Occupational Health & Safety Professionals Alliance - OHSPA

25/09/2023

What is OSH Management of Change?

OSH Management of Change (MOC) is a systematic approach to managing changes that could impact occupational safety and health (OSH). It is a process that helps organizations identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with change, and to implement changes in a safe and controlled manner.

MOC is especially important in industries where there is a high risk of accidents and injuries, such as construction, manufacturing, and mining. However, it can be beneficial for all organizations, regardless of industry.

The MOC process typically includes the following steps:

Identify the change. This may involve considering changes to processes, equipment, materials, procedures, or personnel.

Assess the risks. Once the change has been identified, it is important to assess the potential risks to OSH. This includes considering the following factors:

The likelihood of the change causing an accident or injury.
The severity of any potential accidents or injuries.
The number of people who could be affected by the change.

Develop mitigation strategies. Once the risks have been assessed, mitigation strategies can be developed to reduce or eliminate the risks. This may involve developing new procedures, training employees, or modifying equipment.

Implement the change. Once the mitigation strategies have been developed, the change can be implemented. This should be done in a controlled manner, and with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.

Monitor and evaluate. After the change has been implemented, it is important to monitor and evaluate its impact on OSH. This helps to ensure that the mitigation strategies are effective and that any new risks are identified and addressed.

MOC is an essential part of any effective OSH management system. It helps organizations to identify, assess, and manage the risks associated with change, and to implement changes in a safe and controlled manner.

Here are some examples of changes that may require OSH MOC:

Changes to the design or layout of a workplace
Changes to equipment or machinery
Changes to processes or procedures
Changes to the use of materials or chemicals
Changes to personnel levels or training requirements
Changes to organizational structure or management systems

It is important to note that MOC is not a one-size-fits-all process. The specific steps involved will vary depending on the nature of the change and the organization's OSH management system. However, the general principles outlined above are applicable to all MOC processes.

22/09/2023

22/09/2023

22/09/2023

TYPES OF OSH HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE

Occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards are any agents or conditions that have the potential to cause harm to workers. They can be classified into six main types:

Safety hazards: These are the most common type of hazard and can cause injuries, such as slips, trips and falls, cuts, burns, and fractures. Examples of safety hazards include:
-Unguarded machinery
-Unsafe electrical wiring
-Wet or slippery floors
-Poor lighting
-Falling objects

Biological hazards: These are microorganisms that can cause disease or infection. Examples of biological hazards include:
-Bacteria
-Viruses
-Fungi
-Parasites
-Blood and other bodily fluids

Physical hazards: These are factors in the work environment that can cause harm to the body, such as noise, vibration, radiation, and extreme temperatures. Examples of physical hazards include:
-Loud noise
-Hand-arm vibration
-Exposure to the sun
-Working in confined spaces
-Exposure to electricity

Ergonomic hazards: These are conditions that can cause muscle strain, fatigue, and other repetitive strain injuries. Examples of ergonomic hazards include:
-Awkward postures
-Repetitive movements
-Heavy lifting
-Poorly designed workstations

Chemical hazards: These are substances that can cause harm to the body if inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested. Examples of chemical hazards include:
-Solvents
-Paints
-Acids
-Pesticides
-Dust

Work organization hazards: These are factors in the workplace that can lead to stress, fatigue, and other mental health problems. Examples of work organization hazards include:
-Long working hours
-High workloads
-Lack of control over work
-Poor communication
-Bullying and harassment

OSH hazards can be found in all workplaces, regardless of industry or size. It is important to be aware of the hazards that are present in your workplace and to take steps to protect yourself from them. Employers have a responsibility to identify and control OSH hazards in the workplace.

If you are concerned about OSH hazards in your workplace, you should talk to your supervisor or safety representative. You can also contact your local occupational safety and health authority for more information.

21/09/2023

UNDERSTANDING HAZARD AND RISK

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, while the risk is the likelihood of that harm occurring. Hazards can be physical, biological, chemical, or ergonomic. They can also be natural or man-made.

Some examples of hazards in the workplace include:

-Slippery surfaces
-Unguarded machinery
-Exposure to hazardous chemicals
-Repetitive movements
-Loud noise
-Poor lighting

Risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm. It depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the hazard, the likelihood of exposure, and the duration of exposure.

