Occupational Health and Safety (Hazards in the workplace) - Essay Example

?Running Head: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (WORKPLACE HAZARDS) Occupational Health and Safety (Hazards in the Workplace) By Table of Contents Table of contents 1 Executive summary 2 Introduction 3 Methodology 3 Major hazards 4 Research on the health effects of the hazard 5 Legal requirements 7 Workers compensation 7 Mines safety and inspection Act of 1994 8 Opinion 8 Recommended controls 9 Safety culture 9 Aspects that drive the organisation’s culture 9 Impacts of work-site safety 10 Three recommendations to improve safety culture in the work-site 11 The recommendation in an action plan 11 Conclusion 12 References 13 Appendices (Appendix i, ii & iii) 15-17 Executive Summary Occupational health and safety is a precondition in all the companies, and managers are charged with ensuring that their workers are safe and able to work comfortably. Often, companies carry out audit of the safety equipment and make appropriate adjustments to the shortfalls that they detect. In mining, for example, the company is obliged to observe al the legislation requirements about the employees’ safety. A lot of companies have done significant work in ensuring that they meet the safety standards, which the government outlines for their operations. In doing so, they prevent the rate at which their employees sustain injuries during work. Since heavy machines are used in mining, precaution is necessary in ensuring that the workers operating them are fully protected. This would make sure that there is continuity of operation and reduce cases of lateness and absenteeism due sicknesses. Therefore, the report is about the outcome of the research conducted on the BPH Mining Company operating in Australia. The company has made many steps in ensuring that their workers are safe at the work-site. The report outlines the methodology used in the research, including questionnaire and conducting interviews. Thereafter, it identifies hearing loss as a major hazard in the company that has affected a number of workers in the company and other mining activities. Then, it explains critically the research on the health effects of the identified hazard, outlining the observations and giving comparative statistics, to support that, indeed, the problem is real. The legal requirements, recommended controls and the safety culture are also explained into details, with relevant justifications and examples. Finally it ends with a conclusion. Introduction In reality, the people employed in mining industries have to take great precaution of their occupational health and safety. Often, there are many hazards, ranging from cuts, bruises, limbs and legs breakages among others in the work place that the workers report on daily basis (Angle, 2004, p. 45). Many manufacturing industries are under pressure to carry out all the safety precautions, which would help their worker and, save them from the unexpected injuries. Notably, a lot of companies have adhered to the rules and have considerably minimised the injuries to their workers. In this report, I am going to outline the occupational health and safety in BPH Mining Company in Australia, with specific attention to hazardous machinery. Particularly, I have chosen hazardous machinery since mining employs heave and very dangerous machines that, often, terminate the lives of the workers. Sometimes, the workers sustain serious injuries, which make them bed ridden for a long time (Barry, 2008, p. 66). Mining Companies spend a lot of money in treating the workers from the injuries that they sustain during the work. Considering the case of BHP mining, a careful study revealed that the hazardous machinery contributes to most of the bruises and cuts that the workers sustain. Usually, the workers take certain risky moves that jeopardise their lives. Indeed, some of them do not take the ethical workplace culture as an important aspect of the organizational performance. The report also shows that the cultural factors are critical in driving the organisation to success (Erickson, 1996, p. 124). Methodology In gathering the information for identifying the hazards, we used different research methodologies including the questionnaires and interviewing the workers. Notably, we had already structured the questionnaires and only distributed them to the workers, who were the respondents. The questionnaires were chosen because they are cheap to use, and may reveal the secret that an individual worker may not want to show (Reese, 2008, p.59). As the workers who got the questionnaires were busy answering the questions, we had an opportunity to interview some of the employees on matters relation to the occupational safety and health in the company. During the interviews, we were informed that the company had considerably adequate measures to minimise the risks that are imminent in the mining industry (Angle, 2004, p. 49). Particularly, we heard that the company provides all the protective devices to all the employees upon recruitment. One of the workers reiterated that failure to wear protective equipment in the company puts oneself to the numerous risks such as physical injuries, hearing impairment, liquid chemical