows company’s commitment to employee health and safety
• Shows business performance and safety performance are compatible
• Indicates company cares for all stakeholders, not only profit
• Defines accountability of employees for workplace safety and security
• Helps in compliance with Government of India OH&S policy
• Prevents injuries and illnesses of employees

Workplace Safety Hazards

• Hazard means danger or risk associated with something
• Workplace hazards can:
  • Harm people at work
  • Damage work environment and property
  • Health Problems and equipment loss

Physical Hazards

• Risks arising from physical work environment like floors, walls, ceilings, and facilities.
• Includes working with machinery and electricity-operated machines.
• Work processes and specific tasks can also create physical hazards.

Falling from Heights, Slipping and Tripping

• Causes of falling:
  • Faulty scaffolding and ladders
  • Contact with electricity
  • Loss of balance due to slipping or hitting objects
• Slips and trips occur on uneven surfaces

Prevention

• Keep workplace properly arranged
• Clean spilled liquids, food, paint immediately
• Ensure proper lighting
• Repair damaged equipment, stairways, and lights immediately

Electrical Hazards

• Caused by:
  • Direct contact with live wires
  • Indirect contact through conductors
  • Overloading electrical outlets

Prevention

• Provide basic training on electrical equipment use
• Keep water and food away from electrical equipment
• Conduct regular inspection of wiring by technicians/engineers
• Ensure no damaged or broken wires are present

Fire Hazards

• Occur due to poor housekeeping and safety practices
• Can damage: Equipment, Stock, Buildings

Prevention

• Follow housekeeping and fire safety standards
• Follow workplace safety precautions
• Ensure awareness of: Emergency exits, Fire escape routes, Fire extinguishers, Fire alarms

Health Hazards

• Affect physical well-being of workers including: Skin, Eye, Ears etc.
• Also affect internal systems: Respiratory system, Nervous System
• Caused by workplace conditions like
  • Noise from machines (hearing damage)
  • Bright lights and toxic fumes (eye and nose damage)

Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organisation

• Bright light sources behind the display screen create contrast problems.
• This makes it difficult to clearly see your work on the screen.

Possible Solutions

• Use blinds or curtains on windows to block bright light.
• Adjust blinds and furniture so light enters the room but not directly into your eyes.
• Use indirect or shielded lighting whenever possible.
• Avoid very bright or uneven lighting in your field of vision.

Hazards while using Computers

• Poor sitting posture.
• Sitting for long hours in one position.
• Repetitive movements causing muscle fatigue.
• Screen glare causing eye strain.

Solutions

• Take regular breaks.
• Do stretching or simple yoga exercises.

Handling Office Equipment

• Improper handling may cause injuries.
• Sharp-edged equipment can cause cuts.

Solutions

• Proper training for staff.
• Provide manuals for equipment handling.

Handling Objects

• Lifting or moving heavy items incorrectly is hazardous.
• Wrong posture or technique causes injury.

Solution

• Follow correct procedures and proper lifting posture.

Stress at Work

• Caused by: Long working hours, Conflicts or arguments with colleagues
• Leads to mental stress and discomfort.

Solutions

• Practice conflict resolution.
• Develop relaxing hobbies.
• Manage work-life balance.

Working Environment Hazards

• Poor ventilation.
• Improper chair and table height.
• Hard or uncomfortable furniture.
• Poor lighting.

Solutions

• Train staff about organisation policies.
• Improve workplace conditions and safety awareness.

Hazard Control Measures

• First step: Eliminate hazard (change or modify process).
• If not possible: Isolate hazard (engineering controls like insulation).
• If still not possible: Minimise risk using:Proper ventilation, Safety equipment (PPE)

Safety Guidelines

• Store chemicals in closed containers separately.
• Ensure proper lighting everywhere.
• Avoid loose clothing and jewellery near machines.
• Use protective gear (goggles, gloves, masks, etc.).
• Switch off machines before leaving.
• Do not misuse electrical switches or controls.
• Repair damaged wires or plugs before use.

Workplace Quality Measures

Air and Water Quality Monitoring Process

• Air and water pollution are analysed using physical, chemical, and biological methods.
• Samples of air and water are collected from the surrounding area of the organisation.

