Occupation health and safety

1. Explain the purpose and occupation safety and health act in india 10mark
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is a crucial piece of legislation in India aimed
at promoting and maintaining safe working conditions for employees. Here are the key
purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in India:

1. Protecting workers' rights: The OSHA ensures that workers have the right to a safe
and healthy workplace, including the right to refuse work that they believe is
hazardous.
2. Establishing safety standards: The OSHA sets minimum safety standards for various
industries and workplaces to reduce workplace hazards and prevent accidents.
3. Encouraging employer compliance: The OSHA imposes penalties on employers who
violate safety regulations, which incentivizes them to comply with safety standards.
4. Providing safety training: The OSHA mandates that employers provide safety training
and education to their employees, which helps prevent accidents and injuries.
5. Promoting research: The OSHA encourages research on occupational safety and
health to identify new hazards and develop effective safety solutions.

Overall, the Occupational Safety and Health Act in India is a crucial piece of legislation that
helps ensure that workers are protected and have safe working conditions, and it plays a vital
role in preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace.

1. define accident, hazard, risk, safety, exposure

Sure, here are the definitions of some common workplace safety terms:

1. Accident: An accident is an unexpected, unplanned event that results in damage,

injury, or harm to people, property, or the environment.
2. Hazard: A hazard is any source, situation, or condition that has the potential to cause
harm, damage, or injury to people, property, or the environment.
3. Risk: Risk refers to the likelihood that a hazard will result in harm, damage, or injury. It
is calculated by considering the severity of the harm and the probability that it will
occur.
4. Safety: Safety refers to the state of being free from harm, injury, or danger. It is
achieved by taking preventive measures to eliminate or reduce hazards and risks.
5. Exposure: Exposure refers to the contact or interaction of a person, object, or
environment with a hazard or risk. It can be either direct or indirect, and it can be
short-term or long-term.

Understanding these terms is essential for creating a safe and healthy work environment and
for effectively managing workplace risks and hazards.
 2. explain the various methods of accident investigation 10 marks
Accident investigation is a crucial process that helps organizations identify the root causes of
accidents and take corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the
future. Here are some of the common methods of accident investigation:

1. Interviewing witnesses: Interviewing witnesses is one of the primary methods of

accident investigation. Investigators interview those who were present at the time of
the incident to gather information about what happened and identify potential
causes.
2. Examining physical evidence: Examining physical evidence, such as damaged
equipment, can provide important clues about what caused an accident. Investigators
may collect and analyze physical evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events that
led up to the incident.
3. Reviewing records and documents: Reviewing records and documents, such as safety
procedures, training records, and maintenance logs, can help investigators identify
potential systemic issues that may have contributed to the accident.
4. Analyzing data: Analyzing data, such as accident statistics and near-miss reports, can
help investigators identify trends and patterns that may indicate underlying issues or
hazards.
5. Conducting simulations: Conducting simulations, such as reenactments or computer
simulations, can help investigators understand how an accident occurred and identify
potential contributing factors.
6. Using root cause analysis techniques: Root cause analysis is a systematic process of
identifying the underlying causes of an accident. Investigators may use techniques
such as the 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams to identify root causes and develop
corrective actions.

Overall, accident investigation methods can vary depending on the type and severity of the
incident, but a thorough investigation should use multiple methods to gather information
and identify contributing factors. The ultimate goal is to develop effective corrective actions
that prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

3. define ergnomics and explain the elements and ergonmics oshio guidlines 10
marks
Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workplaces, equipment, and tasks to fit
the capabilities and limitations of workers, with the aim of improving their safety, comfort,
and efficiency. Here are the elements and ergonomic OSHO guidelines that can be used to
ensure that workplaces are ergonomically sound:

1. Workstation design: Workstations should be designed to accommodate workers of

different sizes and shapes. Work surfaces, chairs, and equipment should be adjustable
to meet the needs of different workers.
 2. Posture: Workers should be trained to maintain good posture when performing tasks,
including sitting, standing, and lifting. Postures should be comfortable and
sustainable over long periods.
3. Task design: Tasks should be designed to minimize repetitive motion, awkward
postures, and excessive force. Workers should be given adequate rest breaks to
prevent fatigue and discomfort.
4. Lighting: Adequate lighting should be provided to help workers see their work and
prevent eye strain. The lighting should be adjustable to meet the needs of different
tasks and workers.
5. Noise: Noise levels should be controlled to prevent hearing loss and reduce
distractions. Noise-cancelling headphones and other noise-reducing technologies
can be used to reduce the impact of noise.
6. Vibration: Vibration levels should be controlled to prevent hand-arm vibration
syndrome (HAVS) and other conditions. Workers should be trained on how to
properly use equipment to reduce vibration exposure.
7. Work organization: Work should be organized to minimize the need for excessive
twisting, reaching, and bending. Workers should be trained to use ergonomic
equipment and tools.

Overall, ergonomic O

4. explain history and safety development 10 marrks

The history of safety development can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th
and 19th centuries when many workers were exposed to hazardous working conditions,
leading to frequent injuries and fatalities. The need for safety regulations and standards
became apparent as the number of industrial accidents and fatalities increased.

In the United States, the first significant safety legislation was the Federal Employers Liability
Act (FELA), which was passed in 1908 to provide compensation for railroad workers injured
on the job. In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City claimed the lives of
146 garment workers, leading to increased awareness and demand for workplace safety
standards.

In the following years, several organizations were formed to promote workplace safety,
including the National Safety Council in 1913 and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) in 1970. These organizations helped develop safety guidelines,
regulations, and standards that have improved workplace safety and reduced the number of
workplace injuries and fatalities.

The development of safety has also been influenced by technological advancements, such as
the introduction of safety equipment and machinery with built-in safety features. The focus
on safety has also expanded beyond physical hazards to include psychological and social
factors, such as workplace stress and violence.

Overall, the history of safety development is a story of progress and improvement in working
conditions and safety standards. While there is still work to be done to ensure that all
workers have safe and healthy working environments, the efforts of safety advocates and
organizations have undoubtedly made workplaces safer and more secure.

5. explain the circumsistance that led to the oshio development , state the mission
perpose of osha 10 marks
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was developed in the United States in
response to a growing concern about workplace safety and the increasing number of
workplace injuries and fatalities. Prior to the establishment of OSHA, workplace safety was
largely regulated at the state level, and there was no comprehensive federal law to protect
workers from unsafe working conditions.

Several factors contributed to the development of OSHA, including:

1. Public outcry: The growing number of workplace injuries and fatalities, as well as
high-profile accidents like the 1968 Farmington mine disaster, drew public attention
and demands for stronger safety regulations.
2. Labor activism: Labor unions and other worker advocacy groups campaigned for
improved working conditions and safety regulations.
3. Government studies: Government studies, such as the National Commission on State
Workmen's Compensation Laws, highlighted the need for federal regulation of
workplace safety.

The mission of OSHA is to ensure that workers have safe and healthy working conditions by
setting and enforcing standards, providing training, education, and assistance, and
conducting research to improve workplace safety. Some of the specific purposes of OSHA
include:

1. Developing and enforcing safety and health standards for the workplace.
2. Providing training, education, and outreach to employers and workers on safety and
health issues.
3. Conducting research to improve workplace safety and health.
4. Providing assistance to small businesses to help them comply with safety regulations.
5. Conducting inspections and investigations to enforce safety regulations and penalize
employers who violate them.

Overall, the development of OSHA was a significant step forward in protecting the safety and
health of workers in the United States, and its mission remains crucial today in ensuring that
all workers have safe and healthy working conditions.

6. explain the brief the dominos theory of accident caution 10 marks

The Domino Theory of accident causation, also known as the Heinrich Model, is a widely
used model in safety management that explains how accidents are caused by a sequence of
events or conditions. The theory was developed by H.W. Heinrich in the early 20th century
and is based on the idea that accidents result from a chain of events that begins with a
fundamental root cause and proceeds through several intermediate causes, finally leading to
the accident itself.

