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Environmental Health and Safety

The document outlines the principles of environmental health and safety, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, workplace safety, and employee welfare. It categorizes hazards, discusses emergency measures, and highlights the legal framework governing occupational health in the UK. Key aspects include the management of chemical, physical, biological, and agricultural hazards, as well as the significance of personal protective equipment and compliance with health regulations.

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8 views5 pages

Environmental Health and Safety

The document outlines the principles of environmental health and safety, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, workplace safety, and employee welfare. It categorizes hazards, discusses emergency measures, and highlights the legal framework governing occupational health in the UK. Key aspects include the management of chemical, physical, biological, and agricultural hazards, as well as the significance of personal protective equipment and compliance with health regulations.

Uploaded by

nellychepngetich01
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

1. GENERAL ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL


HEALTH
Key Terms

 Environmental Health: A branch of public health that focuses on the interactions


between people and their environment to promote human well-being and prevent health
hazards.
 Health and Safety: The discipline focused on protecting the health, safety, and well-
being of people at work and in the environment.
 Occupational Health: The study and management of workplace health hazards to ensure
the safety and well-being of employees.
 Risk Assessment: The systematic process of evaluating potential risks in an environment
and determining appropriate preventive measures.
 Welfare at Work: Ensuring proper working conditions, facilities, and support for
employees' health, safety, and comfort.

Disciplines of Environmental Science

1. Environmental Chemistry: Examines pollutants and their interactions in the


environment.
2. Ecology: Studies the relationships between organisms and their surroundings.
3. Toxicology: Investigates how chemicals and substances affect living organisms.
4. Environmental Policy & Law: Focuses on legislation to regulate environmental impact
and public health.
5. Occupational Health & Safety: Deals with workplace safety measures, risk
assessments, and preventive health strategies.

Importance of Health and Safety

 Reduces Workplace Accidents: Prevents injuries and fatalities.


 Enhances Productivity: A safe working environment boosts efficiency.
 Legal Compliance: Organizations must adhere to health and safety laws to avoid
penalties.
 Employee Well-being: Reduces stress and promotes a healthy workforce.

Importance of Welfare of People at Work

 Physical Welfare: Proper ventilation, sanitation, and workspace ergonomics.


 Mental Welfare: Stress management programs, breaks, and a positive work culture.
 Financial Welfare: Fair wages, compensation for occupational injuries, and insurance.
 Social Welfare: Equal opportunities, workplace inclusion, and employee rights.

Health Service Management

 Public Health Services: Disease prevention, sanitation, and vaccination programs.


 Occupational Health Services: Workplace hazard management and employee medical
examinations.
 Emergency Health Services: First aid, fire safety measures, and emergency evacuation
procedures.
 Health Policies & Regulations: Compliance with national and international standards.

2. HAZARDS
Categories of Hazardous Substances

1. Chemical Hazards: Toxic chemicals (e.g., asbestos, pesticides, heavy metals).


2. Physical Hazards: Noise, radiation, vibration, temperature extremes.
3. Biological Hazards: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.
4. Agricultural Hazards: Pesticide exposure, zoonotic diseases, farm machinery accidents.

Basic Principles of Toxicology

 Exposure: Contact with a toxic substance through inhalation, ingestion, or skin


absorption.
 Disposition: How the body processes the substance (absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion).
 Toxic Reactions: Effects on target organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, and nervous
system.

3. GENERAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT


Workplace Definition

A workplace is any location where employees perform their duties, including offices, factories,
construction sites, and laboratories.

Requirements of Workplace Regulations

 Adequate Lighting & Ventilation


 Safe Electrical Installations
 Ergonomic Workstations
 Controlled Noise Levels
 Proper Waste Disposal Systems

Requirements of a Healthy and Safe Workplace

 Risk Assessment and Management


 First Aid Facilities
 Fire Prevention and Emergency Exits
 Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Employee Training on Safety Procedures

Basic Requirements of Safety Signs Legislation

 Use of Standardized Symbols & Colors


 Mandatory Signage for Fire Exits, Hazards, and First Aid
 Regular Maintenance and Visibility of Safety Signs
 Compliance with Workplace Safety Laws

4. ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES


Human Factors Contributing to Accidents

1. Human Error: Lack of training, distractions, fatigue.


2. Unsafe Behavior: Negligence, risk-taking, ignoring procedures.
3. Poor Workplace Design: Clutter, insufficient lighting, lack of safety barriers.
4. Mental and Physical Health Issues: Stress, intoxication, poor vision.

Emergency Measures Taken After Accidents

 Immediate First Aid Assistance


 Notifying Emergency Services
 Securing the Accident Scene
 Evacuating Affected Individuals
 Investigating and Documenting the Incident
 Implementing Preventive Measures

Procedures and Requirements for RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and


Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)

 Who Must Report: Employers, self-employed individuals, managers.


 What to Report: Work-related deaths, serious injuries, occupational diseases, dangerous
occurrences.
 How to Report: Online submission or telephone reporting to the appropriate authority.
 Why It’s Required: Legal compliance, identifying risks, and improving workplace
safety.

5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Aspects of Occupational Health

 Health Surveillance: Monitoring workers' health over time.


 Workplace Hygiene: Clean and safe environments.
 Stress Management: Reducing workplace-related mental health issues.
 Injury Prevention: Identifying and eliminating potential hazards.

Historical Perspective of Occupational Diseases

 Ancient Times: Recognition of lead poisoning among miners.


 Industrial Revolution: Exposure to chemicals, lung diseases in factory workers.
 Modern Developments: Regulations for asbestos, noise control, ergonomics.

Methods of Personal Protection of the Worker

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, helmets, respirators, safety glasses.


 Engineering Controls: Ventilation, noise barriers, machine guarding.
 Administrative Controls: Job rotation, training, health surveillance.
 Behavioral Measures: Proper lifting techniques, stress management.

6. LEGAL BACKGROUND TO OCCUPATIONAL


HEALTH
Sources of Law in the UK

1. Common Law: Judge-made law based on precedent.


2. Statute Law: Legislation passed by Parliament.
3. Regulatory Law: Rules created by agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE).
4. European & International Law: Compliance with EU and international occupational
health regulations.

Outline of Areas of Civil Liability

1. Negligence: Failure to take reasonable care to prevent harm.


2. Breach of Statutory Duty: Violation of health and safety laws.
3. Employer’s Liability: Responsibility for employee welfare.
4. Occupier’s Liability: Duty of care owed to individuals on a premises.
5. Product Liability: Liability for defective or hazardous products causing harm.

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