Part 2—Skills for Part 2—Skills for SuccessSuccess

Chapter 9Chapter 9Safety on the JobSafety on the Job

Chapter ObjectivesChapter Objectives

DescribeDescribe the causes of accidents on the job. the causes of accidents on the job. DescribeDescribe how the costs of accidents can how the costs of accidents can

affect you, the employer, and the economy.affect you, the employer, and the economy. IdentifyIdentify safety procedures workers can safety procedures workers can

follow to avoid and prevent accidents.follow to avoid and prevent accidents. DefineDefine workplace violence and describe workplace violence and describe

possible steps for prevention.possible steps for prevention. ExplainExplain what the Occupational Safety and what the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration, Environmental Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Centers for Disease Protection Agency, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do to protect Control and Prevention do to protect people’s health and safety.people’s health and safety.

Key ConceptsKey Concepts

Environmental hazards, poor safety Environmental hazards, poor safety attitudes, and unsafe behavior can attitudes, and unsafe behavior can contribute to workplace accidents.contribute to workplace accidents.

When a worker is injured on the job, workers’ When a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays a percentage of the compensation pays a percentage of the worker’s wage, medical bills, and pension.worker’s wage, medical bills, and pension.

Workers can help prevent accidents by Workers can help prevent accidents by knowing and following safety rules.knowing and following safety rules.

Any injury that occurs on the job needs to be Any injury that occurs on the job needs to be reported immediately, no matter how small.reported immediately, no matter how small.

Government agencies such as OSHA, EPA, Government agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and CDC carefully monitor workplace safety.and CDC carefully monitor workplace safety.

What Causes Accidents?What Causes Accidents?

People cause People cause accidents, both accidents, both directly and indirectly.directly and indirectly.

Most accidents are Most accidents are caused by:caused by: Lack of knowledge or Lack of knowledge or

skills.skills. Environmental hazards.Environmental hazards. Poor safety attitudes.Poor safety attitudes. Unsafe behavior.Unsafe behavior.

Lack of Knowledge and Lack of Knowledge and SkillsSkills

Untrained workers are most likely to make Untrained workers are most likely to make mistakes and cause accidents. mistakes and cause accidents.

Workers with less than one year’s work Workers with less than one year’s work experience account for a large percentage experience account for a large percentage of occupational accidents each year.of occupational accidents each year.

A worker’s knowledge and skill are A worker’s knowledge and skill are especially important when working with especially important when working with machinery, equipment, chemicals, or machinery, equipment, chemicals, or hazardous materials.hazardous materials.

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Lack of Knowledge and Lack of Knowledge and SkillsSkills

Learn as much as Learn as much as possible about possible about equipment before equipment before operating it.operating it.

Do not pretend to Do not pretend to know how to do know how to do something you are something you are unfamiliar with.unfamiliar with.

To learn a new skill, To learn a new skill, watch a skilled worker watch a skilled worker perform the task.perform the task.

Hazards on the RoadHazards on the Road

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of Traffic accidents are a leading cause of accidents and deaths among teens. accidents and deaths among teens.

If using a car to get to work, a valid driver’s If using a car to get to work, a valid driver’s license and a record free of moving violations license and a record free of moving violations is usually a requirement for employment.is usually a requirement for employment.

Environmental HazardsEnvironmental Hazards

Environmental Environmental hazards:hazards: Dangers or Dangers or unsafe conditions in unsafe conditions in the workplace. the workplace.

Hazards exist in every Hazards exist in every type of work type of work environment, but environment, but accidents occur more accidents occur more often in dangerous often in dangerous jobs because more jobs because more environmental hazards environmental hazards exist.exist.

Hazards in Dangerous WorkHazards in Dangerous Work

Safety-conscious:Safety-conscious: Knowing job hazards and Knowing job hazards and taking appropriate steps to avoid accidents. taking appropriate steps to avoid accidents.

One problem affecting many workers is One problem affecting many workers is repetitive-motion injuries. These injuries repetitive-motion injuries. These injuries result from making the same motion over result from making the same motion over and over again.and over again.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics: The science of examining The science of examining motions and how to perform them properly.motions and how to perform them properly.

The use of ergonomics may help avoid The use of ergonomics may help avoid repetitive-motion injuries. repetitive-motion injuries.

Hazards in the OfficeHazards in the Office

Safe design of Safe design of office equipment office equipment and improved air and improved air quality are some quality are some safety concerns for safety concerns for office workers.office workers.

Most accidents that Most accidents that occur in the office occur in the office are caused by a are caused by a combination of combination of careless people careless people and unsafe and unsafe conditions.conditions.

