CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SRI LANKA (Inc.

Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management

Assignment

Level

Assignment No.

Topic of The Assignment

Index Number

Contact Number

E-mail

NIC No.

Date of Submission

For Office Use Only:

1. Final Marks : …………………………..
LATE SUBMISSION
2. Remarks : …………………………..
NO OF DAYS
(To be filled by the Examiner)
 Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare [DPHRM-S9]

Question 01

The Hierarchy of Controls is an important principle in occupational health and

safety. It outlines a structured approach to preventing workplace hazards by
prioritizing different control measures. These controls are ranked based on their
effectiveness, with the most effective ones eliminating the hazard entirely. By
working through this hierarchy, organizations can create a layered system of
protection for their employees (Floyd, 2015). In the case of Oshin Perera's fall on the
torn stair carpet, unfortunately, the most effective controls weren't implemented.

Elimination, the most preferred option, wasn't possible as the hazard, which is
the torn carpet, already existed. However, the situation could have been addressed
through other control measures. Substitution which refers to instances where
elimination isn't feasible, substituting the hazard with a less dangerous alternative can
significantly reduce risk could have involved installing temporary non-slip mats or
finding alternative routes with minimal stair use, especially for staff carrying heavy
loads (Zhao et al.,2015).

Engineering controls, which are controls involve physically modifying the

workplace to isolate or prevent worker exposure to the hazard, would have focused on
fixing the root cause of the hazard. Repairing the torn carpet promptly or replacing it
entirely would have significantly reduced the risk of slips and falls. Additionally,
installing permanent non-slip treads or improving stairwell lighting could have further
enhanced safety(4 Steps to Manage Hazards and Risk, n.d.).

When engineering controls aren't entirely practical, administrative controls

come into play. These are procedural changes that aim to minimize exposure time or
create safe work practices. The case study highlights a lack of proper administrative
controls. An effective system should exist for employees to report hazards like
damaged carpets. These reports should be addressed promptly, with repairs
documented to prevent future incidents. Regular inspections and training on safe work
practices, including proper stair use and hazard identification, would also contribute
to a safer environment (Hazard and Risk - Hierarchy of Controls, 2024).

7
 While Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the least effective control
measure, it could have offered some minimal protection in this situation (Why Is PPE
the Least Preferred Option in the Hierachy of Control: Easy HR : Lets Talk, n.d.).
Providing staff with slip-resistant shoes could have potentially prevented Oshin's fall.
By implementing a combination of these control measures prioritized by the
Hierarchy of Controls, the risk of this accident could have been significantly reduced
or even eliminated altogether.

Question 2

The case study suggests several recommendations for improving Hazard

Identification and Risk Assessment within the organization.Firstly, a dependable
hazard reporting system is crucial. Employees must feel comfortable reporting issues
like damaged carpets without fearing repercussions. This could involve anonymous
online reporting systems, designated hazard reporting boxes conveniently located
around the workplace, or fostering open communication with supervisors about safety
concerns (How to Report Hazards in the Workplace, n.d.).

Secondly, regular inspections are vital. Trained personnel should routinely

examine the workplace for potential hazards. This should include common areas like
stairwells, with a particular focus on trip and fall hazards. Additionally, inspections
tailored to specific work areas and tasks are necessary to identify hazards associated
with equipment, processes, and materials used. Finally, documented procedures for
inspections are essential, including frequency of inspections and procedures for
reporting identified hazards(Biederman, 2023).

Thirdly, a risk assessment process is needed. This formal process should

evaluate the severity and likelihood of identified hazards. When assessing risk,
consider the potential consequences of an accident or injury resulting from the hazard.
For instance, a torn carpet could cause a serious slip and fall injury. The likelihood of
the hazard occurring also matters and assigning a risk rating based on these factors
allows for prioritizing hazards based on the greatest potential for harm.

