3: Occupational Health and Environmental Controls
“A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3
Overview
You have probably heard the euphemism “There is a method to the madness” used to describe when there is hidden or buried in a process, procedure, scheme or set of instructions a logical order to “how” an objective is achieved or a goal met. Sometimes there may even be a bit of chaos apparent when there are varied and diverse instructions or ways of interpreting those instructions. When discussing method there are always questions as to “why” or to “what extent” something must be done a certain way or even at all.
This chapter will begin with discussing a standard that is really the overarching theme of workplace safety, “Hazard Communication”. Because at the end of the day keeping people safe through implementation of OSHA’s core mission of identifying and eliminating workplace hazards is really about how well information is communicated and understood. This chapter will also connect elements of hazard communication to “Industrial Hygiene”, the “science” and “method” of keeping workplaces safe. When we know the reason behind the “why” , "what", and "how", acceptance is easier.
Chapter Objective:
- Review and understand the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard.
- Define the core elements of Industrial Hygiene.
- Discuss the “science” of health and safety.
- Identify health hazards associated with many types of chemicals.
- Define and discuss PPE.
Learning Outcome:
- Recognize and cite the five categories of occupational hazards.
- Recognize and understand the Hierarchy of Controls.
Standards: 1910.1200 and 1926.59-Hazard Communication
Key Terms:
Communication, Industrial Hygiene, Hazards, Controls, PPE, SDS
Mini-Lecture: Industrial Hygiene, Hazard Communication
Topic Required Time: 2 hrs; Independent Study and reflection 1 3/4 hour.
Thumbnail: Hierarchy of Controls Pyramid, OSHA.gov