Class 10 IT 402 Web Applications and Security's Health, Safety and Security at Workplace section familiarizes students with the need for a safe and secure working environment, particularly in a digital or IT-oriented workspace.
This unit discusses fundamental practices and guidelines to maintain physical safety, mental well-being, and cybersecurity when working with digital tools. It incorporates subjects like safety risks, ergonomics, safe use of the internet, password security, and secure handling of electronic devices and information. These notes give a clear picture of the precautions that should be made to safeguard both individual and organizational information.
Perfect for project work and exam prep, these neatly arranged notes conform to the newest CBSE curriculum and enable students to develop awareness and responsibility in online workplaces.
Unit 4: Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment
Health, Safety and Security at Workplace
Health, safety, and security are essential in every workplace to ensure the well-being of employees and prevent accidents or harm. Employers and employees must work together to create a safe environment where risks are minimized. For example, wearing helmets at a construction site or using proper lighting in an office can prevent injuries and promote safety.
Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety, and Security
Every workplace should have clear policies and procedures to address health, safety, and security. These guidelines help employees know how to handle emergencies and prevent risks.
- Health Policy: Offering medical check-ups or providing clean drinking water.
- Safety Policy: Ensuring fire extinguishers are available and working.
- Security Policy: Using ID cards or biometric systems to monitor access to the workplace.
Reasons for Health, Safety, and Security Programs or Policies in the Workplace
Health, safety, and security programs in the workplace are very important. They keep employees safe and help prevent injuries or health problems. For example, giving employees comfortable chairs can stop back pain. A safe workplace also helps employees work better and faster because they feel good and secure. These programs also make sure the workplace follows laws, so the company doesn’t get into trouble. Fewer accidents mean less money spent on medical bills and damages. A workplace that takes care of safety is also liked by employees and partners, which helps the company do better overall.
Workplace Safety Hazards
1. Physical Hazards
These are risks that can physically harm employees while at work.
- Working in extreme temperatures, such as very hot or cold environments, can lead to heatstroke or hypothermia.
- Repeated heavy lifting without proper techniques can cause back injuries.
- Sharp tools or machinery without safety guards can cause cuts or amputations.
2. Fire Safety
Fire is a very serious Hazard at a workplace. It can cause major financial losses to a business and also result in loss of human lives. Prevention is absolutely critical when dealing with fire safety, and there are many different rules that can be implemented to reduce the risk. Let us learn about some fire safety rules.
Fire Safety Rules
- Carry out a fire safety risk assessment
- Keep the workplace clean
- Maintain electricity safety
- Keep electrical control panel accessible
- Store chemicals safely
- Prevent ignition in explosive areas
- Conduct fire safety trainings and regular drills
- Fit relevant equipments
- Mark the exits
- Access the important information
- Send employees at safe place (assembly point)
Fire Extinguisher Symbols
Fire extinguishers have letters or symbols showing the type of fire they can be used on.
- Class A – For ordinary materials like wood, paper, cloth, and plastic.
- Class B – For flammable liquids and gases like petrol, oil, paint, and alcohol.
- Class C – For electrical fires (plugged-in equipment).
- Class D – For metal fires like magnesium, sodium, and lithium (needs special extinguishers).
- Class K – For cooking oil and grease fires in kitchens.
Some extinguishers are multi-purpose (like ABC), meaning they can be used on more than one type of fire.
3. Slip & Trips
Slips happen where there is very less friction or traction between the footwear and walking surface.
Trips happen when a person's foot collides (strikes/ hits) with an object; causing one to lose the balance and eventually fall.