Finally, training on hazard identification and risk assessment is critical. Both

employees and supervisors should receive training that covers how to recognize

7
potential workplace hazards, the proper procedures for reporting them, and an
understanding of the risk assessment process and its importance(Taylor, 2022).

By maintaining a centralized record of identified hazards, including details of

the hazard, its assigned risk rating, actions taken to address it (repairs, signage), and
the date of resolution, the organization can monitor progress and ensure a proactive
approach to hazard identification and risk assessment. This will create a safer work
environment for all employees.

In addition to these recommendations, investigating near misses and minor

incidents can help identify underlying hazards before they lead to more serious
accidents. Encouraging employee participation in hazard identification is valuable as
they often have firsthand experience with potential hazards that management might
miss. Finally, clear communication and transparency with employees regarding
identified hazards, actions taken, and the risk assessment process fosters trust and
encourages employee involvement in safety efforts. By implementing these
comprehensive measures, the organization can significantly reduce the risk of
workplace accidents and injuries, prioritizing the well-being of its workforce.

Question 03

The tragic case of Oshin Perera exposes the devastating consequences of

neglecting occupational health and safety (OH&S) practices in the workplace. Firstly,
consider the financial implications. A prompt repair of the torn carpet, identified
through proper hazard identification procedures, could have prevented Oshin's fall.
This, in turn, would have eliminated the substantial costs associated with worker's
compensation claims. These claims typically cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and
lost wages – significant expenses that could have been avoided(What Does Workers’
Compensation Cover?, n.d.).

Effective OH&S practices go beyond preventing accidents; they also

contribute to improved productivity and efficiency. Imagine a scenario where Oshin
remained healthy and continued working at the care home. This not only ensures her
continued presence and contribution to the team but also reduces employee illness and
injury-related absences in general. A healthier workforce translates to a more
productive one, benefiting the organization's bottom line(Partners, n.d.).

7
 Beyond finances, effective OH&S fosters a positive work environment. If the
organization had prioritized safety and addressed the damaged carpet, it would have
demonstrated a commitment to Oshin's well-being. This fosters trust, loyalty, and a
sense of being valued among employees, leading to higher morale and engagement.
Conversely, the lack of action in Oshin's case likely resulted in feelings of neglect and
discouragement, potentially impacting employee morale and motivation(Pathak,
2021).

Finally, a strong focus on OH&S can help retain valuable employees. A safer
work environment reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, which can lead to
increased staff turnover. Employees who experience or witness preventable accidents
may be more likely to seek employment elsewhere, leading to additional costs
associated with recruitment and training. By prioritizing safety, the organization could
have retained Oshin's skills and experience, benefiting the care home's operations in
the long run.

The financial impact of Oshin's accident is difficult to quantify precisely, but it

likely involved significant costs. Worker's compensation claims, medical expenses,
and lost productivity can place a heavy financial burden on businesses. Additionally,
the loss of Oshin's skills and experience likely had a negative impact on the care
home's operations(Guide: 8 Strategies for Reducing Workers’ Compensation Total
Cost of Risk, n.d.).

The case of Oshin Perera serves as a stark reminder: effective OH&S

management is not just an ethical obligation, but also a sound business decision. By
preventing accidents and injuries, organizations can save money, improve employee
morale and productivity, and reduce staff turnover. The cost of implementing and
maintaining a strong OH&S program pales in comparison to the potential financial
and human costs of preventable workplace accidents.

Question 04

This brings to light several critical shortcomings in workplace safety

management. Firstly, management is tasked with providing a safe work environment
by identifying and addressing potential hazards promptly. This includes conducting
regular risk assessments, implementing control measures, and ensuring that the

7
workplace is free from conditions that could endanger the health and safety of
employees. Compliance with health and safety regulations is another crucial
responsibility of management. Staying informed about legal requirements, providing
necessary training to employees, and maintaining records of safety measures are
essential aspects of fulfilling this obligation (Pagell et al., 2016).

