INTRODUCTION TO SAFETY

TECHNOLOGY
Part One
INTRODUCTION TO SAFETY
TECHNOLOGY ON WORKSITES –
SAFETY TECHNICIANS
 Introduction to Safety Technology

The need for quality Health, Safety and

Environment management in
organizations is both serious and
satisfying. It is the opportunity to save
lives, prevent accidents ; injuries and
disabilities. It is also important for
employer profitability and
competitiveness.
Safety technicians are therefore
needed for the task ahead.
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Responsibilities of Safety
technicians
• Represents the company during visits
by regulators in the absence of Safety
Manager
• Training of new and experienced
workforce
• Assists in developing JSA’s, TSA’s, work
plans, incident/accident reporting forms
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Responsibilities of Safety
technicians (contd.,)
and Emergency Plans
• Audit and inspect the job site or work
activities
•Audit compliance with regulatory forms
•Anticipate, identify, and have
management correct safety hazards
•Know how to complete required forms
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Responsibilities of Safety
technicians (contd.,)
•Observe work in progress to make sure
safe work methods are used
•Use proper coaching techniques to
correct unsafe behavior and reward safe
behavior
•Conduct safety meetings
•Audit compliance and work permits
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Responsibilities of Safety
technicians (contd.,)
•Audit permit-required work areas
•Assist site management in conducting
incident investigations
•Analyze data gathered during accident
investigations
•Manage the site safety and health
recordkeeping system
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Responsibilities of Safety
technicians (contd.,)
•Serve as a liaison between the job site
and insurance company representatives
• Provide or coordinate first aid and
access to follow-up medical care
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Safety terms
•Safety – control of recognized hazards
to attain an acceptable level of risk
•Risk – measure of the probability and
consequence of all hazards of an activity
or condition. It is the chance of injury,
damage or loss
•Hazards – conditions or behaviors that
present the potential for injuries, illness,
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Safety terms (contd.,)

•Accidents – unplanned and sometimes
harmful or damaging events that
interrupt the normal progress of a task
and invariable preceded by an unsafe
act, condition, or a combination of both
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Safety terms (contd.,)

•Incident/Near Miss – an undesired
event that, under slightly different
circumstances, could have resulted in
personal harm or property damage or
any undesired loss of resources
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Accidents can result in property

damage, personal injury, or death.
Safety rules and guidelines must be
followed
Accidents causes have three classes;
-Direct causes/Level I
- Indirect causes/Level II
- Root causes/Level III
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Direct Causes/Level I
•Results from uncontrolled release of
energy
• May or may not cause injury or
property damage but are still dangerous
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
•Contribute to the cause of accident but
are not the main cause
•Unsafe acts and conditions
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
Unsafe acts
•Failing to use Personal Protective
Equipment
•Failing to warn co-workers of potential
hazards
•Failing to follow instructions and
procedures
•Using defective equipment
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
Unsafe acts
•Lifting improperly
•Taking an improper working position
•Operating equipment at improper
speeds
•Operating equipment without authority
•Making safety devices inoperable
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
Unsafe acts
•Servicing equipment while it is in
motion or energized
•Loading or placing equipment or
supplies improperly or dangerously
•Using equipment improperly
•Working while impaired by alcohol or
drugs
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
Unsafe acts
•Engaging in horseplay
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
Unsafe condition
•Congested workplaces
•Defective tolls, equipment, or supplies
•Excessive noise
•Fire and explosive hazards
•Hazardous atmospheric conditions e.g.
dusts, gases, fumes, vapors
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Indirect Causes/Level II
Unsafe condition
•Inadequate supports and guards
•Inadequate warning systems
•Poor housekeeping
•Poor illumination
•Poor ventilation
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Root Causes/Level III

Unsafe work practices and hazardous
conditions

They must be corrected as soon as

found. This helps to prevent accidents
and save lives. Fixing root causes is
important to preventing these type of
accidents
Introduction to Safety Technology
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Basic Components of a Safety

Programme
There are certain basic elements
common to most effective safety
programs. These elements depend on
the size and nature of operations in the
organization.
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Basic Components of a Safety

Programme
The most common are;
• Management Support and Policy
Statement
• Policy on an alcohol and drugs abuse
• Safety Rules
• Orientation and training
• First aid and follow-up medical care
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Basic Components of a Safety

Programme (contd.,)
• Pre-project and pre-task safety
planning
• Sub-contractor management
• Safety meetings and employee
involvement
• Emergency action plan and methods
for dealing with the media
 Introduction to Safety Technology

Basic Components of a Safety

Programme (contd.,)
• Inspections, employee observations,
and audits
• Accident investigation and analysis
• Recordkeeping
• Program evaluation and follow-up