4.

Maintain Healthy Safe and Secure Working Environment

Session 2 – Workplace Quality Measures

A pollution free air and water is an most important requirement of any
organization. Most of the IT companies use centralized air conditioning systems to
keep the temperature pleasant in the workplace. Water pollution is also one of the
problems faced by many organizations. The polluted water may cause the disease. So
organizations have to take care of air pollution and water pollution.
1) Air and Water Quality Monitoring process
Air and water pollution can be analysed by using three forms of methods -
Physical, chemical and biological.
a) Guidelines for Clean Air and Clean Water
A proper guidelines must be followed by organizations to keep the air and water
clean. Some of the guidelines are -
• Organizations have to avoid dust production, generation of solid particles and
gasses in the air.
• Organizations must use a limited number of vehicles to avoid air pollution.
• Organizations have to take care of air pollution, the generation of ozone gas
must be kept at a low level by the organization.
• Organizations have to take care of sewage or the wastewater and make sure
that this water is not mixed with the surrounding water.
• Extensive use of fertilizers and pesticide must be avoided as it can make the
ground water polluted.
b) Importance of Cleanliness at Workplace
Clean workplace avoid hazardous. Clean workplace makes your job easier and
more pleasant. Every person have to follow following cleanliness guideline at
workplace -
• Employees are responsible for the cleanliness of their work area.
• Spills and breakage are to be cleaned up immediately.
• Spaces around the machine should be kept clean and clear.
• Floor should be kept clean to prevent slipping and collision.
• Lighting fixtures are to be checked regularly for a clean vision.
2) Office Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things,
ergonomics helps to reduce accidents, injury and helps to improve the performance
and productivity of an organization.
a) Computer Health and Safety Tips
In every organization the use of computers is increasing, there are several
health and safety issues related to vision, musculoskeletal issues, body aches and
pains may occur due to improper use of computers. These problems can be resolved
by adopting some simple corrective action.
b) Musculoskeletal Problems
This problem includes different areas of your body such as neck, back, chests,
arms, shoulders and feet because of wrong posture, uncomfortable chair or not
following basic rules while working on the computer.
To avoid this problem follow the following guideline -
• Position of the monitor should be at your eye level.
• Keep your monitor at least arm length distance or 20 to 30 inches away from
you.
• Keep your back against the backrest of the chair.
• Adjust height of armrests so that your elbows are at a 100-110 degrees open
angle.
• Place the keyboard at a slight negative tilt if you are sitting upright.
• While typing keep your hands slightly lower than elbows.
• Minimize any twisting of your wrists from side to side or up and down.
• Use a keyboard palm rest as needed only when you are not typing.
• Always take small breaks while working on the computer.
c) Occupational Overuse Syndrome
Occupational overuse syndrome is a type of injury in fingers, shoulder, neck,
wrists, hands or elbows it is also known as repetitive strain injury or RSI. In this
syndrome the pain, swelling and weakness in the affected joints.
The most common reason of affecting Occupational Overuse Syndrome -
1. Stress in the working place
2. Wrong posture when sitting
3. Forceful body movement
