SAFETY MANAGEMENT

Safety is the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional,
occupational, psychological, educational, or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents,
harm or any other event which could be considered non-desirable. Safety can also be defined to be the control of
recognized hazards to achieve an acceptable level of risk. This can take the form of being protected from the event
or from exposure to something that causes health or economical losses. It can include protection of people or of
possessions.

Types of Safety

Normative safety is when a product or design meets applicable design standards and protection.
Substantive safety (objective) occurs when the real-world safety history is favorable, whether or not standards are
met.
Perceived safety (subjective) refers to the level of comfort of users.

Safety Management, is a function that enhances company performance by predicting operational, procedural, or
environmental risks and threats before they occur. Safety management is a strategic process that identifies and
addresses safety issues for employees and the company. Aside from being a pre-emptive and preventive process,
safety management also correct deficiencies and performance errors. Safety management is the reduction of risk
in the workplace.

Elements of Safety Management

Ethical – there is moral obligation placed on employers to ensure that the workplace and work activities are both
safe.
Legal - there are legislative requirements defined in just about every jurisdiction on how safety management can
be implemented and achieved.
Financial - effective safety management (which is the reduction of risk in the workplace) can reduce the financial
exposure of an organization by reducing direct and indirect costs associated with accident and incidents.

To address these three important elements, an effective a safety management system should:
 Define how the organization is set up to manage risk.
 Identify workplace risk and implement suitable controls.
 Implement effective communications across all levels of the organization.
 Implement a process to identify and correct non-conformities.
 Implement a continual improvement process.

Components of Safety Management

 Planning - Establish within policy statements what the requirements are for the organization in terms of
resources, defining management commitment, and defining Occupational, Safety and Health targets.
Determine what legislation and standards apply to the organization, what OSH objectives are defined and
how they are reviewed, hazard prevention, and the assessment and management of risk.
 Organizing - Define organizational structure, responsibilities, and accountabilities.
 Directing – Determine how preventive and corrective actions are managed and what processes are in
place to ensure the continual improvement process.
 Control - Provide a system by which OSH performance can be measured and assessed. What are the
processes for the reporting of accidents and incidents and for the investigation of accidents and what
internal and external audit processes are in place to review the system.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Occupational Safety and Health was established “to assure so far as possible every working man and woman a
safe and healthful working condition”. Among the rights provided for workers are opportunities to:
 Request an inspection by the Department of Labor when there is suspicion that a job safety or health
violation exists which threatens physical harm.
 Participate in inspections.
 Participate in the hearing when an employer protests a fine or abatement period resulting from an OSH
violation.
 Request a determination “whether any substance normally found in the place of employment has
potentially toxic effects in such concentrations as used or found.”

The safety engineer is one representative of management whose interest is primarily in safety and only
secondarily in operation/production or costs. He needs a sound engineering background to enable him to hold his
own in the arguments for job reengineering. He may report to the plant superintendent or project manager, but is
often a part of the industrial-relations department. For full success, he needs, as do all staff men, the absolute
confidence and enthusiastic support of top management. His field of work is far more extensive than may be
suggested by the term “safety” to the uninitiated. It often includes plant housekeeping and industrial sanitation.

AREAS OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

1. Housekeeping
Good housekeeping calls for two things:
a. Keeping trash and loose objects picked up and disposed of properly.
b. Placing all tools and equipment where they belong

Fundamental Rules of Good Housekeeping

1) Keep areas clear of tools and materials that may cause workers to trip or fall.
2) Spills or drippings of any liquids or grease should be cleaned up immediately as they contribute to
accidents and possible fire dangers.
3) Rags containing oils, gasoline, paints, solvents and combustibles should be put in covered metal
containers to avoid fire from spontaneous combustion.
4) Bend or remove protruding nails, sharp objects and so not allow material to protrude so as to create
additional hazard.
5) Pipes should be laid down rather than leaned against a structure as it may have a tendency to fall over or
hit somebody.

2. Personal Protective Equipment

Proper clothing in the workplace reduces the frequency of accidents. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
protects the parts of the body that are subject to cuts, abrasions, burns, flying objects and welding rays.
Without personal protective equipment, a worker may receive injuries that may incapacitate or maim him/her
for life.
2.1. Headgear
Safety headgear softens the blow to the head. The hard shell resists and deflects the blow. It distributes
the impact over a large area, with the hat suspension acting as a shock absorber.
Hard hats should fit properly. If it is loose, it will fall when one bends over; if too tight, it may cause
headache. Hard hats have protected workers from serious injuries. Plastic hard hats are much safer than the
metal type for the electrical worker as they are nonconductive.

