Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
MANUAL
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CONTENTS Page
4.4 Emergencies 13
4.6 Lighting 14
4.11 Machinery 16
4.12 Noise 16
4.13 VDU's 17
5.3 Earthquake 22
6. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR 24
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1. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS)
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is generally defined as the science of the anticipation, recognition,
evaluation and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace that could impair the health and well-being of
workers, taking into account the possible impact on the surrounding communities and the general environment.
This domain is necessarily vast, encompassing a large number of disciplines and numerous workplace and
environmental hazards. A wide range of structures, skills, knowledge and analytical capacities are needed to
coordinate and implement all of the “building blocks” that make up national OHS systems so that protection is
The scope of occupational safety and health has evolved gradually and continuously in response to social, political,
technological and economic changes. In recent years, globalization of the world’s economies and its repercussions
have been perceived as the greatest force for change in the world of work, and consequently in the scope of
occupational safety and health, in both positive and negative ways. Liberalization of world trade, rapid
technological progress, significant developments in transport and communication, shifting patterns of employment,
changes in work organization practices, the different employment patterns of men and women, and the size,
structure and life cycles of enterprises and of new technologies can all generate new types and patterns of hazards,
exposures and risks. Demographic changes and population movements, and the consequent pressures on the global
environment, can also affect safety and health in the world of work.
General Motors Company (by General Motors Global Supply Chain Romania Srl) offers its employees and
contractors offices on the 9th, 10th and 11th floors of the Green Court building and therefore wants to build,
develop and implement a health and safety policy for all users.
General Motors is committed to ensuring and maintaining a healthy and safe working environment for the
continuous improvement of workers' health and safety. This objective is achievable only by respecting the
objectives set out to overcome all obligations of applicable law and by encouraging an enthusiastic commitment to
health, safety and the environment within the staff, contractors and visitors.
Local responsibility for health and safety is the responsibility of your employer. Your company's managers are
responsible for health and safety in the company's business. Heads of departments, units and areas are responsible
for the health and safety of their departments for all employees and visitors. Occupational health and safety
procedures are the procedures to be implemented to ensure the implementation of General Motors policies. These
may be as diverse as the assessment of the risk of injury or occupational disease to first aid facilities. The way staff
Your company's managers, working in cooperation with the Joint Health and Safety Committee, will strive to
take all reasonable steps to reduce workplace hazards to as low as reasonably achievable.
Supervisors and managers are held accountable for the health and safety of all employees under their
supervision. This includes responsibility for applicable training and instruction, appropriate followup on reported
health and safety concerns, and implementation of recommended corrective action. This accountability is
All employees are required to cooperate with the employer on health and safety issues, respecting safety
regulations, hazard and accident reporting and working in a way that does not adversely affect their own health
Supervisors, workers and visitors are expected to perform their duties and responsibilities in a safe and healthful
manner, and are accountable for the Health and Safety of themselves and others.
General Motors is committed to providing all necessary training and instruction to ensure that appropriate work
practices are followed on the job, and to promote their use off the job.
If necessary, General Motors will take disciplinary action where individuals fail to work in a healthy and safe
manner, or do not comply with applicable legislation or corporate policies and procedures.
Health, safety, the environment and loss control in the workplace are everyone’s responsibility. General Motors
expects that everyone will join in our efforts to provide a healthy and safe working environment on a continuous
day to day basis. Only through the dedication and efforts of all individuals can General Motors succeed in
Health, safety, the environment and loss control in the workplace are everyone’s responsibility. General Motors
expects that everyone will join in our efforts to provide a healthy and safe working environment on a continuous
day to day basis. Only through the dedication and efforts of all individuals can General Motors succeed in
Workplaces under the jurisdiction General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Romania Srl are
The legislation places duties on owners, employers, workers, suppliers, the selfemployed and contractors, to
establish and maintain safe and healthy working conditions. Your officials are responsible for monitoring
compliance.
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Duties Of Your Employer
Your employer is responsible for providing you with safe and healthy working conditions. This includes a duty to
protect you from violence, discrimination and harassment. You must cooperate with your employer in making your
Your Responsibilities
You must also comply with the legislation. You have responsibilities to:
- protect your own Health and Safety and that of your co-workers;
- cooperate with your supervisor and anyone else with duties under the legislation.
Your Rights
- the right to know the hazards at work and how to control them;
You may not be punished for using these rights. An employer can be required to legally justify any action taken
The Act requires your employer to provide you with all the information you need to control the hazards you face at
work.
You have the right to become involved in occupational Health and Safety.
The legislation encourages employers and workers to work together to maintain a healthy and safe workplace.