and gases. One of the common gases that one could smell was sulphur dioxide, which emanate from the mining ores, and is very dangerous (Finucane, 2006, p.107). Completing the questionnaires and the interviews took about two hours, since most of the employees were literate and did not need my consultation. In fact, they just consulted among themselves and gave their opinion (Dianna & Woodside, 1997, p.54). Notably, the questionnaires were structured into open and closed ended questions, which needed opinion and definite answers respectively. After completing the interviews, I collected the questionnaires and analysed the responses. Major Hazards Concerning the hazardous machinery, the study found out that there are specific, but, major hazards that the workers experience. The major hazard that I noted was the hearing loss. In the mining company, the study found out that there are heavy machines producing a lot of sound that later lead to hearing loss. Hearing loss was recognized the major occupational diseases in the mining company (Frank, 2009, p.134). Despite the protective devises that the workers use, the high sound that originates from the machines exposes the employees to intense noise that results to hearing impairment. Other scholars refer to it as industrial deafness that is permanent in the affected person, since it affects the neurological structures of the ears. In controlling the effects of sound related hearing loss, the company provides the workers with ear masks, which they are expected to wear during work (Della-Guistina, 2000, p.187). In the work-site, I noted that there were machines producing very high sounds and the workers were operating the machines. For example, the drilling machine cannot operate automatically, meaning that there has to be an operator to ensure that the machine works at optimum level. Indeed, the mining machines were producing high sounds that the non-workers and neighboring people were not comfortable (Harrington, 2008, p.98). Research on the health effects of the hazard The study revealed a lot regarding the health effects of hearing loss that the intense sound from the machines produced. One of the effects especially to the worker was deafness. In fact, many workers employed in the company over the years complained of hearing loss that affected their daily operations (Ladou, 2006, p.112). The cases of exposure varied significantly, there were cases resulting from single exposure whereas most of the reports indicated prolonged exposure (Morris, 2006, p.1). However, whether, the exposure is single or prolonged, it disables the hearing capability of an individual. An example of statistics of deafness claims was as follows; Table 1 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 Claims of deafness 5755 5280 5185 4510 Total disease claims (%) 24 22 21 19 Total disease claims & injury claims (%) 3.8 3.5 5.5 3.2 Source: Figure 1 Here is the graphical representation of the findings. According to other findings, the research established that the intensity of the sound depends on its definition as shown in the table. Table 2 Comparison of models for estimating the excess risk of material hearing impairment at age 60 after a 40-year working lifetime exposure to occupational noise, by definition of material hearing impairment 0.5-1-2-khz definition 1-2-3khz definition 1-2-3-4khz definition Averare Exposure Level (dBA) 1971 ISO 1972 NIOSH 1973 EPA 1990 ISO 1997 MIOSH 1972 NIOSH 1990 ISO 1997 NIOSH 1990 ISO 1997 NIOSH 90 21 29 22 3 23 29 14 32 17 25 85 10 15 12 1 10 16 4 14 6 8 80 0 3 5 0 4 3 0 5 1 1 Source: Legal Requirements In limiting the hearing loss, there are legislations, which seek to protect the workers from the harmful health effects of exposure to noise. Some of the legislative requirements include; workers compensation and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act of 1994 (MSIA, 2000, p.1). Workers Compensation Notably, the workers compensation was a strategy that the Australian government launched, to ensure that the mine workers who lost their hearing ability received compensation from their employers. After launching the strategy in 1991, approximately, 89,500 workers who were exposed to noise went for hearing test. Indeed, the workers who suffered hearing loss were paid between $75 and $603 (Morris, 2006, p. 1). Mines Safety and Inspection Act of 1994 In relation to the problem of hearing loss, as provided for under the Act, the companies operating the mining industry were expected regulate the amount of noise produced in the industry. As well, they had to provide the workers with safety equipment, needed to protect them from the effect of noise. For example, the recommended ear masks that could protect the machine operators from intense sound that they worked under (National Occupation Health and Safety Commission, 2011, p.1). Opinion whether the employer controlled the hazards sufficiently Considering the ways in which the company controlled the hazards, I believe that the mining company has put adequate measures to control the risks that the workers may face in the workplace. For example, they provide a range of protective equipment that the workers need in carrying out the mining activities. With specific