Some of the Common Causes of Slips and Trips at Workplaces
- Poor lighting
- Poor housekeeping
- Occasional spills
- Trailing cables
- Weather hazards
- Unsuitable floor coverings
- Loose, unanchored rugs, or mats
- Uneven or damaged floor surfaces
- Contaminated floor surfaces due to liquid or grease
- Obstructed view
- Uncovered cables
Preventions of Slips & Falls at the workplace
- Keep walking surface clean and free of clutter (covered or filled with untidy collection of things)
- Use clear and well-placed signage (for gap, uneven surface etc)
- Use Stairways / handrails
- Proper lighting
- Wear footwear
- Provide step stools / ladders
- Check floor conditions
- Manage cords / wires
- Clean up spills (liquid leakage) immediately
- Carry out regular risk assessments
4. Electrical Safety
Electrical safety at work is crucial to prevent accidents. It keeps people safe from shocks and fires, ensuring a secure environment. Following safety measures helps avoid injuries and damage, keeping everyone protected at the workplace.
- Electric Safety Program should be established by all Organisations and followed properly.
- Electrical installations should be done and maintained by a competent person and checked regularly.
- Extension cables, plugs, sockets, and other flexible leads and their connections that are particularly prone to damage should be visually checked, maintained, and where necessary, replaced before using any equipment.
- Correct cable connectors or couplers should be used to join cables together; taped joints should not be allowed.
- Socket outlets should not be overloaded by the use of adaptors.
- Electrically powered equipment should be used.
- Fixed electrical equipment should have a clearly identified switch to cut off power in an emergency.
- A fuse protects the device from over current. It is designed to 'blow' and cut off the electricity when the current exceeds its rated capacity.
- It is important to ensure that the correct fuse is used for all appliances.
- Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards must be provided with appropriate, safe, and tested protective equipment.
Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organisation
| Hazards | Example | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Using computers | Eye strain, wrist pain | Take breaks, use screen filters |
| Office equipment | Cuts, injuries | Proper training |
| Handling objects | Back injury | Correct lifting technique |
| Stress | Anxiety, pressure | Work-life balance |
| Environment | Poor lighting, noise | Improve ventilation and lighting |
Workplace Quality Measures
A healthy workplace is important for comfort, safety, and efficiency. Good air and water quality, cleanliness, proper ergonomics, and safe computer habits reduce risks of health issues such as eye strain, stress, back pain, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring involves checking the level of pollutants such as dust, smoke, and CO₂. Devices like air quality monitors and sensors help measure these levels. Proper ventilation, clean air ducts, and regular maintenance of air-conditioning systems help ensure good air quality. Poor indoor air can cause headaches, allergies, and breathing issues.
Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring ensures that drinking water is safe. Regular testing is done to check pH levels, bacteria, and impurities. Many organizations use RO and UV filtration systems. Water storage tanks and coolers must be cleaned regularly to avoid contamination. Safe water prevents stomach infections and improves overall health.
Guidelines for Clean Air and Water
- To maintain clean air, workplaces should ensure proper ventilation, use exhaust fans, avoid smoking inside premises, and keep dustbins covered. Indoor plants can also help improve air quality.
- Clean water can be maintained by using treated and filtered water, regularly cleaning filters, storing water in covered containers, and reporting if found and unwanted substances.
Importance of Cleanliness at the Workplace
- Reduces the spread of infections and keeps the environment hygienic.
- Creates a pleasant and comfortable workspace.
- Improves employee motivation and productivity.
- Prevents pest growth and removes foul smells.
- Reduces absenteeism caused by illness.
- Reflects discipline, professionalism, and good work culture.
Office Ergonomics
Ergonomics means designing the workplace to fit the worker’s comfort. A comfortable workstation reduces physical stress and improves productivity. Chairs should support the back, and monitors should be at eye level. Elbows and knees should be at a 90-degree angle while sitting. Breaks should be taken every 30 - 40 minutes to avoid strain.
Computer Health and Safety
Safe computer use helps prevent long-term health problems. Sitting straight with back support, adjusting monitor brightness, maintaining proper distance from the screen, and using anti-glare filters reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule helps relax the eyes. Keyboards and mouse should be at a comfortable level to avoid wrist pain.
- After every 20 minutes of computer work, Look at something 20 feet away, For at least 20 seconds.
- Musculoskeletal Problems
Musculoskeletal problems occur due to incorrect posture, repetitive movements, or prolonged sitting.
- Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)
OOS is caused by repetitive activities such as typing or continuous mouse use. It leads to pain in fingers, wrists, and shoulders. Taking frequent breaks, stretching, and maintaining correct posture are effective prevention methods.
- Strain in Legs and Feet
Sitting for long hours with legs unsupported can cause stiffness and pain. Keeping feet flat on the ground, using footrests, and taking short walks can help.
- Eye Strain and Visual Problems
Continuous screen use causes dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Good lighting, proper screen distance, anti-glare screens, and regular breaks help reduce eye strain.
- Other Risks: Headaches, Obesity, Stress, Laptop Injuries, Sleep Problems
Poor posture, unhealthy routines, late-night computer use, and lack of movement can lead to stress disorders, weight gain, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Proper scheduling, exercise, and good ergonomics can prevent these issues.
Health and Safety Requirements for Computer Workplaces
- Ensure proper lighting to avoid eye strain.
- Use comfortable and ergonomic furniture.
- Maintain clean and dust-free surroundings.
- Provide proper ventilation and airflow.
- Adjust screen brightness to a comfortable level.
- Manage wires properly to prevent tripping hazards.
- Keep first-aid kits easily accessible.
- Ensure emergency exits are clearly marked and reachable.
- Cautions While Working on a Computer
- Avoid working for long continuous hours; take regular breaks.
- Sit in correct ergonomic posture while using the computer.
- Keep the workstation organized and properly arranged.
- Clean the computer screen regularly to reduce glare.
- Avoid eating or drinking near computers to prevent spills and damage.
- Do regular stretching exercises to prevent stiffness and long-term health issues.
Prevent Accidents and Emergencies
Primary Goal of First-Aid
First aid is emergency care given immediately to an injured person. The purpose of first aid is to minimize injury and future disability. In serious cases, first aid may be necessary to keep the victim alive.
There are many situations in which the immediate first aid is necessary even before the patient is taken to a hospital. Some such situations that might occur in work places are accidents, seizures, heart attacks, shock, bleeding, poisonings, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites and stings, medical emergencies, and employees trapped in confined spaces.
The type of First-Aid equipment and training required, in a workplace, depends on:
- The number of employees
- The types of hazards present in the workplace
- The travel distance to a hospital/availability of professional medical assistance
Compiling a risk assessment is important as it will help determine the first aid requirements. The risk can be considered low or high depending on the workplace. A low-risk workplace is one where employees are not exposed to hazards that could result in a serious injury or illness. Examples of low-risk workplaces include offices, shops, or libraries. A high-risk workplace refers to a workplace where employees are exposed to hazards that could result in a serious injury or illness and require first aid, for example factories with boilers or motor vehicle workshops.
Benefits of having a proper First Aid Training Program:
- Creates a more positive and safe working environment
- It provides quick medical response during a workplace accident
- Provides employees with transferable skills
- Satisfies legal and moral obligations
First Aid Training Course should cover the following Drills or Practices
- Burns Poisoning Shock Broken bones No pulse
- Choking Heart attack Eye injuries Heatstroke
- Respiratory (breathing related) emergencies
- Wounds (cut) causing heavy bleeding
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Organization that Work in Field of Safety, Health and Welfare of People
OSH – Occupational Safety and Health; OHS - Occupational Health and Safety; WHS – Workplace Health and Safety (all are same)
Natural Hazards
- Atmospheric / Meteorological: Heavy rains, floods, tsunami etc. (cause by extreme weather events)
- Geological: Landslides, earthquakes etc. (caused by changes in earth surface)
- Biological: Fever (Dengue, Malaria), Influenza etc.
Explore Hazards Signs and Symbols
- General Warning
- Flammable Material
- Explosion Risk
- Toxic (Poison)
- High Voltage
- Laser Radiation
- Bio Hazard
- Oxidising (material burn hotter and longer)
- Hot Surface
- Danger of death
- Slippery Floor
- Watch your steps / Trip
- High Temperature
- Danger of Suffocation
- Electricity
- Battery Hazards
- Rotating parts
- Low temperature
- Optical Radiation
- Radiation