For example, the risk of being injured in a fall from a height is greater than the risk of being injured by a paper cut. This is because the severity of a fall from a height is greater than the severity of a paper cut.

The risk of exposure to a hazard also affects the risk of harm. For example, a worker who works with hazardous chemicals for eight hours a day is at greater risk than a worker who only works with hazardous chemicals for one hour a day.

The duration of exposure to a hazard also affects the risk of harm. For example, a worker who is exposed to loud noise for eight hours a day is at greater risk of hearing loss than a worker who is exposed to loud noise for one hour a day.

Understanding hazards and risks is essential for preventing workplace accidents and injuries. By identifying and assessing hazards, employers can take steps to eliminate or reduce the risks.

Here are some steps that employers can take to manage hazards and risks in the workplace:

-Identify hazards. This can be done by conducting workplace inspections and talking to workers.
-Assess the risks associated with each hazard. This includes considering the severity of the hazard, the likelihood of exposure, and the duration of exposure.
-Implement controls to eliminate or reduce the risks. This may involve engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE).
-Monitor and evaluate the controls to ensure that they are effective.

Workers also have a role to play in managing hazards and risks. Workers should:

-Be aware of the hazards in their workplace.
-Follow safe work practices.
-Use PPE when necessary.
-Report any hazards to their supervisor.

By understanding and managing hazards and risks, employers and workers can create a safer and healthier workplace.

21/09/2023

UNDERSTANDING THE HAZARD AND RISK

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, while the risk is the likelihood of that harm occurring. Hazards can be physical, biological, chemical, or ergonomic. They can also be natural or man-made.

Some examples of hazards in the workplace include:

-Slippery surfaces
-Unguarded machinery
-Exposure to hazardous chemicals
-Repetitive movements
-Loud noise
Poor lighting

Risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm. It depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the hazard, the likelihood of exposure, and the duration of exposure.

For example, the risk of being injured in a fall from a height is greater than the risk of being injured by a paper cut. This is because the severity of a fall from a height is greater than the severity of a paper cut.

The risk of exposure to a hazard also affects the risk of harm. For example, a worker who works with hazardous chemicals for eight hours a day is at greater risk than a worker who only works with hazardous chemicals for one hour a day.

The duration of exposure to a hazard also affects the risk of harm. For example, a worker who is exposed to loud noise for eight hours a day is at greater risk of hearing loss than a worker who is exposed to loud noise for one hour a day.

Understanding hazards and risks is essential for preventing workplace accidents and injuries. By identifying and assessing hazards, employers can take steps to eliminate or reduce the risks.

Here are some steps that employers can take to manage hazards and risks in the workplace:

-Identify hazards. This can be done by conducting workplace inspections and talking to workers.
-Assess the risks associated with each hazard. This includes considering the severity of the hazard, the likelihood of exposure, and the duration of exposure.
-Implement controls to eliminate or reduce the risks. This may involve engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE).
-Monitor and evaluate the controls to ensure that they are effective.

Workers also have a role to play in managing hazards and risks. Workers should:

-Be aware of the hazards in their workplace.
-Follow safe work practices.
-Use PPE when necessary.
-Report any hazards to their supervisor.

By understanding and managing hazards and risks, employers and workers can create a safer and healthier workplace.

21/09/2023

WHAT IS THE DUTY OF CARE IN THE OSH?

The duty of care in OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) is a legal obligation that employers have to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. This duty of care extends to all aspects of the workplace, including the physical environment, equipment, and work practices.

The duty of care is based on the principle that everyone has a right to be safe and healthy at work. Employers have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect their employees from harm.

The specific steps that employers need to take to meet their duty of care will vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the hazards that are present. However, some general examples of steps that employers can take to meet their duty of care include:

-Identifying and assessing workplace hazards
-Eliminating or reducing hazards where possible
-Providing safe equipment and machinery
-Providing training to employees on how to work safely
-Monitoring and evaluating OSH programs

Employees also have a duty of care to themselves and to their colleagues. This means that employees should take reasonable steps to protect themselves and others from harm. For example, employees should:

-Follow safe work practices
-Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary
-Report any hazards to their supervisor

The duty of care in OSH is important because it helps to protect workers from -accidents, injuries, and illnesses. By taking steps to meet their duty of care, employers can create a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.