reference to noise hazard, the company provides ear masks that the employees are expected to wear, as long as they are in the work place. Indeed, that was an adequate measure to minimise the risks that result from extreme noise. The workers further stressed that, it was an offence to stay in the work-site without the protective devises. Precisely, the explanation indicated that the company had a sense of responsibility to cater for that worker’s safety. Moreover, the workers observed a sense of personal safety measures, through wearing the protective devises during the working hours. Other than the safety gadget, we observed that there were leaflets pinned on the notice boards outlining the safety precautions the workers had to observe. In addition, the mining company has well equipped first aid kit and a team of experts to treat the injured people. Therefore, I deduced that the company has adequate measures to minimise all the hazards. Recommended Controls In mining industry, the application of hierarchy of control ensures that the workers are safeguarded from the risks and injuries, which are associated with the work environment. The hierarchy starts with the workers since they are the group exposed to the risks than the management. Therefore, they are considered the first lot in the hierarchy of controls as outlined (Roughton, 2002, p.85). Eliminate the risks: This is the most effective control measure in the mining industry. The workers and management should collaborate to ensure that the risk are minimised and possibly eliminated. Engineering controls: Under this control, the protection of the workers from the harmful exposures that probably occur in most companies. It lays emphasis on individual precaution on the workplace risks. Administrative controls: The administration should minimise and regulate the exposure through limited dose of the available drugs. The practice ensures that there are limited exposures to the patients as the commission may recommend. Safety Culture Aspects that drive the organisation’s culture Notably, the driver that is used in the report is the fifth one that states, “Being safe - High level of personal safety, both physical and physiological, Emotional stability and a feeling of being protected by the system” (Everly, 2006, p.332) The driver is chose because it is relevant to the report and outlines the need for personal safety in the workplace. Under the personal safety, the workers think that the workplace system protects them. Indeed, safety is a precondition for the workplace practices, to minimize the injuries that the workers sustain in the process of their duties. Impacts of Work-site Safety Indeed, the work-site safety has a lot of benefits to the company. First, when the workers follow the safety guidelines, they minimize injuries that are prone in workplaces. For example, wearing gloves and helmets reduces cases of bruises, machine cuts and shield the head from other falling object (DiBerardinis, 1998, p. 17). Secondly, wearing dust and ear masks help the worker from inhaling poisonous substances, and protect the ear from excessive sound of the running machines respectively. Thirdly, wearing gumboots in the workplace, specifically in mining companies protests the worker from stepping on dangerous chemicals and piercing materials that may be scattered all over the mining site. In addition, equipping the site with fire extinguishers might help in putting off occasional fires, which result from explosions (Reese, 2003, p26). Other than the benefits, implementing the work-site safety increases the expenditure of the expenditure of the company, leading to reduction in the net profit. Some workers might also misuse the safety equipment, thus, minimizing their effectiveness. Indeed, this makes the equipment not to serve the intended purpose. For example, in the mining company, the misuse of ear masks resulted to the recorded cases of deafness (Everly, 2006, p.335). Truly, some workers disobey the ethical practices and basic rules in the workplace by removing the ear masks even when they are operating a machine that produces very loud sound. Three recommendations to improve safety culture in the work-site In order to improve the safety culture and address the current problems, both the company and the workers have the obligation to adhere to the safety rules. First, the company has to provide the safety equipment including; ear masks, dusk masks, gumboots, gloves helmets and overalls for all the workers. Beside, the management should ensure that they install the fire extinguishers, which are in working condition. Secondly, the company has to provide the safety guidelines and what the workers are expected to do, in case of injuries, fire outbreak and sickness in the work-site. They should outline them in posters that are strategically positioned in various parts of the company. Finally, the workers have to practice the culture of personal safety. Here, they should wear all the safety equipment during work, and ensure that they seek first aid for the injury sustained. In addition, the workers should know that safety is primarily for personal benefit, thereby, ensure that they coordinate with the management in finding solution for arising