Health and Safety in the Workplace
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Health and Safety in the Workplace Dr Clare Ryan
description
Health and Safety in the Workplace. Dr Clare Ryan. Sure every work place is safe. It’s not always what we do, but how we do it, which causes accidents. Why should we care?. Moral and ethical reasons Economic reasons Legislative reasons. Physical. Biological. Chemical. Ergonomic. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Health and Safety in the Workplace
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Dr Clare Ryan
It’s not always what we do, but how we do it, which causes accidents
Sure every work place is safe.....
Moral and ethical reasons Economic reasons Legislative reasons
Why should we care?
Hazard Groups: Hazards generally fall into four main
groups
ErgonomicChemical
BiologicalPhysical
Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations, 2001
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 2006
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994 as amended in 1998
Chemicals Act No 32 of 2010 Regulated by the Health and Safety Executive NI
(www.hseni.gov.uk)
Is it Law?
Spectacle wearers not allowed on bouncy castle
Is all Health and Safety needed?
HSE bans traditional school ties
Health and safety risks stop children playing 'pin the tail on the donkey'
Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence died in slurry tank trying to save father
Construction firm Henry Bros fined £75k over worker's death
http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Statistics/Fatal_Injury/
A ‘Hazard is a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons’.
A ‘risk is the likelihood that a person may be harmed or suffers adverse health effects if exposed to a hazard.’
Risk or Hazard?
Can you identify the hazard?
Can you assess the risks?
Hazard Groups: Hazards generally fall into four
main groups
ErgonomicChemical
BiologicalPhysical
Physical Hazards: Cause damage to the body, e.g.:
◦Working with tools and machinery
◦Working at height◦Electrical work ◦Exposure to noise or vibration
Chemical Hazards:
Able to produce health effects, e.g.◦Dusts and fibres◦Fumes and gases◦Corrosives,
poisons
Biological Hazards: Causes ill health through contact
with:
◦Micro-organisms (Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi)
◦Insects (mites, parasites)◦Human, animal waste◦Sharps (needles, scalpels)
Ergonomic Hazards: Harm caused by:
◦Poor working posture◦Poor workstation layout◦Confined space work◦Unsuitable equipment
University of Ulster
• 3000 employees
• 15,000 full time students
•http://www.ulster.ac.uk/hr/healthandsafety/
•http://www.ulster.ac.uk/hr/healthandsafety/procedures_safety.html
Ultimate aim- a safe work environment
Hazard Groups: Hazards generally fall into four
main groups
ErgonomicChemical
BiologicalPhysical
