Frontiers In Occupational Health And Safety-Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Frontiers In Occupational Health And Safety? Answer: Introducation The Chairman kicked off by welcoming all members. Before passing over to the secretary to read minutes of previous meeting, the Chairman informed members that the principal role of the meeting was to review the progress of new project management and further define the functions and purpose of Occupational Health Safety Committee giving attention to the functions purpose and references of the committee. Review of previous meeting The minutes were read as confirmed as true record of previous proceedings. Health and Safety Audit Committee The Committee acknowledged the matters discussed in previous meeting of Health and Safety Audit Committee. The raised concerns were noted and forwarded to the Council. The Director of safety noted that accidents were minimal in the sites. Secretary gave progress on usage of asbestos. Terms of reference The secretary informed members that the Board had carried out investigations on the hazards of asbestos and finalized the report. Further, the Board sought ways of utilizing asbestos and assured of its safety. With reference to issues raised on existence of asbestos in the sites, the committee was briefed on use of asbestos and further discussed developments in place for monitoring. Members were informed that before use of asbestos in the 80s it was broadly used due to its qualities such as resistance to chemical erosion and heat, its flexibility and strength. The material was widely used in schools, apartments, office towers, libraries among others. Owners of building were required to identify the asbestos in accordance with law, either use it appropriately by repairing any faults, or remove them that are faulty. However, specialized technicians have safeguarded to ensure continued safety of building and good health to themselves and other clients. While asbestos may be found in certain buildings, it is crucial that its management is regulated. This management will ensure the safety and health of the people who occupy the buildings. Policies procedures and code of practice The Committee acknowledged and accepted the revised policy statements that would affect the organization. Policy on First Aid: the Occupational Health Director introduced a revised policy on First Aid. The Director emphasized the need of First Aid lifesavers in the various departments instead of engaging locally trained staff. He said all members of staff should be trained to handle the first aid and not merely wait for trained persons to take up the role when an issue arises. However, he agreed that in the departments that were restricted or sensitive, the Safety Director would ensure that trained persons are reachable fast. The Committee embraced the new policy and asked Occupational Health Director to ensure overall safety of the entire organization. Long-term maintenance. It was reported that there was need for long term maintenance of the buildings in which tenants occupy. The Director said he would in the next meeting produce paper giving details of all the work pertaining maintenance. Chair discussed the importance of understanding of the workings of projects which would lead to a financial position. It was announced that all projects would be reported through the projects division. The organization will then appoint a committee to oversee the specific projects. The Chair also emphasized the need for health and safety in all the projects undertaken. He also emphasized on need for disaster recovery . Members agreed that it was necessary to hold frequent meetings when a new project is launched to enable them address all issues. Health and safety consultative committee. The scorecard on workplace committee The scorecard have not been finalized yet but once they do, the chairman will share with the committee members. In January 2015 statistics reveal that many untrained manages had decreased (Ribeiro 2014). In many cases, the number of untrained teachers has drastically improved. Fieldwork. Among other things, the committee discussed field work preparation in which one member suggested that the Exploration Board would play a key role in preparing and guiding the team on field work. Rectors Award: in a bid to economics safety health practices, the Safety Director introduced an award system saying that it was an effective method of spreading the message to maintain uphold healthy and safety culture in the organization. The award he said would be publicized and nominations for various departments should be received before the end of the year. The Director encouraged the members to take part in the competition and further send their nominees by November. Waste disposal: The Estates Director reported about his concern about special waste which he had experienced earlier on in the field and would like the issue addressed. Waste disposal would be discussed in detail in the next meeting. Development of E-learning was underway and progressing well. A few representatives of the workplace have been briefed on the new initiative. A newsletter will be introduced with topics on health safety. All employees will be required to read the newsletter because it will be holding vital information that is crucial in the line of occupational health and safety organization. Office ergonomic videos. One member of the committee reported that ergonomic videos that supported good practice and control the risks of safety in the office were available. The chair stressed the need for all members to learn through the videos. Electrical safety. A status report was provided on the installation of RCD (Residential Current Devices) to the power circuits (Fingret 2013). It was said that most buildings had these devices that would protect all the buildings from power circuits. It was also said that portable electrical appliance testing frequency would be checked into to bring to line with the national model code of practice that is used to manage Electrical Safety in Workplace. The committee members were informed about a website that would be launched to encourage many people to maintain proper health and safety practices at their workplace. Occupational Health and Safety Communication Plan A committee was formed to carry on communication campaigns to minimize risk of accidents, and promote awareness amongst employees. Meanwhile, the committee members were briefed on national occupational healthcare safety communication plan 2016. Information had been given in the previous months. It was also said that there would be a national mourning day. A staff representative requested that members of the organization be added to the plan to prevent diseases such as influenza. Any other Business The secretary informed committee members that Audit committee had requested for a have a review of the organization. Another member inquired whether they will address issues pertaining disabilities. It was said that they will consider the disabled. Incidents: A few incidents were reported to have occurred in the building that were worth noting. One incident occurred due to slips, trips and falls when walking or running up the staircase. First Aid was administered timely to the injured persons. One of the staircase incidents involved the victim missing one step and slipping. In the process she stressed her body and got injured. None of the above incidents have resulted in an insurance claim by the victims so far. Three large mats have been placed on the entrance of the buildings and on the bottom of the staircase to avoid possible slip hazards. Another one incident involved a fire. Although it was a minor fire due to a short circuit that had taken place, the Occupational Health Safety Director, reported on the need to train staff members on how to use fire extinguishers. A training session with fire fighters will be organized by the Committee and see whether it is able to receive training together with the staff members. Some staff members have brought to the attention of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee a hazard alert regarding danger of column heaters filled with oil. It was suggested that such heaters be completely banned from the organization. After the Committee discussed the issue, it was agreed that communication would be sent to the overall director of the organization, and pose the danger of placing such heaters and consequently, get an alternative for heaters. The heating issue would be discussed in more detail during the next general meeting. Closing remarks The closing remarks came from the Chair who took the opportunity to outline the deliverables that came out of the meeting together with those to be further added to the agenda. The Committee was told there would be another meeting at national level on 6th November 2015. Reference List FINGRET, D. A., SMITH, A. (2013). Occupational Health. Hoboken, Taylor and Francis. https://grail.eblib.com.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=170405 RIBEIRO, M. G. (2014). Frontiers in occupational health and safety: accounting in the world of work and impacts on occupational health and safety, volume 1 volume 1. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1831416.