Here are some examples of how employers can meet their duty of care in OSH:

-Provide a safe physical environment. This includes ensuring that the workplace is clean and well-maintained and that there are no hazards such as trip hazards, slippery surfaces, or inadequate lighting.

-Provide safe equipment and machinery. This includes ensuring that equipment is properly maintained and that employees are trained on how to use it safely.

-Provide training to employees on safe work practices. This includes training on how to identify and avoid hazards, how to use PPE correctly, and how to respond to emergencies.

-Monitor and evaluate OSH programs. This includes conducting regular inspections of the workplace, investigating accidents and injuries, and making changes to OSH programs as needed.

By taking these steps, employers can help to ensure that their employees are safe and healthy at work.

21/09/2023

WHY OSH IS IMPORTANT IN THE WORKPLACE?

OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) is important in the workplace because it protects workers from accidents, injuries, and illnesses. It also helps to create a more productive and efficient workplace.

Here are some of the specific reasons why OSH is important in the workplace:

To protect the health and well-being of workers. Workplace accidents and injuries can have a devastating impact on workers' lives, both physically and emotionally. OSH measures help to prevent these accidents and injuries from happening in the first place.

To improve productivity and efficiency. Workers who are safe and healthy are more productive and efficient. They are also less likely to miss work due to illness or injury.
To reduce costs. Workplace accidents and injuries can lead to significant costs for businesses, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and legal fees. OSH measures help to reduce these costs.

To comply with the law. In most countries, there are laws and regulations in place that require businesses to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. Businesses that fail to comply with these laws and regulations can face fines and other penalties.

To create a positive work environment. Employees who feel safe and valued are more likely to be happy and engaged in their work. This can lead to a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.

Here are some specific examples of OSH measures that can be implemented in the workplace:

Identifying and assessing hazards. This involves identifying all of the potential hazards in the workplace and assessing the risks associated with each hazard.

Controlling hazards. Once hazards have been identified and assessed, controls should be put in place to eliminate or reduce the risks. This may involve implementing engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE).

Training workers. Workers should be trained on OSH procedures and on how to use equipment safely.

Monitoring and evaluating OSH programs. OSH programs should be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that they are effective in preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

OSH is an important part of any workplace. By taking steps to create a safe and healthy work environment, businesses can protect their workers, reduce costs, and improve productivity.

21/09/2023

21/09/2023

The Occupational Health & Safety Professionals Alliance - OHSPA page aims to provide a platform for occupational health and safety professionals to connect, share information, and learn from each other. The page also aims to promote public awareness of occupational health and safety issues.

The objectives of the OHSPA page are to:

1. Provide a forum for OH&S professionals to network and share best practices.
2. Promote awareness of OH&S issues and resources
3. Educate the public about the importance of OH&S
4. Encourage OH&S professionals to get involved in their communities.

The OHSPA page is a valuable resource for OH&S professionals of all levels of experience. It is a place to learn from others, stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the field, and find support from a community of professionals who are passionate about safety.

The OHSPA page can be used to achieve its objectives:

1. Networking and sharing best practices: OH&S professionals can use the page to connect with other professionals in their field, ask questions, and share best practices. This can help to improve own skills and knowledge and to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
2. Promoting awareness of OH&S issues and resources: The OHSPA page can be used to share information about OH&S issues and resources with the public. This can help to raise awareness of the importance of OH&S and to promote a culture of safety in the workplace.
3. Educating the public about the importance of OH&S: The OHSPA page can be used to educate the public about the importance of OH&S and the risks that they may face in the workplace. This can help to reduce the number of workplace accidents and injuries.
4. Encouraging OH&S professionals to get involved in their communities. The OHSPA page can be used to encourage OH&S professionals to get involved in their communities and to promote OH&S awareness. This can help to make workplaces safer for everyone.

The OHSPA page is a valuable resource for OH&S professionals and the public alike. It is a place to learn, connect, and promote safety.