 4. Psycho social factors
d) Strain in Legs and Feet
If you are working on a computer for a long period then it may cause strain in
your leg. Always feet should be supported on the floor or by footrest and try to stretch
your legs after 30 minutes.
e) Eye Strain
Computer bright light, poor light or flickering images can cause eye strain. It is
important to look after your eye health and try to wear anti glare glasses when you are
working on the computer.
To reduce the possibility of vision problem
• Adjust the brightness of computer screen
• Keep a proper vision distance from computer screen
• Blink your eyes in an every interval
• Wear anti glare glasses whenever you are working in computer
• Give your eyes periodic breaks from the screen
• Keep your monitor between 18 to 24 inches away from your face.
f) Headaches
Headache may occur due to muscle tension in neck, muscle pain in neck, Strain
on the eyes or vision problem. Try to maintain a straight neck while working on the
computer..
g) Obesity
Spending a long time on the computer may lead to a lack of physical activity and
exercise. Before returning to work, you need to take a break.
h) Stress Disorders
Technology can impact our behaviours and emotions, excess use of a computers
may create poor health and increase pressure in your workplace. Try to do yoga,
medications or natural remedies to reduce the stress.
i) Injuries from Laptop Use
The laptop is designed for short term use, nowadays people are using laptops
over desktops more frequently but the laptop designs are very compact. In a laptop
the screen and keyboard close together which makes ergonomic use difficult which
makes discomfort for work, using an ergonomic desktop is advisable.
j) Sleeping Problems
Artificial lights of a computer screens can trick your brain and due to this your
sleeping patterns, to avoid this don't use a computer before going to bed.
3) Health and Safety Requirements for Computer Workplace
The minimum health and safety requirements for computer are as follow -
• Display Screen (Monitor) - Use LED monitor of legible size with adequate
character and proper line spacing.
• Keyboard - There should be proper space in front of the keyboard to support
your hands and arms. The symbols, characters and numbers should be clear and
easy to read.
• Work Surface - The work desk should be large, non reflective and allow flexible
placement of the screen and keyboard.
• Work Chair - The work chair must be stable and allow the user to move easily
and find a comfortable position.
• Space Requirements - The user should have enough desk space for the
equipment they use.
• Lighting - There should be proper light and appropriate contrast between the
computer screen and background.
• Reflections and Glare - Workplace should avoid direct glare and distracting
reflections from light.
• Noise and Heat - Avoid noise related equipment or the equipment producing
heat which could cause discomfort to users.
4) Cautions while Working on the Computer
To work safely on a computer -
1. Unplug all power cables before changing or maintaining the computer, it will
prevent hardware damage.
2. User a battery backup to protect against power failure.
3. Remove rings, watches and necklaces to avoid static damage.
4. The static electricity is generated when you are working on a computer, so use
a surge protector when you plug your system in.
5) Watch Out for Cords and Wires
1. Loose cords and wire can cause hazards and even electrical hazards.
2. Mark cords or wires crossing pathways using hazard tape.
3. Avoid water when working with electricity.
 4. Never touch or repair electrical equipment with wet hands.