Employers at workplaces with fifty or more workers must set up an occupational health committee of employer and
worker representatives.
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Committees Have Duties To:
Meet at least (four times a year); and return minutes of each meeting to The Labor Inspectorate.
You have the right to refuse to do work which you believe is unusually dangerous.
The unusual danger may be to you or to anyone else. An unusual danger could include such things as:
- a danger under which you would not normally carry out your job; and/or
- a situation for which you are not properly trained, equipped or experienced.
- Once you believe that the work you have been asked to do is unusually dangerous, you should inform your
supervisor. Make sure that the supervisor understands that you are refusing to do the disputed job for health and
safety reasons. Work with the supervisor to attempt to resolve the problem.
- If the problem cannot be resolved by the supervisor to your satisfaction, and no worker health and safety
representative or occupational health committee exists at the workplace, your supervisor should phone the
Manager and ask for advice. You also have the right to contact the Manager at any time.
- The supervisor has the right to assign you to other work (at no loss in pay or benefits) until the matter is resolved.
Important! All employees are responsible for the health and safety of all visitors or contractors brought on site by
them, and to insure that they are aware of and follow all company safety rules and procedures at a minimum.
Site Manager
The site manager is responsible for the health and safety of all employees within their site. The site manager must
ensure all policies and procedures are followed according to Occupational Health & Safety.
3) Be familiar with the Occupational Health & Safety act and any revised regulations and ensure they are followed.
4) Ensure that all employees are instructed in the procedures and requirements of Occupational Health & Safety.
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5) Review accident reports, safety audits and other related material relative to health or safety.
Supervisor
2. Be familiar with Occupational Health & Safety act, the company policy and any other legislation pertaining to
health or safety.
4. Ensure safety meetings are held and minutes are recorded, posted and filed accordingly to Occupational Health
6. Ensure employees are instructed in the procedures and requirements of Occupational Health & Safety.
7. Review all accidents and near misses to determine root and basic causes, with suggestion/implementation of
1) Comply with all Company Procedures, Safety Policy and requirements of Occupational Health & Safety.
2) Be responsible for working safely and carrying out their duties with skill and care as to not cause accidental
3) Immediately report all injuries, near misses or potential hazards to their supervisor.
4) Know the location of all fire extinguishers, fire alarms or other warning devices.
Suppliers
1) All accidents, injuries or near misses, regardless of their nature, shall be promptly reported to the supervisor.
2) Clothing shall be appropriate to the duties being performed. Long pants, a clean neat shirt and shoes are the
minimum requirements.
4) Smoking is not permitted in any part of the office. You may only smoke in designated areas.
Safety Tips
First Aid
An employer must ensure that the first aiders at a work site have successfully completed a first aid training course
approved by a Medical Services and hold a valid certificate in first aid. (consult with your local medical services)
employees.
i) 1 pair of scissors
j) 1 pair of tweezers
1) All employees must immediately report any occupational injury, accident or near miss to the supervisor.
2) Supervisors must immediately tend to injuries and then report them to the safety officer.
3) Site managers must immediately discuss the incident with the safety officer and injured persons.
The purpose of this procedure is to comply with Occupational Health & Safety act, workers compensation board
and to determine the cause of the accident and make recommendations to prevent further re-occurrence. All reports
the following:
a) name of worker
All accidents that result in injury or property damage or that could have resulted in serious injury or property
damage (near miss) must be thoroughly investigated. The investigation must determine the cause of the incident so
The safety officer shall be responsible for conducting the investigation. The investigation report shall be completed
as soon as possible after the incident and reported to the site manager. The safety officer and appropriate
Any disputes arising from the investigation will be investigated and arbitrated by the site manager.
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Alcohol And Drug Policy
It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure an alcohol and drug free environment. If there is any awareness
or suspicion that any employee, supplier or visitor is under the influence of illegal narcotics or alcohol, will be
Should an employee report to work while under the influence of such substances, the employee will be taken home
Disciplinary Action
Careless work and irresponsible behaviour directly affect the quality of health and safety in the workplace. Even
The following instances shall be cause for verbal or written warning and possible dismissal.
4) Theft
5) Sexual harassment
6) Racial discrimination
7) Carelessness
property
Compliance with company and legislative safety standards is necessary to maintain a safe and healthy work
environment. As with any program non compliance issues must be dealt with.
The following is a guideline for disciplinary actions for safety infractions based on seriousness of the offence.
- Second offence, employee will be given a written warning and a one day suspension.
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- Third offence, employee may be suspended or terminated (suspension or termination to fit seriousness of the
offence).
