Health and safety issues
Health and safety at the workplace is everyone’s responsibility, so it is important that a general under- standing of health and safety be provided. While at a workplace, the employer is responsible for ensuring the workplace is safe, which includes providing the following:
● Safe work areas
● Information, instruction, training, and supervision
● Personal protective equipment
The workers are responsible for themselves, their own health and safety. The worker must not put others at risk on the job. However, the employer must ensure that a worker’s health and safety are not harmed in any way. Worker responsibility includes these procedures:
● Following safety instructions
● Using equipment carefully
● Reporting hazards and injuries
One reason young workers are injured is they are not aware of their rights to be properly trained, super- vised, cared for, and provided with a safe and healthy environment.
Common hazards exist in the electrical and elec- tronics industry. It is important to learn about these hazards and how to work safely in these environments. Within the industry, there are a wide range of work activities such as using measuring instruments, hand and power tools, and specialist tools; soldering; and constructing circuits (Figure 3-1).
Hazard identification is a key step in preventing injury in the workplace. Where there’s a risk, stop and think about what action is being done, and identify the potential risks to other workers.
Here is a three-step approach to hazard identification:
1. Spot the hazard. Be alert and notice potential hazards, and identify what is the problem.
2. Assess the risk. Talk to the job supervisor about the hazard, and suggest a way to resolve the problem.
3. Make the changes. Perform the agreed-upon solution.
It is important that every electrical worker works in a safe manner, not only for personal safety but also the safety of others. Working safely includes wearing the appropriate clothing and safety gear, using tools properly, and performing the task according to directions.
An electric shock occurs when a worker becomes part of an electrical circuit and current flows through his or her body. The most common cause of electrocution in the workplace is contact with overhead wires. This is because when carrying equipment like poles and ladders or operating equipment with height extension such as cranes, people can misjudge heights and distances be- tween the ground and overhead wires.
Accidental death can also result from equipment be- coming energized due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance, or short circuit. Electrical accidents are most often caused by a combination of factors such as these:
● Lack of supervision
● Lack of training
● Inadequate work practices
● Poorly maintained equipment or installation
● Hazardous workplace environment
● Unauthorized electrical repairs
General safety precautions include these practices:
● Keep tools and equipment in safe and proper working order through regular inspections and a preventative maintenance program.
● Repair immediately any tools and equipment that have frayed cords.
● When a tool and equipment has been disconnected from the power source, activate it to release the stored energy.
● Always switch off tools and equipment at the power point, before pulling out the plug.
● Keep electrical cords picked up off the floor to pre- vent damage from sharp objects.
● Know the location of the main electrical disconnect.
Keep electrical tools and equipment away from any wet areas.
● Don’t overload circuits by plugging in too many plugs on one circuit.
Questions
1. What is the employer responsibility for ensuring workplace safety?
2. What is the worker’s responsibility regarding safety?
3. Why are young workers injured more than older workers?
4. What is the three-step approach to hazard identification?
5. What causes electrical accidents?