Session 3: Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

Any minor mistake or unexpected event within an organization has the potential
to turn into an emergency if it is not handled properly.
1) Accidents and Emergencies
An unplanned, uncontrollable, or unexpected event that causes property
damage or human injury is called an accident. e.g. - Person falling down and getting
injured. An emergency is a dangerous or urgent situation that requires quick
response. e.g. Customer having a heart attack, Sudden outbreak of fire in organization.
Every organization follows policies and procedures for managing, reporting, and
handling emergencies as well as accidents.
2) Notice and Correctly Identify Accidents and Emergencies
The most valuable source of guidance in this area will be the organization's
policies and guidelines. These kinds of incidents should be easy to recognize in your
company, and you should know how to handle every kind of emergency and disaster.
3) Get help Promptly and in the Most Suitable Way
Make sure that you will provide the kind of help and support that are given in
the organization policies. Even if you have the best of plans, you should still follow the
rules and regulations given from the organization. If the situation requires then
professionals may be authorized to make decisions.
• Do not follow your feelings or emotions if someone is hurt. Follow the steps
described in the injury management policy of your company.
• Provide help and support within the authorized limit. Only offer the injured
person medical assistance if you are qualified to do so.
• Take advice from senior employees who are qualified to deal with certain
circumstances.
4) Types of Accidents
The following are a few incidents that frequently happen in organizations
1. Trip and Fall at workplace - Consumers or staff members may trip on items
left in aisles, unsecured cables, or higher thresholds, causing them to fall.
2. Slip and Fall - Slips are mainly due to wet floors, spilling of liquids or throwing
of other slip- causing material on floors.
3. Injuries caused due to Escalators or Elevators - Injuries can be caused by falling
on escalators and getting hurt.
 4. Accidents Caused by Falling Goods - People may get injuries when goods fall
from shelves or wall hangings onto them.
5. Accidents due to Moving Objects - Moving objects, such as trolleys, can also
injure people in the organization.
5) Handling Accidents
Identify all possible dangers in your company and take steps to eliminate them
in order to try to prevent accidents. In the event that an accident results in a
colleague's injury, take the following action.
1. Attend to the Injured Person Immediately
2. Inform your Supervisor
3. Assist your Supervisor
6) Types of Emergencies
You should know how to handle emergencies and what are basic procedures.
Here are some general emergency procedures -
1. First Aid - Must have every essential first aid item necessary to handle
common issues.
2. Electrical Safety - Electrical safety, such as keeping food and drink items away
from electrical equipment, routine inspections, fire extinguisher, fire alarm
system etc.
3. Evacuation - Employees must be aware of who has the coordination or
decision-making authority in an emergency. The coordinator needs to be
responsible for all of the evacuation procedures.
7) General Evacuation Procedures
Every organization has its own evacuation procedures and policies everyone has
to be aware of these policies. Here are some general evacuation policies -
1. Immediately move towards the nearest emergency exit.
2. Guide others to the emergency exits.
3. Help the disabled person make their way to the emergency exit.
4. You may carry your handheld belongings as you move towards the emergency
exit.
5. Avoid escalators or elevators and avoid overcrowding.
6. Immediately go to the emergency assembly area.
8) Fire Hazards in the Workplace
Unsafe storage of combustible dust or flammable materials is another prevalent
cause of workplace fires. Since both are hazardous, they need to be handled and
stored carefully.
1. Each worker needs to be aware of the locations of the fire extinguishers.
2. Fire extinguishers and First Aid stations should be marked with signs.
3. Do not use flammable material near electrical panels, switches or near any
electrical equipment.
4. All equipment is properly grounded where needed.
5. Fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly.
6. No flammable material is to be placed near the exit door.
9) Identification of Material and Ignition Sources
Materials are arranged in accordance with these fire classes, which are based on risk -
• Class A Material: materials such as wood, cloth, and paper, which won't ignite
on their own but will continue to burn once exposed to a heat source.
• Class B Material: all liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when exposed
to ignition sources.
• Class C Material: electrical materials and equipment. These materials provide
a significant risk of arc flash and start fires very quickly.
• Class D Material: any materials that are volatile and able to quickly ignite,
such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
10) Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a tool for protection that shuts off flames. It is a pressure
vessel that is cylindrical in shape and holds an agent that can be released to put out a
fire.
11) First Aid for Electrical Emergencies
Electrical accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. One of the main concerns is the
quick response and care of victims. A victim of an electrical accident is frequently
unable to move or release the electrical conductor as a result of muscle cramps.
a) Electrical Rescue Techniques -
Approaching the accident
• Never rush into an accident situation.
• Call 108 as soon as possible.
 • Approach the accident place cautiously
b) Examining the scene -
• Examine the victim visually and check whether they have come into contact
with any electrical wire.
• Do not touch the victim or conductive surface.
• Switch off the electrical circuits if possible.
c) Hazards and solutions -
• Be alert from heated surfaces and fire
• Take precaution if you are not able to switch off the power supply.
• Make sure the hands and feet are dry.
• Wear gloves and shoes and stand of dry surface
• User non conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.
d) High voltage rescue -
• Special training is required for how to rescue from high voltage.
• Protective equipment like gloves and shoes must be worn
e) First Aid -
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be necessary for the victim.
• Provide first aid for injuries and treat shock if the victim is conscious and
breathing.
• Make sure the victim receives medical attention as quickly as you can.
• The attending physician needs complete data in order to diagnose and treat
the victim correctly.
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