Classes of Hard Hats

Class A. Made from insulating material to protect the head from falling objects and electric shock by voltages
up to 2200V.
 Class B. Made from insulating material to protect the head from falling objects and electric shock by voltages
up to 20,000V.
Class C. Designed to protect the head from falling objects but not designed for use around live electrical wire
or where corrosive substances are present.

2.2. Eye Protection

Safety glasses, face shields or goggles should be worn at all times whenever a job is being performed that
may cause chips to fly. The eyes may also need protection from dust, fumes, vapors and harmful rays.
Standard safety glasses are designed to protect the eyes against flying particles. They have lenses that are
impact resistant and frames that are far stronger than regular eyeglasses.
Safety goggles are impact resistant and are available in tinted lenses. They provide a secure shield around
an entire area to protect against hazards coming from many directions.
Safety goggles may have regular or indirect ventilation. Goggles with indirect ventilation may be required
for those exposed to splash hazards.
Face shields are used for those exposed to chemicals, heat or glare hazards. Helmets are used, when
welding or working with molten materials.

2.3. Hand Protection

Many hand and finger injuries can be prevented or minimized by wearing gloves. Glove must be matched
to the job being performed. Gloves must be matched to the job being performed. Gloves made of Kevlar are
most effective for protection against cut and heat hazards. Kevlar is five times as strong as steel of the same
weight and is the material used to make bulletproof vests and military helmets.
Gloves need proper maintenance. No glove is going to be effective if it is worn, damaged or has holes at
the tips or between the fingers.

Major Hazards for Hand Injuries

a. Bypassing safety guards installed specifically to protect against them.
b. Automated machinery that can start up even when it appears to be off.
c. Rotating tools and machinery with sharp edges.
d. Machines that generate heat or contain heating elements.
e. Jewelry, such as rings, watches or bracelets, or long shirtsleeves that can get caught in moving machinery
or come in contact with an energized circuit.
f. Chemicals such as solvents, acids, caustics and metal compounds.
g. Using the wrong tool for the job.

2.4. Clothing
Loose clothing and cuffs on pants contribute to falls as they can catch on protruding objects and objects
stored on the floor area. They may also get caught in rotating machinery.

2.5. Foot Protection

Stout and well-fitting shoes will help prevent injuries to the feet. The shoes should have nonslip soles.
When heavy objects are being handled, the shoes should also be equipped with steel toes, except when
working around exposed electrical wire or connections where metal-free, non-conductive shoe would be
needed.

2.6. Hearing Protection

Ear protection is needed when (a) the sounds in the work area are irritating, (b) there are signs indicating
hearing protection is required, (c) sound levels reach 85 decibels or higher for an 8-hour time period, or (d) if
there are short bursts of sound that can cause hearing damages.
Earplug offers the most protection, with the foam-type earplug being the most effective if it fits snugly.
Earmuffs also offer protection, but their effectiveness is limited by the seal they form around the ear.

3. Safe Use & Care of Tools and Equipment

3.1. Hand tool Safety
 Safety precautions in handling tools:
a. Do not toss or throw tools to a fellow worker.
b. Tools or materials should not be left protruding from a vise or workbench; passing workers can be
injured. When absolutely necessary to do so, attach a flag or cloth to the danger end so it can be easily
seen.
c. Do not leave tools or material on top of ladders or scaffolds or anywhere they can fall or injure
someone.
d. Sharp pointed tools should not be carried about carelessly or put in your pocket.
e. Do not strike two hardened pieces of metal together as they may cause chips to fly or strike worker.
f. Tools with mushroomed head should be ground off before use as flying particles loosened by as
shock on the ragged edges may cause painful or serious injuries.
g. All files should be fitted with handles.
h. When using a knife or other sharpened tool, cut away from the body or hands and be sure to stand at a
safe distance from others.
i. Extend the handle toward the person receiving the tool from you.
j. Keep the handles of tools free from oil or grease to prevent them from slipping from your grasp or
possibly striking somebody.
k. Work only with hammers having handles in good condition and wedged tightly in place.
l. Use a screwdriver only for its intended purpose.
m. Never run when handling sharp tools.
n. When working around energized equipment or systems, it is suggested that insulated tools be used.

3.2. Power Tool Safety

Power tools are tremendous labor-saving devices but can be very dangerous if continually abused.
Safety Rules when using power tools:
a. Be familiar with the tool and use it for its intended purpose only.
b. Be sure the tools are properly insulated or grounded.
c. Do not use power tools in damp, wet locations or in an area that has an explosive atmosphere.
d. Secure your work. Never hold the work freely in one hand when using a drill or saw.
e. Keep observers away from the work area.
f. Inspect all tools for frayed cords, faulty switches, and broken parts before using and repair them.
g. Be sure to disconnect tools when servicing, changing accessories, adjusting or storing.

