Occupational Health and Safety refers to the laws, regulations, practices and programs aimed at ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the people at the workplace. An OHS Policy is simply a way to state how you, your staff, contractors and visitors are supposed to behave while they are in an organization’s property or conduct related activities. You are mandated by law to have a ‘safe work environment’ as an employer or responsible contractor. Health and safety law places a responsibility on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of workers. This is the reason why employers are required to conduct a risk assessment - that is, they must identify the hazards in the workplace, determine the level of risk they pose to health and safety, and work out ways to minimize the risk of harm. Hazard is defined as anything that can cause harm, such as electricity, chemicals, working up a ladder, noise, a keyboard, a bully at work, stress, and others. On the other hand, risk is the possibility, high or low, of some danger potentially causing harm to anyone. For example, cables running across the floor can be a hazard. If someone trips, falls and hurt himself because of the cable running across the floor, that becomes a risk to someone’s safety. The occupational health and safety standards was formulated in accordance with the constitutional mandate to safeguard the worker’s social and economic well-being as well as his physical safety and health. LESSON Here are the list of the 12 Occupational Health and Safety Policies
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The following list outlines 12 key OHS policies that should be adhered to in the workplace, particularly in environments involving computer systems and electronic equipment:
Work in Pairs: Always ensure that you are not working alone. Having a colleague nearby can provide assistance in case of an emergency.
Power Off Equipment: After using computers or electronic devices, always power them off and unplug them to prevent electrical hazards.
Eliminate Liquid Hazards: Keep liquids away from your working area to avoid the risk of electrocution or damage to electronic components.
Handle Tools Safely: Exercise caution when using tools that could potentially cause short circuits or other electrical issues.
Ground Yourself: Before touching any internal components of a computer, make sure to ground or discharge yourself to prevent static electricity damage.
Avoid Excessive Force: If components do not fit together easily, do not force them. This can lead to damage or injury.
Maintain Cleanliness: Clean your work area before and after use to ensure sanitation and reduce the risk of accidents.
Handle Components Properly: When working with electronic components, hold them by the edges and avoid touching the Integrated Circuit (IC) parts to prevent damage.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE as outlined in the organization’s OHS procedures to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Check Cable Connections: Ensure that pins are properly aligned when connecting cable connectors to avoid damage and ensure proper functionality.
Recognize Emergency Procedures: Be aware of contingency measures in case of workplace accidents, such as fires or other emergencies, and know how to respond.
Use Proper Cleaning Tools: When cleaning computer systems, use a brush, compressed air, or a blower to safely remove dust and debris without damaging components.
Implementing these OHS policies is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees in the workplace. By following these guidelines, organizations can minimize risks, prevent accidents, and create a safer working environment for everyone involved. Regular training and awareness programs should also be conducted to reinforce these policies and keep safety at the forefront of workplace culture.