Page 248 - DMGT406_HUMAN_RESOURCE_MANAGEMENT

Unit 14: Workplace Safety and Health

health result in better work attitudes, higher morale, job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and Notes
turnover.

Did u know? What is Safety?
Safety – freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury or loss.
Industrial Safety – protection of workers from the danger of industrial accidents.

Accident – an unplanned and uncontrolled event in which an action or reaction of an
object, a substance, a person, or a radiation results in personal injury.

14.3 Employee Safety at Workplace

The main purpose of effective safety programmes in an organisation is to prevent work - related
injuries and accidents. A well managed factory will see to it that there are no physical hazards
such as (i) slipping and falling hazards, (ii) collision and obstruction hazards, (iii) equipment
hazards, (iv) fire hazards, (v) hazards from falling objects, etc.
1. Slipping, Tripping, or Falling on the Floor Hazards: People fall when they slip. Highly
polished surfaces, accumulation of water, soap, or oil, etc., on the floor, torn or loose
coverings cause the floor to be slippery.

2. Obstruction and collision Hazards: When the factory layout and space management are
poor, it results in improper placement of furniture and equipment causing collision of
employees with equipment and machinery, tables, chairs, etc. Further, overcrowding and
a narrow space for movement also results in accidental collision between employees.
3. Equipment Hazards: Quite often, unguarded moving parts, wiring, switches and cards,
edges of metal equipment, etc., can cause injuries to employees working in these
surroundings. Further, waste paper baskets, lobbies, plumbing fixtures and small snail
carts also cause problems for employees. All these should be guarded against.
4. Hazards from Falling Objects: When file cabinets, lockers and shelves are not properly
placed, they could fall on employees and injure them. Also, the stocked materials, paper
stands, when placed on the working tables might fall on employees.
5. Fire Hazards: The places where paperwork is heavy and precautionary measures taken
are nil, the possibilities of accidents are high. Improper disposal facilities for smokers,
lack of provision of safety cans for inflammable materials, non-existence of fire escapes
and exits are the factors that contribute to fire accidents. It is necessary for the manager to
see that fire protection equipment and fire extinguishers are available at all times in the
factory.

Notes Accidents in the Factory: Causes and Prevention
There are two basic causes of workplace accidents, apart from chance occurrences, which
are beyond management's control: unsafe conditions and unsafe acts. Unsafe conditions
include such facts as: improperly guarded equipment, defective equipment, dangerous
procedures in or around machines or equipment, congestion and overloading, improper
illumination and ventilation. In addition to these, other work-related factors may also
cause accidents. The job itself might be quite dangerous (e.g., crane operator vs an
Contd...

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 241