Guidelines for Clean Air and Clean Water

• Avoid production of dust, solid particles, and harmful gases.
• Follow “no vehicle day” once a week.
• Control ozone (smog) formation in air.
• Prevent mixing of sewage or wastewater with clean water sources.
• Avoid excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides to prevent groundwater pollution.

Importance of Cleanliness at Workplace

• Clean workplace helps avoid hazards and accidents.
• Makes work easier, safer, and more comfortable.

Office Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things for safe and easy use by people.
• It helps in reducing accidents and injuries at workplace.
• Improves performance and productivity of employees.
• In office settings, repetitive tasks may look harmless but can still cause injuries over time.

Early Warning Signs	Potential Cause	Try This (Solution)
Sore lower back	No lumbar support	Use backrest of chair, place small pillow or lumbar support on chair
Burning in upper back	No upper back support from chair	Use proper chair support for upper back
Stiff neck	Working with head turned sideways or tilted forward; holding telephone between ear and shoulder	Use headset; move or raise monitor to eye level; keep head straight
Sore shoulders	Reaching forward for long periods or frequently	Bring work closer; adjust sitting position to avoid stretching forward
Arching wrists	Improper keyboard/mouse position	Bring mouse to keyboard level or slightly higher
Dry eyes	Forgetting to blink	Rest eyes periodically; do simple eye exercises
Eye strain and sore eyes	Glare from windows/overhead lights; incorrect glasses/vision issues	Re-orient desk/computer away from glare; check vision regularly
Wrist strain from repetition	Excessive wrist movement and repetition	Add wrist rest; keep wrists in neutral position; support thumbs on keyboard edge

Computer Health and Safety Tips

• Keep thumbs on the front edge of keyboard so wrists do not drop.
• Rest eyes periodically and do simple eye exercises.
• Re-orient desk and computer so light is not directly behind or in front of you.
• Most of these problems are temporary and preventable with proper care.

Musculoskeletal Problems

• Affects body parts like: Neck, Back, Chest, Shoulder etc.
• Caused due to: Wrong posture, Uncomfortable or non-ergonomic chair

Prevention Measures

• Keep monitor at eye level.
• Keep neck straight with monitor directly in front.
• Keep back fully supported against chair backrest.
• Place keyboard at slight negative tilt while sitting upright.
• Keep hands slightly lower than elbows while typing.
• Take regular short breaks to Stretch muscles, Proper Blood Circulation, Rest Eyes.

Occupational Overuse Syndrome (RSI)

• Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) is also known as Repetition Strain Injury (RSI).
• It may occur with or without visible physical symptoms.
• It is usually caused or worsened by work activities.
• it causes pain in: Neck, Shoulders, Wrist, Fingers

Prevention / Safety Measures

• Maintain proper typing posture.
• Keep fingers above home row position
• Keep elbows close to body while typing.
• Avoid tight gripping of mouse.

Stress Disorders

• Technology and long computer use affect behavior and emotions.
• Causes: Long working hours, Work pressure

Prevention

• Maintain good health habits
• Manage stress early
• Use relaxation methods like:Yoga, Natural remedies

Sleeping Problems

• Computer screen light affects brain function.
• Artificial light suppresses melatonin, which controls sleep.
• This can disturb sleeping patterns.

Health and Safety Requirements for Computer Workplace

Display Screen (Monitor)

• Use modern LED monitors of adequate size.
• Maintain proper spacing between characters and lines.

Keyboard

• Keyboard should be tiltable and separate from screen.
• Provide comfortable position to avoid arm and hand fatigue.

Work Surface

• Desk should be large enough for equipment.
• Surface should have low reflectance.
• Allow flexible arrangement of screen, keyboard, and documents

Space Requirements

• Workstation should allow free movement and posture change.
• Enough desk space should be available for equipment.

Lighting

• Proper lighting conditions must be maintained.
• Balance between screen and background brightness is required.
• Avoid glare and reflections on screen and equipment.

Reflections and Glare

• Workstation should avoid direct sunlight and bright reflections.
• Sources like windows, walls, and bright fixtures should not cause glare.
• Windows should have adjustable coverings (blinds/curtains).

Safety with Electricity

• Avoid water while working with electrical equipment.
• Never touch or repair electrical devices with wet hands.
• Water increases body’s conductivity and risk of electric shock.

Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

Accidents and Emergencies

• Accident:
  • An unplanned, uncontrolled, or unforeseen event
  • Causes injury to people or damage to goods
• Emergency:
  • A serious or crisis situation
  • Requires immediate action and attention

Guidelines for Handling Accidents and Emergencies

Notice and Correctly Identify Accidents and Emergencies

• Understand what is considered an accident and an emergency in the organization.
• Follow the company’s policies and guidelines to identify such situations.

Get Help Promptly and in the Most Suitable Way

• Follow the proper procedure for handling a specific accident or emergency.
• Act quickly according to the given guidelines.
• Provide the required help and support as mentioned in company policies.

Follow Company Policies and Procedures for Preventing Further Injury While Waiting for Help to Arrive

• Stay calm if someone gets injured at the workplace.
• Do not act based on guesswork or personal feelings.
• Follow the organization’s prescribed procedures for handling injuries.

Act within the Limits of your Responsibility and Authority when Accidents and Emergencies Arise

• Provide help and support only within your authorized limit.
• Give medical help to an injured person only if you are trained and certified.

Promptly Follow Instructions given by Senior Staff and Emergency Services

• Perform the necessary duties as mentioned in the organization’s policy for your role.
• Follow the instructions given by senior staff during accidents and emergencies.
• Senior staff are trained to handle specific emergency situations.

Types of Accidents

Trip and Fall

• Occurs when a person trips on carelessly placed objects.
• Causes include: Loose wires, Goods left in aisles, Elevated thresholds

Slip and Fall

• Mainly caused by: Wet floors, Spilled liquids, Slippery substances on floor
• Can also occur due to: Broken or uneven flooring, Loose or damaged floor tiles
• Often happens due to negligence.

Prevention

• Use warning signs like:
  • “Wet Floor” sign after mopping
  • “Watch Your Step” sign near stairs or uneven surfaces
• Ensure floors are clean, dry, and safe for walking.

Prevention:

• Ensure goods are properly placed and secured

Accidents due to Moving Objects

• Injuries can be caused by:
• `Moving trolleys
• `Improperly placed props
• `Lighting fixture

Handling Accidents

• Attend Injured Person Immediately
• Provide first aid or medical help as soon as possible.
• Inform Supervisor about the probable cause of accident
• Assist Supervisor Help in investigating accident cause

Types of Emergencies & Safety Procedures

First Aid

• Should be easily accessible.
• Must include basic items for: Cuts, Burns, Headaches, Muscle cramps etc.

Electrical Safety

• Keep water and food away from electrical equipment.
• Regular inspection of wiring by electrical staff.
• Ensure no damaged or broken wires.

Emergency Contacts

• Maintain list of emergency numbers:
  • Police
  • Fire brigade
  • Ambulance
  • Security

Emergency Equipment

• Regularly check: Fire extinguishers, Fire alarms
• Ensure they are in working condition

Emergency Exits

• Keep exits clear and accessible.
• Do not block emergency doors or windows.

Evacuation

• Know the evacuation coordinator/authority.
• Follow organisation’s evacuation procedures strictly.

General Evacuation Steps

• Leave premises immediately via nearest emergency exit.
• Guide customers to exits.
• Help disabled persons if possible.
• Do not return to collect belongings unless safe.
• Do not use escalators or elevators during emergency.
• Use stairs only.
• Go to emergency assembly area.
• Report missing colleagues to responsible person.

Fire Hazards in the Workplace

• The first step to fire safety is identifying fire hazards in the workplace.
• There are three main types of fire hazards:
  • Electrical hazards
  • Combustible materials
  • Flammable materials
• Regular maintenance of power cords and electrical equipment should be done.
• Improper storage of flammable materials can lead to workplace fires.

Fire Prevention Measures

• Fire extinguishers and first aid stations must be clearly marked
• Avoid using flammable materials near electrical equipment
• Regular inspection of fire extinguishers
• Report defects in electrical or fire safety equipment

Classification of Materials (Fire Risk Types)

Fire Extinguishers (Types and Suitability)

• Water extinguisher
  • Suitable for Class A only
• CO₂ extinguisher
  • Suitable for Class B and C
• Dry chemical powder extinguisher
  • Suitable for Class B and C
• Carbon dioxide / Mechanical foam
  • Suitable for Class B and some Class C
• ABC dry powder extinguisher
  • Suitable for Class A, B, C, and D