Safety & Occupational Health
Complete Notes — Easy English

Safety Definition

Absence of risk and injury in workplace. Protects workers' health and wellbeing.

Four Pillars of Safety

• Prevention: Stop accidents before they happen
• Awareness: Know hazards and risks
• Responsibility: Everyone's duty to stay safe
• Culture: Make safety a priority

Statistics

• Millions injured yearly in workplaces
• Most accidents preventable
• Cost of injuries: medical + lost productivity

Safety Management System

Hazard Types

• Physical: Machinery, electricity, noise
• Chemical: Toxic substances, corrosives
• Biological: Bacteria, viruses, allergens
• Ergonomic: Poor posture, repetitive motion
• Psychological: Stress, harassment

Hazard vs Risk

• Hazard: Source of potential harm
• Risk: Probability of harm occurring

Common Workshop Hazards

• Moving machinery (blade, pulley)
• Hot surfaces and flames
• Slippery floors
• Electrical hazards
• Manual handling injuries

Identification Methods

• Workplace inspection
• Employee interviews
• Incident reports analysis
• Job hazard analysis (JHA)

Risk Assessment Process

• Step 1: Identify hazards
• Step 2: Who might be harmed?
• Step 3: Evaluate controls
• Step 4: Record findings
• Step 5: Review regularly

Risk Matrix

Control Hierarchy

1. Elimination: Remove hazard
2. Substitution: Replace with safer
3. Engineering: Guards, barriers
4. Administrative: Procedures, training
5. PPE: Protective equipment

PPE Categories

PPE Selection

• Assess hazard type
• Choose appropriate protection
• Ensure proper fit
• Train users
• Maintain regularly

Proper Use

• Wear at all times in hazard area
• Inspect before use
• Replace when damaged
• Store properly

Limitations

PPE is last resort. Always use engineering controls and safe procedures first.

Ergonomic Principles

• Adapt workplace to worker
• Minimize repetitive strain
• Maintain natural posture
• Reduce force requirements

Common Ergonomic Issues

• Back Pain: Poor lifting, prolonged sitting
• RSI: Repetitive strain injury from typing
• Neck Strain: Monitor height, screen angle

Lifting Techniques

• Keep load close to body
• Bend knees, not back
• Engage core muscles
• Avoid twisting motion
• Get help for heavy items

Workstation Setup

Emergency Types

• Fire and explosion
• Chemical spill
• Medical emergency
• Severe weather
• Structural failure

Emergency Response Steps

1. Alert: Warn others immediately
2. Assess: Evaluate danger
3. Activate: Call emergency services
4. Assist: Help affected persons

Evacuation Procedures

• Know exit routes
• Use stairs, not elevators
• Proceed calmly
• Account for all persons
• Proceed to assembly point

Emergency Equipment

• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit
• Emergency eyewash
• Emergency shower
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

First Aid Priorities (ABC)

• Airway: Clear breathing passage
• Breathing: Ensure air intake
• Circulation: Check pulse, control bleeding

Common Injuries

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

• Check responsiveness
• Call emergency services
• 30 chest compressions
• 2 rescue breaths
• Repeat cycle

Recovery Position

For unconscious, breathing victims. Prevents choking if vomiting occurs.

International Standards

• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety
• OSHA: USA Occupational Safety regulations

Pakistan Safety Requirements

• Factories Act 1934
• Pakistan Labour Code 2006
• SECP workplace regulations

Employer Responsibilities

• Provide safe working conditions
• Conduct risk assessments
• Train employees
• Provide PPE
• Report incidents
• Maintain safety records

Employee Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures
• Use PPE correctly
• Report hazards
• Attend training
• Cooperate with inspections

Incident Reporting

• Report all injuries
• Document near-misses
• Investigate root causes
• Implement corrective actions