Poor Safety AttitudesPoor Safety Attitudes

A poor attitude about safety can lead to A poor attitude about safety can lead to accidents.accidents.

Your employer may provide you with Your employer may provide you with safety rules, and it is your responsibility to safety rules, and it is your responsibility to follow them. follow them.

Safety rules are designed to protect you Safety rules are designed to protect you and your coworkers.and your coworkers.

Get in the habit of doing tasks the safe Get in the habit of doing tasks the safe way. Wear the proper clothes and use the way. Wear the proper clothes and use the proper equipment for your job.proper equipment for your job.

Unsafe BehaviorUnsafe Behavior

Many accidents are Many accidents are caused by people caused by people with poor safety with poor safety attitudes.attitudes.

Poor safety attitudes Poor safety attitudes are reflected through:are reflected through: Recklessness.Recklessness. Bad temper.Bad temper. Lack of consideration.Lack of consideration. Disobedience.Disobedience. Carelessness.Carelessness. Laziness.Laziness. Fatigue.Fatigue. Impatience.Impatience. Emotional state.Emotional state. Use of drugs or Use of drugs or

alcohol.alcohol.

Costs of AccidentsCosts of Accidents

Billions of dollars are spent each year to Billions of dollars are spent each year to cover the medical costs and wage losses cover the medical costs and wage losses of people who become victims of work-of people who become victims of work-related accidents.related accidents.

The effects are felt by you, the employer, The effects are felt by you, the employer, and the economy. and the economy.

The Costs to YouThe Costs to You

Lost time on the Lost time on the job.job.

Possible wage loss.Possible wage loss. Job loss.Job loss. Disability:Disability: A A

permanent job-permanent job-related injury. It related injury. It could prevent you could prevent you from working again.from working again.

The Costs to the EmployerThe Costs to the Employer

Production slowdown.Production slowdown. Injured worker replacement.Injured worker replacement. Time required for first aid, accident Time required for first aid, accident

investigation, and write-up of accident investigation, and write-up of accident report.report.

Lawsuits or fines.Lawsuits or fines. Workers’ compensation:Workers’ compensation: A type of A type of

insurance, paid by employers, to protect insurance, paid by employers, to protect employees against loss of income from employees against loss of income from work-related accidents.work-related accidents.

The Costs to the EconomyThe Costs to the Economy

Billions of dollars paid to injured workers Billions of dollars paid to injured workers covered under workers’ compensation.covered under workers’ compensation.

Higher prices for goods and services.Higher prices for goods and services.

Preventing AccidentsPreventing Accidents

Everyone in a company is responsible for Everyone in a company is responsible for helping prevent accidents. helping prevent accidents.

You can help prevent accidents by:You can help prevent accidents by: Staying healthy.Staying healthy. Using machines and tools properly.Using machines and tools properly. Wearing protective clothing and using Wearing protective clothing and using

protective safety equipment.protective safety equipment. Following safety precautions.Following safety precautions.

Stay HealthyStay Healthy

Being alert and Being alert and healthy will help you healthy will help you be safe on the job.be safe on the job.

You can stay healthy You can stay healthy by eating properly, by eating properly, getting sufficient getting sufficient sleep, and exercising sleep, and exercising regularly.regularly.

An illness may affect An illness may affect your performance, your performance, causing you to injure causing you to injure yourself or a yourself or a coworker.coworker.

Use Machines and Tools Use Machines and Tools ProperlyProperly

Do not operate Do not operate equipment or use equipment or use tools without tools without adequate knowledge. adequate knowledge.

Keep your work area Keep your work area clean and use the clean and use the correct tools for the correct tools for the job.job.

Store tools in proper Store tools in proper locations when they locations when they are not in use.are not in use.

Using a Computer ProperlyUsing a Computer Properly

The following tips can help you avoid The following tips can help you avoid computer-related health problems:computer-related health problems: Use a large monitor placed slightly below eye Use a large monitor placed slightly below eye

level and 18 to 28 inches from your eyes.level and 18 to 28 inches from your eyes. Place your computer in a position that avoids Place your computer in a position that avoids

glare.glare. Place reference material close to you to avoid Place reference material close to you to avoid

unnecessary head movements.unnecessary head movements. Use dark lettering on a light background on Use dark lettering on a light background on

your monitor.your monitor.

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Using a Computer ProperlyUsing a Computer Properly

The following tips can help you avoid The following tips can help you avoid computer-related health problems:computer-related health problems: Clean your screen regularly.Clean your screen regularly. Blink your eyes frequently to keep them moist.Blink your eyes frequently to keep them moist. Adjust your chair to the proper height for you.Adjust your chair to the proper height for you. Maintain good posture.Maintain good posture. Take frequent breaks.Take frequent breaks.