When ever possible, warning signs will be displayed where a potential hazard may cause injury. Warning signs
Warning signs must be posted where hazards exist and must not be removed unless hazard has been controlled.
Environmental Policy
General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Romania Srl is Committed to the Protection of the
Environment for Present and Future Generations. All Employees Are Responsible for incorporating into Their
General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Romania Srl Will Meet These Responsibilities by
- Design and manage our operations to meet or surpass applicable environmental laws.
- Work in partnership with customers, suppliers, trade associations and government agencies to promote the
- Acquire knowledge and technologies to improve the environmentally save efficient use of our processes and
products.
- Involve our employees in our environmental programs and keep them informed of our performance.
- Promote employee awareness of this policy and enhance their capabilities to implement this policy.
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4. OFFICE HEALTH AND SAFETY
An office does not have an agreed definition, but it is normally regarded as a place of work where clerical and
administrative work activities are carried out. Health and safety issues such as noise, thermal comfort, lighting and
ergonomics apply to a variety of workplaces as well as offices; therefore the definition of an office should not be
interpreted too narrowly. New health and safety legislation does not make any distinction about specific
workplaces. Many years ago there was specific legislation that dealt with offices and shops but this has been
repealed. However it would be impractical not to identify offices as being different from laboratories and
workshops. In most offices work is of a sedentary nature and involves levels of visual and mental concentration,
and very often much of the work is carried out on display screen equipment. These can be seen as common
characteristics of an office environment. There are a number of office health and safety issues over which some
control will need to be exercised. The following list of will have some bearing on the health, safety and well being
of office occupants.
The principal legislation concerning offices is the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992. This
legislation covers all workplaces and deals with specifics such as lighting, adequate space, toilet facilities etc.
Other legislations applicable to offices are the First Aid at Work Regulations, Manual Handling Operations
Regulations, Display Screen Equipment Regulations and Fire Precautions Regulations. All H&S legislation is part
of statute law, and breaches of the laws and regulations are criminal offences under the umbrella of the Health and
Safety at Work etc Act 319 / 14 July 2006. Penalties for breaches of H&S legislation can now be very severe.
Green Court building have fire alarm systems to warn occupants to leave the building in the case of fire. Green
Court building have smoke and heat detection systems that will automatically trigger the alarm system, giving early
warning of a possible fire. Building are divided into fire protection compartments providing at least 1/2-hour
protection from a fire. Fire compartmentation will only work if the fire doors that protect the integrity of the
compartments are closed, and not wedged open. Once a fire takes a hold it will continue to develop as long as there
are fuels and oxygen to support combustion. This is why it is so important not to have easily combustible materials
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in escape routes, and unnecessary stored combustible materials such as paper, cardboard, or plastics in offices and
storerooms. The heat from a well established fire can reach 3000 Centigrade, and smoke from fires is often
extremely toxic, containing gases such as Hydrogen Cyanide. Any flammable office materials should be stored in
The principal causes of fires in buildings are smoking and electrical hazards. Smoking shall not be permitted in any
building or vehicle. There are designated smoking areas located, if you do smoke ensure that all matches and
cigarette ends are extinguished and disposed of in appropriate receptacles. Electrical equipment should be
switched off at the end of the day unless there are valid technical or operational reasons for leaving an appliance
switched on. Never overload circuits, three way plug adaptors are prohibited, and multi-way extension leads
4.4 Emergencies
If you discover a fire, sound the alarm by breaking the glass in one of the Fire Alarm call points, they are situated
on every floor, and can also be found near exit doors. Phone the emergency number (112) immediately from the
nearest phone and give the Fire brigade the correct name and address of the building. In the event of fire or alarm
all occupants must follow the procedures shown on the Fire Action Notices displayed by all building exits. Know
your way out of the building, and remember it may not be possible to exit the way you came in, so become familiar
with alternative exit routes. Whenever you evacuate a building make your way to the Assembly point shown on the
fire action notices, and wait for permission to re-enter the building, or other instructions that may be given.
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4.5 Electrical Risks
The integrity and safety of the electrical installation from supply into a building to the electrical socket outlet is the
responsibility of Estates Planning Services. The responsibility for the safety of equipment from the electrical socket
This means that Heads should purchase electrical appliances and equipment from reputable suppliers,
manufactured to an appropriate standard and where possible they must be CE marked. The equipment should be
used correctly and not abused, there should be no unauthorised repairs and the equipment should be periodically
subject to a Portable Appliance Test. Nearly 75% of electrical faults are caused by faulty leads or plugs. An
occasional visual check is all that is required to identify the majority of faults. No unauthorised electrical
4.6 Lighting
Offices require sufficient light to enable work to be undertaken without risks to the
occupants. There are standards contained in HSE publications that offer guidance
utilised, but because the quality of light in this country is variable, and often poor
during the autumn and winter months, there is a great reliance on artificial
means. Any artificial lighting should be fully diffused where DSE equipment is in
use. The level of luminance can be measured using a suitable light meter. The
quality of light is important and a mixture of good natural light and artificial
systems is the best method of providing the correct lighting level. It is also
important that the direction of natural light can be controlled to ensure an absence of reflections on the DSE
screens.
