Deck 17: Promoting Safety and Health

Question 1

Purpose
Many organizations need to be prepared for the possibility of an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The purpose of this exercise is to increase understanding of the OSHA inspection process and the many resources available on the Web to assist in preparing for such an inspection.
Group Size
To be performed individually.
Time Required
Approximately 45 minutes.
Other
Internet connection and search engine required.
Exercise
Part I-Using a search engine, visit the OSHA Web site (www.osha.gov) and research how OSHA performs inspections at companies. Be prepared to describe a typical OSHA inspection. ( Hint: Type in the keyword "inspection" in the Web site search box.)
Part II-Surf the Web to identify five consulting companies that specialize in helping client companies to prepare for OSHA inspections.
Summarize your findings from Parts I and II on a 1- to 2-page report and be prepared to discuss it in class.
Source : Robert Konopaske and John M. Ivancevich (copyright 2005).

Answer 1

not answer

Question 2

While working in a present or previous job, did you ever witness unsafe working conditions? What did the employer do to improve the situation, if anything?

Answer 2

Accidents and illnesses related to work happen because of working conditions, tasks and the due to the nature of the workers. A group which is in charge of determining the reasons for work related hazard and accident is national institute of occupational safety and health.
Consider person X, while working in previous organization the person X had witness a minor accident which took place to an operator. He entered the shop floor without wearing a goggle and was welding a rod which is supposed to be placed on the roof of the building. All of a sudden the spark or flash from welding machine hit the eyes. The operator was rushed to hospital and wherein proper treatment was given by the doctor. This incident had happened due to negligence of the operator and he did not follow safety guideline of the company. Here, the supervisor also did not check whether the operator was wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) before performing the welding operation.
Employer should carry our following steps to overcome the negligence of employees and improve safety culture in organization:
1. Conducted training on work place safety and importance of using PPEs while working within shop floor.
2. Supervisor and safety manager of the company was given the responsibility to have close monitor of people working within shop floor and ensure they were following safety rules.
3. Usage of sign boards or posters to educate the operator about work safety.
4. Frequent meetings should be conducted with operators and employees to ensure safe and clean working environment.

Question 3

Should whether a person smokes or not be used in hiring decisions? How about whether the person qualifies for promotion? Explain.

Answer 3

Today, there are no specific rules against the employees who smoke in workplace. But in future, the lawsuit will become more predominant on issues like smoking in office and in hiring decisions of smoking persons.
Hiring decisions should not be influenced by person's habit such as smoking and drinking. Employers are independent in hiring a qualified candidate without giving importance on whether he or she has smoking habit. But there are certain countries or states which legally do not allow person with smoking habit. When an employer's asks candidate on whether he or she has the smoking habit, then the candidate should be giving the answer transparently. But at the same time if candidate feels uncomfortable with this question then he or she will not be even interested to join the firm. Hiring decision can be deferred by an employer thinking that smoking habit will reduce employee's performance and will not be able to give the desired output. Also, there is a perception that person smoking will take breaks every one or two hours and spends easily ten to fifteen minutes, which will lose his or her focus on work and thereby productivity. Employer can also think from the employee cost point of view that is the health insurance cost of person who smokes will be more than the one who do not.
Person with smoking habit should not be denied promotion if he or she qualifies for it. A skilled employee with smoking habit will be performing well than the employee who has limited knowledge and does not smoke. Hence, it is worth giving promotion to employee based on performance and not on the habit.

Question 4

Some people believe that there are few (if any) risks associated with working in non-manufacturing work environments-like in a restaurant, hospital, or counseling center. What would you tell these people to convince them of the potential safety and health hazards in these work sites?

Question 5

Why should organizations be concerned about the consequences of occupational stress? What steps should be taken to educate employees on this issue?

Question 6

What legal requirements must an organization meet regarding health and safety?

Question 7

You have been named safety director of your company. Outline the steps you would follow in developing an effective safety management program.

Question 8

Assume you are in charge of safety for a public university. What steps can you take to decrease the risk of a violent act being committed at your school.

Question 9

Explain how the quality of an organization's indoor environment can relate to the number of sick days its employees take.

Question 10

Develop a working definition of ergonomics as it applies to sitting in a classroom lecture room or studying for an exam. How would you go about making those situations less stressful?

Question 11

A good safety management program requires several steps. What are they? Write a short management training program which would get this message across.

Question 12

What should Cindy do and why? Frame your answer in terms of a safe and healthy workplace.