Setting the Tone for Safety (Behavior, Attitude and Responsibility)

Behavior, Attitude and Responsibility

By : BOULKSIBAT Ahmed Amine ;

Each year millions of warehouse and storage workers suffer injuries that are largely preventable.
But you can play a role in preventing accidents and in keeping off the injury list. Protect yourself against injuries by reviewing the leading causes of workplace injuries.

Avoiding Common Injuries Warehouse work can have anynumber of hazards, such as physical overload, impact accidents, falls or equipment accidents. If you know when and where to be cautious, you’ll see the benefit of acting with care on and off the job. 

Physical overload is the number one on-the-job injury. Learn the proper ways to lift and carry without bending or twisting and how to move objects from one place to another. 

Impact accidents can be avoided if you wear appropriate personal protection, are alert to potential hazards around equipment and follow established safety guidelines.

You need not be injured by falls if you’re aware of your balance, footing, lighting conditions and obstacles in walkways.

Use the BAR Exam Using safe work practices is not always easy, but it pays off in the long run. It helps to remember the acronym “BAR” when you think “safety.” BAR stands for safe Behavior, having a safe

Attitude, and taking Responsibility for your actions.

Safe Behavior means reacting properly to a situation. How do your reactions to situations affect your safety and the safety of your coworkers? What happens when guidelines aren’t followed, personal protective equipment isn’t used, questions aren’t asked or when shortcuts are taken?

Having a safe Attitude means approaching a situation properly.

Getting serious about safety practices means never horsing around on the job. Try to keep alert and

focused on your tasks. Avoid letting anger or frustration get in the way of your job performance.

Taking Responsibility means being accountable for your actions.

Safe workers keep equipment in good repair, clean up (or report) spills and debris, keep walkways

free from obstacles and store chemicals properly. Take pride in your neat and organized worksite.

BOULKSIBAT Ahmed Amine 

HSE ENGINEER

Practice Questions for NEBOSH Examinations – Hazards Style ANSWERS Paper 1

The answers given in these papers are in bullet form, you MUST pay attention to the key ACTION VERBS in order to give full answers.   I take no responsibility for answers given in exams in the style portrayed in the PRACTICE questions and answers written by myself.

Question 1

(i)                 Identify FOUR indications that could have highlighted the LEV systems’ inefficiency.

·        Deposits of dust on surfaces and people

·        Visible particles in the air

·        Discomfort and irritation by employees

·        Air monitoring reviews

·        Actual ill-health in employees due to exposure to dusts

(ii)               Outline the factors which could have reduced the LEV systems effectiveness.

·        Poor design

·        Lack of planned testing

·        Lack of maintenance

·        Extraction hood too far from dust source

·        Damaged or blocked ducting or filters

·        System alterations – unauthorized

·        Settings incorrect

·        Faulty fan

·        Process changes that could lead to greater dust emissions.

(iii)             Describe other methods of control to minimise levels of airborne dust except from LEV.

·        Hierarchy of control

·        Eliminating the process causing the dust

·        A change in process to reduce dust amounts

·        Substitution of materials i.e. capsule form, pellets or liquid

·        Segregation or enclosure of the dust creation process

·        Damping down the dust for easier removal such as vacuuming

·        Methods of cleaning so as not to disturb the dust i.e. vacuuming instead of sweeping

Question 2

Outline necessary precautions to be taken when pedestrians are required to work close to vehicle movement areas.

• Segregation systems for vehicles and pedestrians
• Clear and appropriate road markings
• Visibility – mirrors, transparent doors, adequate lighting etc.
• Vehicular audible warnings
• Site rules
• High-visibility clothing
• Good housekeeping
• Training and supervision of all involved on site

Question 3

Factory cleaning staff use a rotary floor polisher each night.