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ventilation is to provide occupants with an acceptable quality of inhaled air, and to remove or dilute airborne
contamination. Do not confuse ventilation with air conditioning, which is designed to provide air at the
4.8 Temperature
Thermal comfort is subjective but describes an individual’s satisfaction with their temperature
environment. There are a number of factors that can affect thermal comfort including air movement,
humidity, type and amount of clothing worn, and the type of work being undertaken. The temperature
in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius unless much of the work involves severe
physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These
temperatures may not however ensure reasonable comfort depending on other factors such as air
movement and relative humidity. These temperatures refer to readings taken using a dry bulb
thermometer close to the work station at working height and away from the windows.
There is a legal minimum volumetric space requirement of 12 m3 for persons who habitually occupy one
workroom. This measurement does not take into account furniture and fittings, these must be assessed separately.
This does not mean that each person must have 11m3 allocated on an individual basis, but it does mean that if
three people are habitually occupy an office then the minimum volumetric requirement must be 36 m3 . An
assessment of doorways, walkways, access to equipment, means of escape and storage must be undertaken when
Risk assessment is not new and has always been part of working life. Identifying how to undertake a task without
incurring harm or damage is a risk assessment. This methodology has been called many things in the past e.g.
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system of work, safe working procedure, local rules, method of work. As long as the significant hazards of any
activity have been assessed, the risks identified and risk control precautions implemented, then the obligation has
been satisfied. A number of generic risk assessments have been constructed in respect of office based activities,
4.11 Machinery
There are a number of machines that are commonly used in an office environment that could cause harm if used
ozone from laser printers have shown that there should be no risk
maintained.
4.12 Noise
Noise at work is controlled by legislation to prevent harm to hearing. Action levels are prescribed where an
employer should instigate protective measures. These action levels would not normally be exceeded in an office.
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However noise can be a nuisance and a distraction if concentration is required. Office layouts can prevent
unnecessary noise e.g. large photocopiers being placed in their own machines room. Desk printers are now much
quieter than they were several years ago, and this has helped reduce the overall noise level in offices. Where noise
is a problem then other control methods such as acoustic absorbent room dividers, or acoustic absorbent wall or
4.13 VDU's
Computer monitors, or to give them their statutory name Display Screen Equipment (DSE) are used extensively
within the office. Users are entitled to have their workplace ergonomically assessed. The assessment will consider
lighting, space, desk, layout, seating, welfare and safety etc. They are also entitled to free eye tests and the
Employees who are frequently required to use computers for a prolonged period may suffer from health problems
like upper limb pains, eyestrain and bodily fatigue. You should:
• Make sure the screen gives a clear, sharp and steady image,
necessary.
Posture:
• Check your posture before commencing work and adjust your furniture to enable you to maintain a good
• Start by adjusting your seat height until your feet are flat on the floor, and the floor therefore supports the
weight of your legs. This allows your forearms to be about horizontal while using the keyboard. It is
recommended that the lumbar curve of the backrest should fit approximately into the lumbar hollow of your
• Avoid musculoskeletal problems, (e.g. stiff neck or shoulders, sore arms or wrists, back pain and sore legs).
• Problems occur by repetitive motions, and awkward body positions, as this puts undue stress on muscles,
tendons and nerves. Pressure under the thighs when sitting or concentrated pressure under the forearms when
keying can reduce blood flow and also cause premature tiredness.
All accidents, however small must be reported and an accident report form completed. Incidents that have not
caused injury but had the potential to cause harm must also be reported, as well as incidents of ill health that are
Poor lifting and carrying technique causes injury to numerous members of staff every year. Although there are
members of staff who lift objects on a daily basis as part of their employment, nearly all staff will lift some objects
during their working week. Good technique is vital in preventing injury. Many people use poor techniques and have
escaped injury due to their general fitness and age. However there will be a risk of eventual injury as these
conditions change. A serious back injury could cause substantial pain and be extremely debilitating.
