Week Two:

In this week, we learnt several things, including:

• Hazard management,
• Workplace hazards and examples, and
• Safety signs and colour at work.

Hazard Management

Based on four broad principals:

• Identification :- identify the potential risks
• Assessment :- what threat does the risk pose?
• Control :- what can be done to fix/control the risk?
• Evaluation :- how well has the implementation worked?

Workplace Hazards and Examples

Based on the seven different classes of risks:

• Physical

Noise and heat, temporary electrical wiring, electrical equipment in unsafe condition, untidy work condition, spills on floor, poorly lit stairways, incorrect lifting.

• Chemical

Photocopiers and toners, air contaminants, moulds, smoking, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

• Biological

Air contaminants, infections, Legionnaires Disease.

• Psychological

Stress (dealing with abrasive clients and co-workers, poor conditions, bullying, conflicts, etc.) and burnout

• Mechanical/Electrical

Equipment not properly guarded, using equipment/machinery for something it is not designed for, overloading powerboard.

• Ergonomic

Visual display unit (monitor glare), using furniture that is not adjustable, actions that require repetitive movements.

• Radiation

Ultraviolet light (photocopiers).

Safety Signs and Colour at Work

Safety signs are used to draw attention to hazards (especially hazards that may not be obvious) and provide general information and directions. The signs are also used to show where emergency equipment is located and remind employees where personal protective equipment must be worn. 

Categories	Colour	Shape
Prohibition	Red and white	Circle
Mandatory Action	Blue	Circle
Caution	Yellow	Triangle
Emergency Treatment	Green or Red	Square or rectangle

Prohibition Sign

Mandatory Action Sign

Caution Sign

Emergency Treatment Sign