Occupational Health & Safety

RA 11058
According to the National Safety Council, a worker is
injured on the job every seven seconds in the United
States. Sadly, many of these workplace injuries are
serious. The organization says 4,493 preventable
workplace deaths occurred in 2018. Why did these
unnecessary tragedies occur? All too often it is because
there were no workplace safety procedures in place.
While it’s impossible to speculate exactly what
happened in each situation, the associated facilities
likely failed to standardize and enforce recommended
safety procedures. Safety, plant, and general managers
are responsible for adhering to standard operating
procedures (SOPs) that protect co-workers from harm.
Good safety managers follow Murphy’s law for better or
worse: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for facility managers
and maintenance technicians to neglect following
safety rules when things get busy. Safety
procedures alone don’t protect workers from
injuries—leadership must enforce them within
safety training programs that empower employees
to make good choices.
 Safety Signs & Safety Label Requirements
A visual workplace is a key element in a safe workplace. When
things are visual in your facility, employees can easily glance
at a sign and immediately know what it means. There’s no
need to translate or make employees guess at the meaning.
In conjunction with thorough safety education and personal
protective equipment, all workers can be well prepared to do
their work as safely as possible.
Per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), safety
signs are used to “define specific hazards that could harm workers or the
public, or both, or cause property damage.” In other words, all signs
share the common purpose of communicating safety messages for a
variety of purposes — from employee training to safety equipment.

Some signs — such as hazardous materials signs — warn people about

serious dangers that are present in the area. Other signs — such as floor
obstacle signs — caution against minor risks. In certain cases, signs can
simply be used to provide instructions and proper procedures.
Corrosion: The corrosion sign features two
test tubes pouring out a liquid that appears
damaging, one above a surface and the other
above a human hand. It warns against the
potential damage that corrosive substances,
such as certain acids, can cause.

Exploding bomb: Showcasing a bomb in the

process of exploding, this sign signifies the
presence of explosive or self-reacting
substances.
 Environment: The environment sign depicts a barren
tree and a fish that has washed up on land. It warns
against chemicals and substances that may be
harmful to aquatic environments. This is the only
OSHA chemical safety sign that isn’t mandatory.

Exclamation mark: A large exclamation mark, this sign

warns of things that may be irritating, particularly to
the skin, eyes or respiratory system. This mainly
includes chemicals and substances, like adhesives and
skin sensitizers.
Flame: This sign features an open flame. It’s used to
indicate flammable materials, including self-reacting
substances and substances that give off flammable
gas.

Flame over circle: The image of the flame sitting on

top of a circle is used for oxidizing substances or
substances that give off oxygen or other flammable
materials. If these substances get too close to
reactive chemicals or an ignition source, they could
create fire or an explosion.
Gas cylinder: A gas cylinder sign indicates that gas is
being stored under pressure. When stored in this
manner, gases may be reactive, explosive or
otherwise harmful if heated or disturbed.

Health hazard: The health hazard symbol is a

silhouette of a human torso with white markings
covering the chest. This sign alerts people to
chemicals and materials that are harmful to human
health, particularly carcinogens.
Skull and crossbones: The skull and crossbones sign
exhibits the extreme dangers of being exposed to an
acutely toxic substance or a substance that can make
you sick, even fatally so, after a single exposure.
In their specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, OSHA
recognizes multiple types of safety signs. Following recommendations
from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), they also outline
how to use these signs properly. This means all signs must use the same
design features, wording, positioning and colors to ensure worker safety
and meet the necessary standards.

These safety signs are required to have clear writing that is easy to read
and understand. They should use rounded edges and be fastened or
posted in a way that does not pose any further hazards. Signs should be
used only for as long as necessary and removed once the hazard is no
longer present.
Danger signs are used to warn people of
“immediate danger” in the workplace and take
whatever precautions are necessary. These signs
are reserved for the most severe hazards in the
workplace, such as warning against radiation or
high electrical voltage.

Danger signs must be red on the top panel, white

on the lower panel, and black around the
borders. The word “DANGER” must be
prominently featured in the top panel.
Caution signs are used to alert
employees to more moderate
risks, such as a slippery floor or an
employees-only area. They may
point out potential hazards or
provide steps to avoid hazards.
Typically, caution signs have a yellow background with black text.
They may also use yellow lettering surrounded by a black panel.
No matter which style you choose, the sign must read
“CAUTION” near the top. A safety message or symbol may follow.