• use your legs not your back to thrust upwards (the leg muscles were designed for power and strength)
Your company must have an first aid system. This system is normally backed up with emergency first aiders who
have received basic training. First aiders are provided with a first aid attaché case and cover a site although their
primary function is to provide cover for their own department. Notices are posted throughout a site, normally on a
floor-byfloor basis, listing the names and phone numbers of first aiders.
The most common causes of accidents, not just in the university but in industry commerce and the service industries
are slips, trips and falls. The following hints will prevent most of these type of accidents:
• floor surfaces - wipe up spills immediately, wear appropriate footwear, display cautionary notices during
cleaning and polishing, immediately report and ensure repairs to loose carpet and any damaged floor coverings.
• chairs - routinely inspect chairs for condition, do not use chairs for climbing;
• electrical leads - ensure leads do not cross walkways or workstations, change the office layout if necessary;
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• stairways - use handrails, report defects and damages to stairs and handrails.
Welfare facilities include the provision of adequate toilet and washing facilities. The facilities should be in
sufficient numbers and be clean, well maintained and have adequate ventilation. Hot and cold water, soap and
hand drying facilities should also be in place. The provision of suitable drinking water is also a statutory
requirement.
Purpose
The Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP) provides for unified action by all tenant companies of the Green Court
Building to assist all personnel in the building in the event of a local emergency, national disaster or enemy attack.
Scope
This plan applies only to emergency actions to be taken within the building. After an evacuation, personnel will be
evacuation.
persons. If an incident occurs that would prohibit the use of the elevator, aides and/or emergency personnel will
6. All personnel shall evacuate the building using the closest available stairwell to their location.
7. All building occupants shall proceed down the stairway and EXIT the building at the closest available EXIT
location.
8. After evacuation of the building, all personnel shall meet in their designated meeting area.
9. Handicapped personnel will be assisted by assigned monitors to the stairwells or elevators, depending upon
handicap condition.
10. Elevators are not to be used for emergency situations (except to evacuate handicapped or injured personnel).
PLAN AHEAD – Be familiar with the locations of stairwells, fire alarm pull locations and fire
5. Do not re-enter the building until given approval by the Designated Official.
DON’T:
1. Panic
2. Use elevators
4. Break windows
6. Become a spectator
2. The Building Coordinator will report to the Command Center to relay necessary instructions over the fire alarm
3. Building's gardiens will direct traffic in hallways and ensure proper evacuation using accessible stairwells.
4. The fire alarm alerts the Fire Department, who will provide further instructions upon arrival to the building.
5.3 EARTHQUAKE
DO:
1. Take cover under a desk, in a doorway or in the center interior of the building, or sit down against an
interior wall.
3. Remain calm.
5. If an evacuation is signaled, follow your escape route to the closest available stairwell, exit the
2. Use elevators;
6. Panic if you are in an elevator. Emergency personnel will take action to remove passengers from
inoperative elevators.
2. Follow the instructions listed on the bomb threat cards, which are to be placed under each employee’s phone. If
3. Ask the following questions (note exact words of person placing call).
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a. Where is the bomb located?
4. Listen for voice characteristics, speech pattern, background noise, age and sex of caller.
5. If a threat is received via mail, hand carry it immediately to your supervisor and attempt to preserve it for
fingerprints.
7. Search the area for anything that looks suspicious or out of place as you evacuate the area and report any
8. The Property manager will determine if evacuation of the building is necessary. If evacuation occurs, go to your
DON’T:
2. Disturb any suspicious package you find. Instead, immediately notify the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations.
Occupants will:
The Property manager will determine the need for implementation of emergency procedures during a
If mechanical failure occurs to the lights, heat, air conditioning, etc., personnel should remain in their areas and
await further instructions from their first line supervisors. Further direction or instruction to floor occupants will
be issued by the building's gardiens. Only by the sounding of the fire alarm will all personnel vacate the building.
1. The Property manager will determine the need for implementation of emergency procedures during a power
failure.
1. Press the emergency call button, located in the elevator control pad.
2. Be aware of the elevator number of the entrapment. Numbers are located in each elevator cab.
3. Be aware of the address and name of the building to inform ISU (Inspectorate for Emergency Situations);
Call 112.
6. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
• Bullying.
• Interfering with, or removing without permission, the property of the Company, the client or any person.
• Interfering with, bypassing or rendering inoperative, controls designed to provide protection or safety of
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on Company or client property, or bringing or
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Acknowledgement & Agreement Receipt
Date ___________________________
“Health and Safety in the GM Offices” from General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Romania Srl.
I agree:
That government and client regulations shall be complied with at all times.
Employee’s Signature:
_______________________________________________
Site Manager, General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Romania Srl:
_______________________________________________
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This page is to be forwarded to head office at time of signing.
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