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Reasons for Health, Safety and Security Programs or Policies in Workplace

There are several reasons to implement health, safety, and security programs or policies in the workplace.
v It ensures the well-being and safety of employees by reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and health
issues.
v It shows that the business performance and the safety performance are directly proportional;
v It enhances the organization’s reputation, attracting potential employees and clients who value a safe
working environment.
v It establishes procedures for emergencies and ensures that employees know how to respond to various
situations, contributing to a safer workplace.

v A typical safety policy for a company follows an OH&S ( Occupational Health and Safety) clause.
v Clear definitions of the roles and responsibilities of both management and employees regarding health and
safety practices.
v Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take action to reduce them.
v Establish and communicate emergency response plans for various scenarios, including medical emergencies,
fires, and natural disasters.
v Employees will be trained about health and safety practices, including the use of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures.

v The organisation will always try to improve safety practices to avoid accidents and keep the workplace
healthy.

Hazards

A hazard is any factor that has the potential to cause damage, harm, or negative health effects to individuals at
the workplace. An element can be considered a hazard if it has the capability to trigger another hazard, which
may endanger people or property in the surrounding area.
In the context of the workplace, hazards are conditions or factors present in a work environment that can
potentially cause harm, injury, or illness to employees or damage to property. These hazards can be classified
into several categories — physical, electrical, fire, health etc.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards include environmental factors that can cause harm without direct contact, such as noise,
radiation, extreme temperatures, and falling, slipping/tripping hazards.
v Falls at work can happen because of unsafe ladders, scaffoldings, roofs, or platforms. It is one of the leading
causes of workplace injuries and fatalities.
v Slipping occurs when an individual loses traction
on a surface due to lack of friction, leading to a fall.
The common areas for slipping include wet floors,
spills, and uneven walkways.

v Tripping occurs when an individual’s foot strikes
an object, causing them to lose balance and fall.
This can happen in cluttered workspaces, over
uneven surfaces, or around equipment.

Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards in the workplace are conditions involving electricity that can cause harm, injury, or damage
to employees, equipment, or the work environment. These hazards can arise from various sources and can lead
to severe consequences, including electric shock, burns, and fires.

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