Chapter 2. Workplace Safety and Health

Safety is the first skill of every trade. Accidents cause injury, suffering and financial loss, and most are preventable [5][6].

Rights and responsibilities. Employers must provide a safe workplace, training and equipment. Workers must follow safety rules, use equipment correctly, report hazards and avoid endangering others. International standards such as ISO 45001 set out management systems for occupational health and safety [5][6].

Hazard and risk. A hazard is anything that can cause harm; risk is the likelihood and seriousness of that harm. Common hazards include:

Physical: noise, heat, moving machinery, falling objects, slippery floors.

Chemical: fumes, solvents, acids, dust.

Electrical: live conductors, damaged cables.

Biological: bacteria, viruses, mould.

Ergonomic: heavy lifting, repetitive movements, poor posture.

Psychosocial: stress and fatigue.

Hierarchy of controls (from most to least effective): eliminate the hazard; substitute something safer; use engineering controls (guards, ventilation); use administrative controls (procedures, training, signs); use personal protective equipment (PPE) as the last line of defence [5][6].

Personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety glasses or goggles, ear protection, gloves suited to the task, safety footwear, helmets, dust masks or respirators, and protective clothing. PPE must fit properly and be maintained.

Safety signs follow standard shapes and colours: red for prohibition and fire equipment, yellow for warning, blue for mandatory actions and green for safe conditions or first aid [7].

Fire safety. Fires need fuel, heat and oxygen. Know the alarm, exits, assembly point and the location and type of extinguisher; never use water on electrical or flammable-liquid fires. Fire classes and extinguisher colours vary by country, so learn the local system.

Safe handling and housekeeping. Keep floors and walkways clear, store materials properly, clean spills immediately, and keep tools in good condition. When lifting, bend the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close and ask for help or use equipment for heavy loads.

First aid and emergencies. Know how to call emergency services, who the trained first aiders are and where first aid kits are kept. Report all accidents and near misses.

Lockout/tagout. Before servicing machinery, isolate and lock energy sources so equipment cannot start unexpectedly.

Review: Which control in the hierarchy is most effective? (Answer: eliminating the hazard.)