Wear Protective Clothing Wear Protective Clothing and Use Protective and Use Protective

EquipmentEquipment Some jobs require Some jobs require

protective clothing and protective clothing and equipment. equipment.

You may have to wear You may have to wear properly fitting clothes, properly fitting clothes, hard-toed shoes, hard hard-toed shoes, hard hats, dust masks, hats, dust masks, gloves, hearing gloves, hearing protection, or protective protection, or protective breathing devices and breathing devices and eyewear.eyewear.

Follow company policies Follow company policies and procedures.and procedures.

Follow Safety PrecautionsFollow Safety Precautions

Following safety precautions will help Following safety precautions will help you avoid accidents on the job. you avoid accidents on the job. Use ladders safely.Use ladders safely. Wash hands frequently.Wash hands frequently. Lift properly.Lift properly. Prevent fires.Prevent fires. Keep work areas neat.Keep work areas neat.

Use Ladders SafelyUse Ladders Safely

Avoid using a metal Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical ladder near electrical equipment or wires.equipment or wires.

Place the ladder firmly Place the ladder firmly on level ground and on level ground and the proper distance the proper distance from a wall or building.from a wall or building.

Make sure the ladder is Make sure the ladder is strong enough to strong enough to support you and your support you and your equipment.equipment.

Face the ladder when Face the ladder when climbing up or down.climbing up or down.

Wash Hands FrequentlyWash Hands Frequently

The following general procedure is The following general procedure is recommended for proper hand washing:recommended for proper hand washing: Wet your hands with warm running water.Wet your hands with warm running water. Apply soap to all surfaces of your hands and Apply soap to all surfaces of your hands and

fingers.fingers. Vigorously rub your hands together for 10 to Vigorously rub your hands together for 10 to

15 seconds. Take extra care to remove dirt 15 seconds. Take extra care to remove dirt from under your fingernails.from under your fingernails.

Remove all soap by thoroughly rinsing your Remove all soap by thoroughly rinsing your hands.hands.

Dry your hands using a paper towel or electric Dry your hands using a paper towel or electric hand dryer if available.hand dryer if available.

Lift ProperlyLift Properly

Follow these procedures to lift properly:Follow these procedures to lift properly: Use your leg muscles because they are Use your leg muscles because they are

stronger than your back.stronger than your back. Keep your back straight and your knees bent Keep your back straight and your knees bent

when you lift a heavy object from the floor.when you lift a heavy object from the floor. Do not try to lift more than you can handle.Do not try to lift more than you can handle. Ask for assistance or learn to use a Ask for assistance or learn to use a

mechanical aid such as a crane or hoist to mechanical aid such as a crane or hoist to assist you.assist you.

Prevent FiresPrevent Fires

Faulty electrical wiring and careless smoking Faulty electrical wiring and careless smoking are the main causes of many fires.are the main causes of many fires.

Flammable:Flammable: Liquids that ignite easily and Liquids that ignite easily and burn rapidly, such as gasoline.burn rapidly, such as gasoline. continue

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Prevent FiresPrevent Fires

Follow these safety tips to help prevent a Follow these safety tips to help prevent a fire on the job:fire on the job: Keep your work area clean.Keep your work area clean. Do not store oily rags and paper in open Do not store oily rags and paper in open

containers.containers. Keep containers of flammable liquids tightly Keep containers of flammable liquids tightly

closed. Store in a cool area.closed. Store in a cool area. Do not overload electrical wires. They could Do not overload electrical wires. They could

short-circuit and cause a fire.short-circuit and cause a fire. Use matches and lighters only in designated Use matches and lighters only in designated

areas.areas.

Keep Work Areas NeatKeep Work Areas Neat

Keeping your work area Keeping your work area neat and clean will neat and clean will prevent accidental prevent accidental tripping, slipping, or tripping, slipping, or being struck by falling being struck by falling objects.objects.

National Safety Council:National Safety Council: The leading advocate for The leading advocate for safety and health in the safety and health in the U.S. whose mission is to U.S. whose mission is to educate and influence educate and influence people to prevent people to prevent accidental injury.accidental injury.

What to Do When an What to Do When an Accident OccursAccident Occurs

Follow these steps when Follow these steps when an accident occurs:an accident occurs: Call for help.Call for help. Provide first aid.Provide first aid. Follow universal Follow universal

precautions.precautions. Follow emergency Follow emergency

evacuation procedures.evacuation procedures.

Call for HelpCall for Help

Telephone for professional help in cases of Telephone for professional help in cases of serious injury or illness.serious injury or illness. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Call the Poison Control Center for accidents Call the Poison Control Center for accidents

involving poison.involving poison. Review your company’s emergency policy Review your company’s emergency policy

so you know what to do if an accident so you know what to do if an accident occurs.occurs.