Moreover, management is responsible for conducting thorough risk

assessments to identify hazards in the workplace and implementing control measures
to mitigate risks effectively. Regular review and updating of safety protocols are
necessary to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure ongoing protection of
employees. Additionally, providing comprehensive training and education to
employees on occupational health and safety practices is vital. This includes
educating employees on hazard identification, safe work procedures, emergency
protocols, and the proper use of safety equipment to empower them to contribute to a
safe work environment (Stefanović et al., 2019).

Employees play a crucial role in maintaining occupational health and safety

within an organization. They must adhere to safety policies, use personal protective
equipment, and report any safety concerns. They also actively participate in safety
programs, attending training sessions, and identifying hazards. Their role in
preventing accidents and injuries is essential, and they contribute to a safe work
environment through safe work habits and precautions (Asad et al.,2023).

Word Count- 1506

7
 References

4 steps to manage hazards and risk. (n.d.). https://worksafe.tas.gov.au/topics/Health-

and-Safety/managing-safety/getting-your-safety-systems-right/4-steps-to-manage-
hazards-and-risk

Asad, M., Ali, A., Mushtaq, A., & Ullah, R. (2023). EMPLOYEE AND
EMPLOYERS ROLE IN ENSURING SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT BY
MAINTAINING HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORKPLACE. Pakistan Journal of
Science. https://doi.org/10.57041/pjs.v75i1.828.

Biederman, D. (2023, July 5). The Importance of Regular Site Safety Inspections in
Preventing Accidents. Trivent Safety Consulting. https://www.triventsc.com/the-
importance-of-regular-site-safety-inspections-in-preventing-accidents/

Floyd, H. (2015). A Practical Guide for Applying the Hierarchy of Controls to

Electrical Hazards. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 51, 4263-4266.
https://doi.org/10.1109/ESW.2015.7094946.

Guide: 8 Strategies for Reducing Workers’ Compensation Total Cost of Risk. (n.d.).
https://insights-north-america.aon.com/mtcor/guide-8-strategies-for-reducing-
workers-compensation-total-cost-of-risk

Hazard and Risk - Hierarchy of Controls. (2024, May 10).

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/hazard/hierarchy_controls.html

How to Report Hazards in the Workplace. (n.d.).

https://www.canadasafetytraining.com/Safety_Blog/how-to-report-hazards-in-the-
workplace.aspx

Pagell, M., Veltri, A., & Johnston, D. A. (2016). Getting workplace safety right.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/97d69e349ff15e249550cd871f4c86b7f0d686d
9

7
Partners, C. O. M. (n.d.). The Importance of Occupational Health & Safety.
Colorado Occupational Medical Partners. https://www.occmedpartners.com/blog/the-
importance-of-occupational-health-safety

Pathak, N. (2021, December 15). Importance of occupational health and safety | JLI
Blog. JLI Blog | Global Training & Education Provider.
https://www.jliedu.com/blog/importance-ohs-occupational-health-safety/

Stefanović, V., Urošević, S., Mladenović-Ranisavljević, I., & Stojilković, P. (2019).

Multi-criteria ranking of workplaces from the aspect of risk assessment in the
production processes in which women are employed.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/e063cca862a71b0e8555f47a688e10137cfdfc4
0

Taylor, Z. (2022, August 22). Why Getting Workers Involved in Hazard Recognition
is Crucial for Overall Workplace Safety. Anvl. https://anvl.com/blog/hazard-
recognition/

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover? (n.d.). The Hartford.

https://www.thehartford.com/workers-compensation/what-does-workers-
compensation-cover

Why is PPE the least preferred option in the hierachy of control: Easy HR : Lets Talk.
(n.d.). https://www.easyhr.edu.au/blog/journal/why-is-ppe-the-least-preferred-option-
in-the-hierachy-of-control

Zhao, D., McCoy, A., Kleiner, B., & Smith-Jackson, T. (2015). Control measures of
electrical hazards: An analysis of construction industry. Safety Science, 77, 143-151.
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SSCI.2015.04.001.