Workplace Safety & Incident Prevention Flashcards

What is the main goal of workplace safety programs?

Answer: To prevent workplace injuries and illnesses

The overarching goal of any workplace safety program is to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for all employees. This involves identifying and mitigating hazards, implementing safety procedures, and providing training to actively prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses. Ultimately, it aims to protect the well-being of the workforce.

What should be done when an incident occurs?

Answer: Report and investigate it immediately

When an incident occurs, it is crucial to report it promptly and conduct an immediate investigation. Reporting ensures that necessary actions are taken for the injured party and that the incident is documented for compliance. Investigation helps identify root causes, prevent recurrence, and improve overall safety protocols, making the workplace safer for everyone.

Why is housekeeping important in the workplace?

Answer: To prevent slips, trips, and falls

Good housekeeping practices, such as keeping walkways clear, promptly cleaning spills, and properly storing materials, are fundamental to workplace safety. These practices directly reduce common hazards like clutter, wet surfaces, and obstructed paths, which are primary causes of slips, trips, and falls. Maintaining a tidy environment significantly prevents these common injuries.

What should be worn in high-risk work environments?

Answer: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In high-risk work environments, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to protect workers from specific hazards that cannot be eliminated through other control measures. PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators, acts as a barrier to minimize exposure to dangers and prevent injuries or illnesses. It is the last line of defense against workplace hazards.

What is a near-miss incident?

Answer: An event that almost caused harm but didn’t

A near-miss incident is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or property damage, but had the potential to do so. It serves as a crucial warning sign, highlighting hazards and weaknesses in safety protocols. Reporting and investigating near misses are essential for proactive incident prevention and improving overall workplace safety.

How can employees contribute to incident prevention?

Answer: By reporting unsafe conditions

Employees contribute significantly to incident prevention by actively identifying and reporting unsafe conditions or behaviors. This proactive involvement allows management to address potential hazards before they lead to an actual incident. By being vigilant and communicating concerns, employees help foster a safer and more secure work environment for everyone.

Which of the following is a physical hazard?

Answer: Heavy machinery

A physical hazard is a type of hazard that arises from environmental factors and can cause physical harm or injury. Heavy machinery, with its potential for crushing, entanglement, or impact, directly poses such a threat to workers. Options like lack of motivation or office politics are typically psychological or social hazards, not physical ones.

What is the purpose of a job safety analysis (JSA)?

Answer: To assess and control hazards in job tasks

The primary purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is to systematically identify potential hazards associated with each step of a specific job task. Following hazard identification, control measures are developed and implemented to eliminate or reduce these risks to an acceptable level. This proactive approach ensures tasks are performed safely, preventing incidents and injuries.

What should follow after an incident investigation?

Answer: Implementing corrective actions

After an incident investigation identifies the root causes, the crucial next step is to implement corrective actions. These actions are designed to eliminate or control the identified hazards and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future. Simply assigning blame or archiving the report without action fails to improve safety and learn from the event.