1.1 INTRODUCTION TO HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK …

1 1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO HAZARD identification , RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK CONTROL (HIRARC) With the country experiencing greater economic growth, it is imperative for the employer and the government to protect the life of their workers. The implementation and enforcement of the OSHA 1994 is viewed as a milestone development in the prevention of the occupational accidents and diseases in the country. The active role of the Ministry of Human Resources is implemented by governmental or non-governmental agencies.

2 By looking at the country s Occupational Safety and Health performance through accident indicators, there is still place for improvement in order to achieve the standard as in the developed countries. Many initiatives are needed by the government such as increasing the number of inspection among the factories especially in the small and medium sized industries which are accident prone. Other programs such as Occupational Safety 2 and Health Week, National Safety Award and Occupational Safety and Health roadshows which have been carried out are applaudable.

3 With all such efforts working at an increasing scale, it will help to improve Occupational Safety and Health status in Malaysia and increase productivity. Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety aspects are the two main elements in the environmental health and safety field, in order to maintain a healthy and safe working environment, a friendly environment contributes to a safe working site. In effort at maintaining a sustainable environment, law enforcement, prevention and control techniques of the apparent HAZARD and continuous monitoring action should be applied by the employer for the benefit of employees, health and safety in the foundry.

4 The health aspects of the international workforce has gained an increasing concern for the last two decades. The globalization of the world economy and the rapid technological changes continue to change the nature of work and employment practices. Thus, it expose employees to new and serious health risks . At present, safety, health and environmental issues have been one of the main concerns being raised by the public and the government. Similar to other industries, the steel foundry is facing increasing environmental pressures through the implementation of strict and high requirements of local regulations.

5 Most employers in this industries tend to underestimate and even trivialize risks , they perceive risk is an inherent part of the work activity therefore employers 3 do not believe that their employees are in any significant danger (Homes et. al. 1996). Some employers believe their safety management system is adequate simply because problems rarely occur. As a result, they do not ascribe much importance to safety prevention. Companies that have had bad experiences, for example being fined or license suspended or revoked should take into action occupational safety more seriously, but most of the condition appeared is they do not have a systematic approach and thus their choice of problems to be solved is based on the occurrence of accidents (Johansson et.)

6 Al. 1997). The production of metal casting foundry requires chemicals and machines to be utilized as part of the manufacturing process. Hence, the manufacturing processes at certain point may involve possibilities of HAZARD and risks at the workplace. Some of the most common hazards and risks in the iron and steel industry include, unguarded machinery, skin contact with chemicals, contact with hot metal, fire and explosion, extreme temperatures and exposure to radiation. Employers need to become the visionary leaders who adopt a proactive method, which consist of interdisciplinary and integrative system in the attempt at formulating and developing company policies.

7 Such an boost action will facilitate employee participation, professional growth and team work. 4 These challenges are inescapable in any workplace, therefore it is crucial that employers examine how they can best fulfill their authoritative and leadership roles to protect and promote the health and well-being of their employees. There are hazards and risks in all workplaces. Safety is possible only by knowing these risks and properly guarding procedures to minimize risks . There are three steps used to manage health and safety at work: 1. Spot the HAZARD ( HAZARD identification ) 2.

8 Assess the risk (Risk Assessment) 3. Make the changes (Risk Control) The first step is to spot the HAZARD at the workplace, prior to that, evaluation of work practices and conditions must be undertook so that effective prevention and control measures can be implemented. This is considered as an integral part of the management s responsibility. Evaluation of the workplace environment addresses prevention and control measures in this instance. Environmental sampling and analysis are undertaken at regular intervals by qualified occupational health and safety professionals (Certified Safety Officer who registered with DOSH) in accordance with the methods recommended by the appropriate occupational health authority.

9 5 Assessing and monitoring are used as part of the evaluation of a HAZARD . This is also done to determine the effectiveness of control measures. The design and implementation of a monitoring program is carried out by certified personnel in the area of health and safety. Every attempt should be made to keep the hazards below the safety exposure standards. Worker exposure to dusts, gases and vapours should be kept as low as possible. For example, the exposure standards represent airborne concentrations of individual chemical substances should neither impair the health of, nor cause undue discomfort to, nearly all workers.

10 Additionally, the exposure standards are believed to guard against narcosis or irritation which could precipitate industrial accidents. However, if the situation where modified by consideration of excursion limits, exposure standards apply to long term exposure to a substance over an eight hour day for a normal working week, over an entire working life. In other words, the exposure standards do not represent no-effect levels which guarantee protection to every worker. Where there is a likelihood of worker exposure to foundry hazards , steps should be taken to minimize that exposure as far as possible.