3.3. Ladders and Scaffolding Safety

Safety reminders for ladders:
a. Do not stand on the top step of ladders.
b. Work three steps below the top step of the ladder.
c. Work from ladders, not from chairs, boxes, sawhorses or other improvised working surfaces.
d. Open stepladders all the way and lock the spreader.
e. Do not use planks on the top of the stepladders.
f. Do not leave objects on the top of stepladders.
g. Obtain assistance of a second person when raising or lowering very long of heavy ladder.
h. Do not overreach while on a ladder.
i. Choose the right size and type of ladder for each job
j. Inspect the ladder closely before using.
k. Be sure the stepladder spreaders are always fully extended.
l. Allow only one person on a ladder at any time;

Safety rules when using scaffolding:

a. Lock all wheels before working on rolling scaffolds.
b. Keep the platform clear of tools and debris.
c. Lock all joints when erecting metal scaffolds.
d. Do not ride a moving scaffold except under specific conditions.
e. Do not allow platform planks on rolling scaffolds to overhang the support more than 18 in.
Fire Safety

There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labelled with standard symbols for the classes of
fires that they can handle. This rating is a number from 1 to 40 for Class A fires and 1 to 640 for Class B fires.
The larger the number, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out.

The three classes of fires are:

Class A. Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
Class B. Flammable liquids such as gasoline, grease, oil, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.
Class C. Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

The one warning that always needs to be followed is that water or an extinguisher labelled only for Class A fires
is dangerous to use on a grease or electrical fire.

When using a portable fire extinguisher, stand six to eight feet away from the fire and follow a four-step
procedure.
1. Pull the pin. This will unlock the operating handle and allow you to discharge the extinguisher. Some
extinguishers are equipped with devices that prevent inadvertent operation.
2. Point the nozzle or hose of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever or push the button, whichever means is used to discharge the extinguisher’s contents.
4. Sweep from side to side, moving very carefully toward the fire and keeping the nozzle or hose aimed at
the base of the fire.
When the flames appear to be out, watch the area. If the fire reignites, repeat the process.

Every workplace should be equipped with portable fire extinguishers. They should be kept in working order and
have to be checked periodically by a qualified person to be sure that pressure has not been lost.

First Aid
The first step to follow for first aid while medical help is being summoned is to minimize further injury by not
moving the victim unless necessary for safety, to control severe bleeding, to maintain an open airway, to
administer CPR if necessary, and to treat for shock.
The listed “do’s” and “don’ts” are generally acceptable for the conditions described.

Condition Symptoms Do Not Do

Get help.
Apply firm gentle, direct
External Bleeding pressure to wound using
Apply tourniquet. clean cloth or bandage for
Blood Push anything back into skin. 15 minutes or until
Remove blood-soaked bleeding stops.
bandage. Elevate injured areas.
Apply more bandages and
pressure if bleeding soaks
through bandage.
Remove any contaminated
clothing.
Chemical Burn Red, irritated skin Try to neutralize chemical Quickly flush chemical
Burning sensation burns unless directed by burns with lukewarm
professionals. water for 20 minutes.
Seek medical attention.
 Sudden loss of Shut off power.
consciousness Seek medical help.
Electrical Burns Weak pulse Do not touch victim if still in Cover wounds with sterile
Respiratory contact with source of power. dressing.
difficulties Check airway.
Burns Check breathing.
Cold skin Rub affected parts Move victim to warm area.
Numb skin Break blisters. Immerse affected body
Frostbite Painful skin Refrain from taking any parts in 100 – 105 degrees
Skin becomes hard stimulants. F water.
and white as pain Use hot water. Administer warm liquids.
progresses
Attempt to remove object Gently wash or flush with
Pain from eye with any liquid water or sterile eyewash.
Excessive blinking other than sterile eyewash or If object in eye, do cover
Eye Injury Tearing clean water. object without touching
Redness Delay in washing an irritant eye or the object.
Visual Problems from the eye. Cover both eyes to prevent
Sensitivity to light Attempt to pull out any object eye movement.
struck in the eyeball. Seek medical attention
Rub painful eye(s). immediately.
Remove objects that
Nonresponsive Force any object between victim could strike.
Jerking motion of victim’s teeth. Place a cushion-type
Seizures parts of the body. Hold victim down. material around victim.
Loss of control of Throw water on victim. Get help.
body functions. Leave victim alone. Stay with the victim.
Monitor breathing, any
bleeding.