SESSION 8 : Maintain workplace safety
Maintain workplace safety
- Basic safety rules to follow at workplace – Fire safety, Falls and slips, Electrical safety, Use of first aid.
Basic Fire safety rules in an organization are :
- Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels
- Conduct regular drills
- Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly
Falls and Slips Safety rules
- Workplace must be proper ventilated
- Floors must be clean and dry
- Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned.
Electrical safety rules:
- Electrical equipment approved by a recognized organization.
- Take care that the outlets/ circuits should not be overloaded
Session 9 : Prevent Accidents and Emergencies
Accident: an accident is an unplanned event that may happen all of a sudden and may lead to unwanted or unprecedented results/outcomes.
Handling accidents:
- Safety measures must be placed to prevent workplace accidents
- Immediately call the medical team for any injury
- Stay alert
- Pay attention to and follow emergency drills
Session 10: Protect Health and Safety at work
Checklist for Workstations :
The workstation should:
- provide sufficient space for the user to alter position comfortably
- provide adequate lighting
- have windows fitted with adjustable coverings to alter the sunlight level
- be spacious enough when a workstation is shared by more than one person
The display screen should:
- display well-defined characters of adequate size and spacing
- have easily adjustable brightness and contrast
- tilt and swivel easily to suit the user
The keyboard should:
- be able to tilt easily and should be able to separate from the screen to allow the user to adopt a comfortable working position
The work surface should:
- provide adequate space for the user
- be of an adequate size to allow the screen, keyboard and other peripherals to be flexibly arranged
Workplace Evacuation
In case of emergency there should be provision for evacuation. Evacuation is the process of emptying a place in case of an emergency, disaster.
Every company must ensure the following points for evacuation in case of any emergency:
- An evacuation policy: Every organization must have an evacuation policy. All the Team Leaders are responsible for informing about the policy to their employees about it. Proper attention must be paid when the Team Leader is informing you about these details. Negligence at this time may cost lives.
- An organization must have a designated assembly point for emergencies. Ensure that every employee/ worker must know where it is.
- A ‘buddy system’ for individuals with special needs or disabilities must be designated. This system ensures that differently-abled are assisted and guided out of the premises or the impacted area properly. If you are a buddy to someone, ensure that your buddy is safe at the assembly point with you.
- Floor plans with evacuation routes in work areas. Ensure that you understand these so you can use it in time of need.
- Assembly areas, where you are required to assemble after evacuation, must be properly taken care of.
- Periodic evacuation drills should be conducted. Ensure that you pay attention during these drills. You need to save your life and you can be helpful in saving someone else’s life too.