problems. The recommendation in an action plan i. The company provides the safety equipment including; ear masks, dusk masks, gumboots, gloves helmets and overalls for all the workers. ii. The company installs the fire extinguishers, which are in working condition at strategic points. iii. The company provides the safety guidelines, written and pinned on notice boards. iv. The workers always wear the safety equipment during work. v. The workers report injuries and seek first aid immediately. Conclusion In summary, it is noted that occupational Health and safety is a requirement in every organization. Indeed, there is need to reduce the risks that culminated from the injuries that the workers often sustain. Considering the BPH Mining Company, the report notes that despite the challenges in implementing the safety precautions, they have succeeded in reducing the health risks that their workers face during their duty. Indeed, the company has ensured that the workers use the safety devices and practice the workplace ethics as part of the safety culture of the company. In addition, the report makes it clear that the company has made tremendous effort in enforcing the legal requirements, about the safety of the workers. Therefore, it indicates that they are concerned with the workers’ welfare, and interested in increasing the production. References Angle, J. 2004, Occupational Safety and Health in the Emergency services. New York: Delmar Publishers. Barry, S. 2008, Occupational and Environmental Health. New York: McGraw-Hill. DiBerardinis, L. 1998, Handbook of Occupation Safety and Health. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Debra, N. 2006, Basics of Industrial Hygiene. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Della-Guistina, D. 2000, Developing a Safety and Health Program. Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers. Dianna, K. & Woodside, G. 1997, Environment, Safety, and Health Engineering. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Erickson, P. A. 1996, Practical Guide to Occupational Health and Safety. New York: Academic Press. Everly, S. G. 2006, An Introduction to Occupational Health Psychology. Journal of Professional Resource Exchange. Vol. 5 p. 331-338 Finucane, E. W. 2006, Definitions, Conversions, and Calculations for Occupational Safety and Health Professionals. New York: CRC Press Frank, P. G. 2009, Public Health Law Manual. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Harrington, W. 2008, Choosing Environmental Policy. United States: RFF Press. Ladou, J. 2006, Current Occupational & Environmental Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill. Mines Safety and Inspection Act (MSIA 1994), 17 March 2000, Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994. 03 Oct, 2011 Morris, H. 2006 April, Work Related Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Australia. 03Oct, 2011 http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/418/WorkRelated_Noise_Induced_Hearing.pdf National Occupation Health and Safety Commission, 2011 October, 24-28, SafeWork SA http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/ Reese, C. D. 2008, Occupational Health and Safety Management. Lewis Publishers Reese, C. D. 2003, Occupational Health and Safety Management. Lewis Publishers. Roughton, J. 2002, Developing an Effective Safety Culture. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. Appendices Appendix i An example of statistics of deafness claims was as follows; Table 1 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 Claims of deafness 5755 5280 5185 4510 Total disease claims (%) 24 22 21 19 Total disease claims & injury claims (%) 3.8 3.5 5.5 3.2 Source: Appendix ii Table 2 Comparison of models for estimating the excess risk of material hearing impairment at age 60 after a 40-year working lifetime exposure to occupational noise, by definition of material hearing impairment 0.5-1-2-khz definition 1-2-3khz definition 1-2-3-4khz definition Averare Exposure Level (dBA) 1971 ISO 1972 NIOSH 1973 EPA 1990 ISO 1997 MIOSH 1972 NIOSH 1990 ISO 1997 NIOSH 1990 ISO 1997 NIOSH 90 21 29 22 3 23 29 14 32 17 25 85 10 15 12 1 10 16 4 14 6 8 80 0 3 5 0 4 3 0 5 1 1 Source: Appendix iii Recommended Controls In mining industry, the application of hierarchy of control ensures that the workers are safeguarded from the risks and injuries, which are associated with the work environment. The hierarchy starts with the workers since they are the group exposed to the risks than the management. Therefore, they are considered the first lot in the hierarchy of controls as outlined (Roughton, 2002, p.85). Eliminate the risks: This is the most effective control measure in the mining industry. The workers and management should collaborate to ensure that the risk are minimised and possibly eliminated. Engineering controls: Under this control, the protection of the workers from the harmful exposures that probably occur in most companies. It lays emphasis on individual precaution on the workplace risks. Administrative controls: The administration should minimise and regulate the exposure through limited dose of the available drugs. The practice ensures that there are limited exposures to the patients as the commission may recommend. Read More