Before having classes
Before embarking on the occupational health and safety course, my initial perspectives were
likely molded by a blend of personal experiences, societal attitudes, and a rudimentary
understanding of the field. I recognized that occupational health and safety predominantly
revolves around adherence to legal regulations and standards. I was aware that companies could
face severe consequences, such as substantial fines or imprisonment, if their negligence led to
injuries or fatalities. Additionally, I had a general understanding that everyone within an
organization has responsibilities related to occupational health and safety. However, I wasn't
aware that these responsibilities were equally distributed among all members of the
organization.
After learning from classes
After assimilating insights from the lesson, it becomes crucial for employees to align with their
needs and concerns to organization to reduce the risks happened in the workplace. Currently
employed as a part-time sales assistant in a bakery, my primary responsibilities involve
packaging and selling bread. However, additional duties include clearing the floors, lifting
heavy birthday cakes and pastries paper boxes, and transferring freshly baked pastries to the
bread cabinets. The weight of the mop and paper boxes occasionally leads to back discomfort,
and there are instances of hand scalding due to the hot bread.
Recognizing these challenges, it became apparent that these issues were not being
communicated to our employers. Taking the initiative, I reported these concerns to my
managers through walk through survey by visually inspecting and record hazards and also keep
records of when, who and where the injuries happened. I emphasized the necessity for an
ergonomic workplace setup, particularly for tasks involving heavy lifting and handling hot
items. This proactive approach is aimed at fostering long-term health and safety, reducing the
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risk of back disorders and skin burns. Currently, my manager communicates with my employer,
and he is actively considering the implementation of ergonomic measures to address these
concerns and create a safer working environment.
Things/ Strategics I found impactful
One of the effective strategies I gained insight into from the course is the hierarchy of risk
control, encompassing elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls,
and personal protective equipment. From my perspective, this framework offers a systematic
and organized method for making decisions when dealing with workplace hazards.
Furthermore, it assists organizations in choosing control measures in a logical sequence,
prioritizing them based on their effectiveness.
Another valuable approach involves conducting routine training sessions to educate employees
on safety protocols, hazard identification, and emergency response procedures. Unlike many
organizations that solely cover occupational health and safety information during orientations,
regular training ensures a thorough comprehension of practices, protocols, and regulations.
This ongoing education helps employees consistently recognize workplace hazards and
understand the inherent risks associated with their tasks. The significance of regular training
becomes evident when considering alarming statistics. In 2018, over 17,000 people lost their
lives due to unintentional and intentional injuries, underscoring the severity of the situation
(Public Health Agency of Canada 2022). This stark reality highlights the inadequacy of
measures taken by organizations to safeguard their employees. By providing continuous
training, organizations can take proactive steps to protect their workforce.
Having a safety committee is crucial for organizations, even for small-scale businesses. This
committee regularly convenes with management, external stakeholders such as government
bodies, shareholders, and employees to discuss safety concerns, review incident reports, and
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collaboratively formulate strategies to enhance workplace safety. Functioning as a vital
communication channel, the safety committee facilitates the dissemination of critical safety
information, policies, and updates throughout the organization. This proactive approach
contributes to heightening awareness about safety issues and promoting best practices among
employees. Additionally, in the event of accidents or incidents, the safety committee is
instrumental in conducting comprehensive investigations, aiding in the identification of root
causes and the development of preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future.
Personal suggestion for training methods:
Considering the potential benefits, incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology for hazard
simulation and safety training appears to be a valuable initiative. VR offers employees the
opportunity to engage with simulated workplace hazards within a controlled environment,
delivering a realistic and immersive learning experience. This innovative approach not only
supplements traditional training methods but also provides a hands-on, risk-free platform for
employees to rehearse and refine safety protocols. The effectiveness of VR is especially
pronounced in industries with high-risk activities, enabling workers to cultivate practical skills
and proficiency in emergency response techniques.
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Reference:
Canada, P. H. A. of. (2022a, June 13). Quick facts on injury and poisoning.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/injury-prevention/facts-on-injury.html
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