Provide First AidProvide First Aid

First aid: First aid: Giving an ill or injured person Giving an ill or injured person immediate, temporary treatment before immediate, temporary treatment before proper medical help arrives.proper medical help arrives.

Tourniquet:Tourniquet: A long, thin strip of cloth or A long, thin strip of cloth or other material twisted tightly around the other material twisted tightly around the body to restrict blood flow.body to restrict blood flow.

Follow Universal Follow Universal PrecautionsPrecautions

Universal precautions:Universal precautions: The following steps The following steps designed to help prevent the spread of designed to help prevent the spread of infection.infection. Use protective barriers.Use protective barriers. Wear latex gloves when handling blood.Wear latex gloves when handling blood. Remove gloves by following the “glove to Remove gloves by following the “glove to

glove-side, skin to skin-side” procedure.glove-side, skin to skin-side” procedure. Dispose of gloves in a plastic bag labeled Dispose of gloves in a plastic bag labeled

contaminated.contaminated. Wash your hands after handling blood even if Wash your hands after handling blood even if

gloves were worn.gloves were worn. Wash any part of your body that comes in Wash any part of your body that comes in

direct contact with blood.direct contact with blood.

Follow Emergency Follow Emergency Evacuation ProceduresEvacuation Procedures

Follow your Follow your company’s guidelines company’s guidelines for emergency for emergency situations.situations.

Look for posted copies Look for posted copies of floor plans that of floor plans that show emergency exits show emergency exits and evacuation and evacuation routes.routes.

Take emergency drills Take emergency drills seriously.seriously.

Workplace ViolenceWorkplace Violence

Workplace violence: Workplace violence: Violent acts or Violent acts or threatening behavior that occur in the threatening behavior that occur in the workplace or at a company function.workplace or at a company function.

Attacks of workplace violence may be Attacks of workplace violence may be physical or psychological.physical or psychological.

Possible motives for workplace violence Possible motives for workplace violence may include robbery, domestic problems, may include robbery, domestic problems, or personality conflicts.or personality conflicts.

The Role of Government in The Role of Government in Protecting Your HealthProtecting Your Health

Our government makes and enforces laws Our government makes and enforces laws that promote health and safety on the job. that promote health and safety on the job.

Three major government agencies that Three major government agencies that monitor workplace safety are:monitor workplace safety are: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA).(OSHA). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Center for Disease Control (CDC).Center for Disease Control (CDC).

OSHAOSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):Administration (OSHA): A A government agency that sets and government agency that sets and enforces job safety and health enforces job safety and health standards for workers.standards for workers.

Citation:Citation: A summons to appear in A summons to appear in court.court.

Material safety data sheet (MSDS):Material safety data sheet (MSDS): A A sheet of information on the hazards sheet of information on the hazards involved with a specific material and involved with a specific material and the procedures for its safe use.the procedures for its safe use.continue

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OSHAOSHA

OSHA expects employees to:OSHA expects employees to: Know their rights and responsibilities.Know their rights and responsibilities. Follow OSHA safety standards and their Follow OSHA safety standards and their

employer’s standards.employer’s standards. Report on-the-job injuries.Report on-the-job injuries. Wear required protective equipment.Wear required protective equipment. Use safety devices properly.Use safety devices properly. Participate in fire drills and other safety Participate in fire drills and other safety

practices.practices. Report unsafe working conditions and Report unsafe working conditions and

practices.practices.

EPAEPA

Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (EPA): A government agency that A government agency that works to eliminate environmental works to eliminate environmental hazards such as air and water hazards such as air and water pollution.pollution.

Regulates toxic waste disposal, Regulates toxic waste disposal, pesticide standards, and radiation pesticide standards, and radiation monitoring.monitoring.

Conducts research on the effects of Conducts research on the effects of pollution and provides assistance to pollution and provides assistance to states and cities working to prevent states and cities working to prevent pollution.pollution.

CDCCDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): (CDC): Part of the U.S. Department of Health Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works with and Human Services that works with worldwide, state, and local health agencies worldwide, state, and local health agencies to protect the public from health threats. to protect the public from health threats.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Health (NIOSH): An arm of the CDC that is An arm of the CDC that is responsible for conducting research and responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.of work-related injury and illness.

Thinking BackThinking Back

What can you do to What can you do to stay safe at work?stay safe at work?

What steps should What steps should you take when an you take when an accident occurs?accident occurs?

What are three What are three major government major government agencies that help agencies that help promote safety in promote safety in the workplace and the workplace and environment?environment?