The Domino Theory suggests that each of these events or conditions is like a domino in a
chain reaction, where each domino triggers the next until the final domino falls and the
accident occurs. According to this theory, preventing an accident requires identifying and
correcting the root cause of the accident, as well as any intermediate causes that contributed
to the chain of events.

The Heinrich model identifies five key elements in the chain of events leading to an accident:

1. The initial cause: This is the underlying or root cause of the accident, such as a faulty
machine or a lack of training.
2. The unsafe act: This refers to the actions or behaviors of people that contribute to the
accident, such as taking shortcuts or not wearing proper personal protective
equipment.
3. The preconditions: These are the conditions that make it easier for unsafe acts to
occur, such as poor lighting or a cluttered workspace.
4. The unsafe conditions: These are the physical or environmental conditions that
contribute to the accident, such as slippery floors or unguarded machinery.
5. The accident: This is the final result of the chain of events.

By addressing each of these elements and breaking the chain of events, the Domino Theory
of accident causation suggests that accidents can be prevented. This approach has been
influential in shaping safety management practices and highlights the importance of
identifying and addressing the root causes of accidents to prevent them from occurring in
the future.

7. brief the NCS recomandation for conducting task analysis 10 marks

The National Safety Council (NSC) has recommended several steps for conducting a task
analysis, which is a process used to identify and evaluate potential hazards associated with
specific tasks. These steps are:

1. Identify the task: The first step in task analysis is to identify the task that needs to be
analyzed. This may involve observing workers as they perform the task, reviewing job
descriptions, or consulting with subject matter experts.
2. Break down the task into steps: Once the task has been identified, it should be
broken down into its component steps. This can help identify specific hazards
associated with each step of the task.
3. Identify potential hazards: After the task has been broken down into its component
steps, potential hazards associated with each step should be identified. This can
involve reviewing incident reports, consulting with subject matter experts, or
conducting a hazard analysis.
4. Evaluate risk: Once potential hazards have been identified, the risk associated with
each hazard should be evaluated. This can involve assessing the likelihood of the
hazard occurring, as well as the potential consequences of the hazard.
 5. Develop controls: After risks have been evaluated, appropriate controls should be
developed to mitigate or eliminate hazards. This may involve engineering controls,
administrative controls, or personal protective equipment.
6. Test the controls: Once controls have been developed, they should be tested to
ensure that they are effective in mitigating or eliminating hazards associated with the
task.
7. Monitor and revise controls: Finally, controls should be monitored and revised as
necessary to ensure that they continue to be effective in mitigating or eliminating
hazards.

By following these steps, organizations can identify and evaluate potential hazards
associated with specific tasks and develop appropriate controls to mitigate or eliminate
those hazards. This can help improve worker safety and prevent accidents and injuries in the
workplace.

8. discuss in detail the 2 important responsibility of employer according to osha

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) places significant responsibility on
employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. There are many
responsibilities that employers have under OSHA, but two of the most important ones are:

1. Providing a safe work environment: Employers are required to provide a work

environment that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or
serious physical harm to their employees. This includes identifying potential hazards
and taking steps to eliminate or control them, such as implementing engineering
controls or providing personal protective equipment. Employers are also responsible
for providing training and education to their employees on how to recognize and
avoid workplace hazards.
2. Complying with OSHA standards: Employers are required to comply with OSHA
standards that are applicable to their workplace. These standards cover a wide range
of topics, such as electrical safety, hazardous materials handling, and machine
guarding. Employers must ensure that their workplace is in compliance with these
standards and that their employees are trained on the specific requirements of each
standard. Employers must also keep accurate records of workplace injuries and
illnesses and report any serious incidents to OSHA as required.

Failing to meet these responsibilities can result in serious consequences for employers,
including fines, penalties, and legal liability. In addition to these legal consequences,
employers who fail to provide a safe and healthy workplace may also experience negative
impacts on their reputation and employee morale. Therefore, it is important for employers to
take their responsibilities under OSHA seriously and make workplace safety a top priority.