(i)                 Identify the associated hazards

·        Entanglement

·        Slips, trips and falls

·        Noise

·        Vibration

·        Electrical hazards

·        Ergonomic hazards

·        Possible chemical involvement of cleaning agents

(ii)               Outline what control measures could be used to reduce the risks

·        Guarding

·        Cable management

·        Isolation for the task of changing brushes

·        Appropriate non-slip footwear

·        Regular testing and maintenance

·        Residual current devices – RCD’s

·        Training to ensure pre-use checks

Question 4

Outline precautions needed when maintenance work is being carried out in an underground storage vessel.

• Permit-to-work
• Risk assessment
• Isolation
• Pre-cleaning
• Purging and testing the vessel’s atmosphere
• Safe means of access and egress
• Appropriate tools i.e. non-spark
• P.P.E
• Appropriate lighting
• Continual monitoring
• Competent and trained personnel
• Good communication systems between tank and above-ground workers
• Maintenance of detailed emergency procedures

Question 5

Outline the principal requirements to ensure excavation work is carried out safely.

• Examine the support structures weekly by competent person
• Record examination
• Inspect working part daily or per shift if deeper than 2m
• Inspect support material before use
• Support work done under supervision of competent person
• No person to work in excavation unless competently examined
• No projecting nails on support structure
• No materials left near edges of excavation

Question 6

With respect to work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD’s).

(i)                 Identify typical symptoms.

·        Back, neck and shoulder pain

·        Swollen joints

·        Reduced mobility and stiffness

·        Cramps and muscle fatigue/tiredness

Question 6 cntd

(ii)               Outline the factors that would increase the development of WRULD’s

·         Display screen equipment issues – DSE

·         Layout of workstation

·         Insufficient breaks from the task

·         Inadequate space leading to poor postures

·         Excessive force needed to carry out tasks

·         Frequency of the task

·         Vibrating tools/equipment

·         Pre-existing medical conditions

·         Pregnant women

Question 7

Outline what is required for a safe means of escape when evacuating a building in the event of fire.

• At least two escape routes in opposite directions, none to exceed the recognised travel distance
• Escape route fire integrity
• Self closing fire doors that open outwards easily
• Escape routes clearly marked
• Emergency lighting for routes
• Routes kept free from obstruction
• Safe, clearly signed assembly point

Question 8

(i)                 What are the principal hazards associated with the use of ladders at work?

·        Poor maintenance

·        Incorrect use

·        Incorrect locations

(ii)               Explain how these hazards may be eliminated or reduced.

·        Inspection and repair

·        Correct storage

·        75 degrees slope (1 in 4)

·        Secured top and base

·        Not to use aluminium ladders near overhead cables

Question 9

Outline the precautions to protect against electrocution when:

(i)                 Excavating near underground cables

·        Supply isolation

·        Cable routes identification via plans and cable detectors

·        Checking for service box covers

·        Marking of cable routes

·        Digging with hand-tools

(ii)               Working near overhead power lines

·         Isolation

·         Goal-post barriers defining clearance distances

·         Use of signs and bunting to clearly mark danger zones

·         Safe access routes under lines

·         Use of marshals and banksmen when cranes, excavators or tipper lorries may approach

·         Restriction on use of metal ladders and scaffold tubes

Question 10

List EIGHT routine inspection items included on a checklist at the beginning of a shift, before using a fork-lift truck.

• Tyre pressure and condition
• Lights functioning (where fitted)
• Secure and properly adjusted seats
• Undamaged mirrors with good vision
• Leakages from various fluids – diesel, battery acid, oil, brake fluid etc.
• Battery connections
• Chains in good order
• Horn operates
• Reversing audible signals where fitted
• Forks in good order
• Break checks, including hand break
• Forks do not drop when raised – hydraulic fluid levels ok
• No play in steering wheel

  

Question 11

Outline EIGHT precautions that should be considered to prevent injuries to children who may be tempted to access a construction site.

• Fencing
• Warning signs of any dangers
• Security patrols
• CCTV
• Isolating services
• Reducing heights of materials
• Covering excavations
• Removing ladders – lashing the ladders – to deny access to scaffolding
• Securing tools, chemicals, equipment and vehicles under lock and key
• Community liaisons

Practice Questions for NEBOSH Examinations – Hazards Style Questions Paper 1

The first question in the NEBOSH examination has a suggested time limit of 30 minutes.  

This question can be done either at the beginning of the examination, or at any time during the examination.   The first question is for 20 marks, with the marks for each part of the question in brackets.   A typical question for Section 1 is as follows:

Question 1

Excessive dust levels have been discovered in a workplace, the principal cause being the inefficient local exhaust ventilation system (LEV).

(i)                 Identify FOUR indications that could have highlighted the LEV systems’ inefficiency.      

(ii)               Outline the factors which could have reduced the LEV systems effectiveness.                   

(iii)             Describe other methods of control to minimise levels of airborne dust except from LEV.   

Question 2

Outline necessary precautions to be taken when pedestrians are required to work close to vehicle movement areas.                                                                                                                                          

Question 3

Factory cleaning staff use a rotary floor polisher each night.

(i)                 Identify the associated hazards.                                                                  

(ii)               Outline what control measures could be used to reduce the risks.                

Question 4

Outline precautions needed when maintenance work is being carried out in an underground storage vessel.

Question 5

Outline the principal requirements to ensure excavation work is carried out safely.      

Question 6

With respect to work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD’s).

(i)                 Identify typical symptoms.                                                                             

(ii)               Outline the factors that would increase the development of WRULD’s.    

Question 7

Outline what is required for a safe means of escape when evacuating a building in the event of fire.    

Question 8

(i)                 What are the principal hazards associated with the use of ladders at work? 

(ii)               Explain how these hazards may be eliminated or reduced.                           

Question 9

Outline the precautions to protect against electrocution when:

(i)                 Excavating near underground cables                                                              

(ii)               Working near overhead power lines                                                             

Question 10

List EIGHT routine inspection items included on a checklist at the beginning of a shift, before using a fork-lift truck.                                                                                                                                 

Question 11

Outline EIGHT precautions that should be considered to prevent injuries to children who may be tempted to access a construction site.                                                                                                            

Writing a Safety inspection report.

Your report should be according to SMART principles:

Sensible

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time Bound

Above all, it should be sensible and persuade management to act upon its recommendations.

It is a report and should therefore be in report format, not a letter or memo or even an email!  Avoid humourous vignettes such as:

 from: S. Afety MIOSH RSP or

to:     I. M. Self,  MD and bar

It is not a list of hazards such as you would have created during your inspection and you should avoid repetition (there will often be numerous examples of the same hazards).

Measurable does not mean giving a risk ranking score, but should give some idea of the risk quantum.  High, medium, low - is quite acceptable.

Achievable acknowledges cost-benefit analysis.  Some risk reduction measures may be desirable but they could be simply too costly and resource could be better deployed – this is what risk assessment is all about.

Realistic reiterates this.  It is not realistic to expect everything to be put right at once, so prioritization is important.  If management can see the elements of an action plan to improve safety then they are more likely to act upon the recommendations.

Time bound.  It is helpful to suggest timings because it supports the idea of an action plan.  Not everything can be done at once, after all.

The report should not be unduly long  just a basic introduction in which the general state of the plant is described.  Acknowledge both good and bad features (there is nothing more off-putting than unmitigated gloom!).

The body of the report should be a series of headings followed by descriptions of the main items.  Don’t try to be too detailed or the reader will be in danger of “can’t see the wood for the trees” syndrome and your message will be lost.  And it should not be too long – 6 to 10 paragraphs would be typical in a report of this kind.  At this stage indicate priorities and acknowledge costs and benefits.

Conclusions and recommendations should point the way to a structured action plan for improvement and at the same time convince the manager of the need for improvements.

Now write your report, based on your findings.  When you have done it, compare it to the model report following.  Your writing style might differ from the one given, but the content should be comparable.

To:     The Workshop Manager

From:          Safety Adviser

Report of a safety inspection of the printing and engineering workshops Dated – (today’s date)

General comments

The inspection was restricted to the various workshops and their immediate environs.  Issues such as site security, offices and workshops and general welfare facilities were not considered.  The condition of the various workshops varied remarkably – the engineering workshop was excellent but the print workshop poor and the vehicle repair workshop totally unacceptable.    The lack of any kind of safe system for window cleaning, epitomized by a contractor climbing out on to a ledge and then closing the window behind him in order to  clean it is almost beyond belief and you should consider what control systems you have, or will need to instate, with respect to management of contractors.  You should realize that you are responsible in law for the activities of contractors on your premises and stand the risk of prosecution by the HSE if such malpractices were seen, let alone in the wake of an accident.

Specific concerns

1.                 Fire hazards and the control of chemicals in the print workshop.  The condition of some work areas was unacceptable and posed serious fire hazards.  Improper storage of flammables (the steel storage cupboard should be locked shut and the key only accessible to nominated competent persons) and other chemicals in various insecure containers under sinks and in corridors must be stopped at once.

2.                Health hazards may also arise from the chemicals.  Other than  COSHH sheets displayed on a noticeboard (an example of good practice), there appeared to be little regard for healthy working practices.  Dangers exist from inhalation of vapours – and the darkroom ventilation has been effectively negated by a wooden light cover over the extractor fan.  The COSHH sheet for developer called for 12 – 16 changes of air per hour!  There is also a risk of dermatitis from handling chemicals and the filthy state of the print workarea gave serious cause for concern.  Chemicals should be sorted out at once and the ventilation in the darkroom attended to before any work is permitted there.

    

3.                There are very serious electrical hazards which arise from improper use of sockets – implying a cavalier disregard of safety by those responsible and also from a number of items of portable equipment which were probably brought in as ‘foreigners’ and should be returned whence they came or else disposed of forthwith.  Any portable equipment should be held on a proper maintenance register in accordance with the electricity at Work Regulations 1989.  An electrician should inspect the area immediately as there exists a high risk of electrical injury.

4.                The antique presses should not be used until a risk assessment has be carried out to determine if they are safe.

5.                The engineering workshop was mainly in good order, in complete contrast to the vehicle repair bay which was an utter disgrace and should be closed immediately.  Before it is used again it should be cleared out of all unwanted items, especially a large heap of tyres and that which is required should be moved to proper storage.  The area should then be subject to a deep clean and any structural repairs carried out. The inspection pit should be cleaned out and barriers put in place to prevent persons from falling into it. The electric wiring should also be overhauled.

6.                Machinery guarding and accumulation of lathe swarf made the machines there very dangerous to use and the question arises of competence of those working in the area.  An assessment should be made of the workforce and training needs identified and a training programme set up.

7.                Fire escape and assembly area to the rear of the workshops were obstructed and the presence of skips in such a place is unacceptable.  No smoking rules should be enforced there.

8.                 The LPG store was overloaded and unsecured cylinders were stacked beside it. Unwanted empties should be removed and a policy on ordering should be established to avoid exceeding the capacity of the store.

Conclusions and Recommendations.

There are several sources of serious and imminent danger in these workshops.  Most of them can be made safe quickly and with limited expense and, especially given that as manager, you are open to criminal prosecution or enforcement action by the HSE, the recommendations of this report should be implemented with urgency.

The fact that such obvious malpractice exists, at least in some areas, and is therefore tacitly accepted implies a lack of management systems and, importantly, issues of control over contractors.  It is recommended that an early review of safety management should be undertaken with a view to implementing such a system.  The model given in document HS(G)65 issued by the HSE is strongly recommended.