In certain circumstances, you may be able to use a warning tag

instead of a caution sign. A warning tag exhibits the level of
hazard — more hazard than a caution sign but less than a danger
sign. These tags should read “WARNING,” followed by a message
describing what the sign is warning against.
 OSHA requires organizations to display exit signs
throughout the workplace — including at exit
doors, the intersection of hallways, and stairways
— to signify where entrances and exits are
located. Not only is this helpful for people finding
their way around the workspace, but it could
mean the difference between life and death
during an emergency.
Exit signs are usually white and red or green, though certain municipalities may
permit you to use other colors. The background may be white with red or green
lettering, or the inverse. At a minimum, the letters must be six inches high and
three-quarters of an inch wide. The more exit signs the better so feel free to
provide additional messaging to stimulate proper navigation.
Instructional signs
Instead of warning employees about potential hazards, instructional
signs provide information. They may remind workers about proper
procedures or policies they must follow, such as when operating
machinery or wearing personal protective equipment.
Unlike some of the previously mentioned signs,
instructional signs don’t indicate serious risk. Thus, a
danger or caution sign may be unnecessary in these
circumstances. Still, workers need to follow these
instructions to stay safe and healthy. There could be
negative consequences if they fail to do so.
Traffic control signs
Depending on where you work, you may also need to display signs
to control traffic and parking. These signs may designate where
drivers can park, indicate where pedestrians can safely walk or
remind people about the rules of the road (such as the stop signs).
These signs help protect everyone who comes near your
workplace or job site, including employees and passersby.
Accident prevention tags are used only for temporary hazards.
They’re most commonly used to indicate that equipment is broken,
out of service or due for repairs. Use a tag only when there is no
permanent or specific sign available.
Safety signs and symbols clearly play a major role in a safe
workplace. They work in conjunction to keep employees safe. And
since there are many different kinds — and varied situations that
dictate what sign and / or symbol is required — digging into the
details is important to ensure you’re accommodating the safest
situation. Beyond signs that are required, you’ll likely have a
temporary need or two that describes a situation or environment
in your workplace that employees need to be aware of. In both
cases, signs and symbols are an easy-to-implement element of
making safety a priority and feeling good about sending your
employees home safely at the end of the work day.
Workplace Safety Procedures, also known as safety
protocols or guidelines, are a set of established
measures and instructions designed to ensure well-
being and the physical safety of employees, visitors,
and anyone else present in a workplace. These
procedures are put in place to prevent accidents,
injuries, and occupational hazards and to respond
effectively in the event of emergencies.
The procedures include work-related tasks that address
safety concerns, safety equipment, and work-area
safety precautions.
Organizations can measure the success of their
occupational safety procedures by how consistently
they are followed. Thus, it’s crucial to empower
employees with the knowledge, skills, and tools they
need to avoid potential hazards.
 6 types of safety procedures
Physical: Physical hazards are environmental factors
that can cause harm to employees without necessarily
touching them. Examples include pressure, radiation,
noise, and heights.

Safety: Safety hazards include exposed wires that trip

employees, electrical hazards that shock them, and any
object that causes work-related injuries via contact.
Ergonomic: Ergonomic hazards are physical factors that
damage the employees’ musculoskeletal system.
Examples include overly repetitive movements,
uncomfortable seats that result in poor posture, and
poorly set up workstations.
Chemical: This category includes threats posed by
hazardous substances that can cause severe injury
and/or health risks. Chemical exposure can result in skin
irritation, blindness, respiratory system irritation,
corrosion, and explosions.
Biological: Examples of biological hazards include
animals, insects, bacteria, and viruses that can
adversely affect employee health. They often result
from mold, bodily fluids such as blood, dust, vermin,
sewage, and harmful plants in working
environments.
Psychological: These refer to hazards that impact
employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Examples
include workplace violence, stress, victimization,
and sexual harassment.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 99 worker
fatalities resulted from workplace fires and explosions in
2019. Industrial and manufacturing plants deal with more
than 37,000 fire incidents each year. And organizations lose
billions of dollars to accidental fires and explosions every
year. Of course, the right safety procedures can contain fire
incidents in their initial stages.
• Tasks to include on fire safety checklists:
• Ensure fire extinguishers are in good working condition.
• Check that fireman lift signs are visible and legible.
• Ensure fire hydrants and hose reels are functional.
• Inspect and clean building ventilation systems.
• Keep inflammable materials away from machines known to overheat.
• Remove obstructions from emergency exits.
• Check that electrical circuits aren’t overloaded.
• Keep appropriate fire-protection gear on hand.
• Turn off electrical appliances not in use.
• Properly dispose of paper, trash, and other flammable materials.
• Keep electrical cords separated instead of daisy-chaining them.
Accidental slips and falls
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI),
more than 1 million visits to the hospital emergency
room result from accidental slips and falls. And
approximately 5 percent of those individuals suffer
fractures.
Slips and falls rarely result in fatalities. However, they
can cause organizations to fall behind on production
goals and lose money to employee compensation
claims. A little-known fact: slips and falls are the
leading cause of employee compensation claims in the
United States. Most of these accidents result from
slippery surfaces and low lighting in facilities.
Safety procedures that prevent slips and falls:
• Display slip signs when cleaning.
• Immediately clean spills with appropriate solutions.
• Cover cords and cables likely to cause trips.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and keep laces tied.
• Close drawers and cabinets immediately after use.
• Ensure proper lighting throughout buildings.
• Place signs in hazardous areas such as uneven grounds.
• Securely place handrails alongside stairs.
Slips and falls are preventable if everyone exercises enough caution.
Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can also help ensure
that facilities are in good working order to avoid slips and falls.
Accidental machine start-ups
Machines can sometimes accidentally turn on
during maintenance or servicing. In most cases,
these accidents are fatal or result in permanent
disability. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure
electrical equipment pieces are correctly shut
down and locked during maintenance servicing.
Operators should only restart machines once it’s safe to
do so—this industrial safety process is known as Lockout
Tagout. This safety procedure helps prevent about
50,000 injuries and 120 fatalities each year, according to
OSHA. Lockout Tagout involves using locking
mechanisms to lock machines in place and visual signage
to tag equipment with warnings to not use the
equipment.
Lockout tagout procedures include the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the asset to be locked and tagged out,
its specific location, energy sources, and procedures for
shutting down and restarting the asset.
Step 2: Notify employees of the intended shutdown
and the duration the asset will be unavailable.
Step 3: Shut down the asset following the outlined
procedures.
Step 4: Disconnect the asset’s primary energy sources.
These may include compressed air, gas, water, steam,
and electricity.
Step 5: Disconnect the secondary sources of energy.
These may include residual energy, such as trapped heat,
pressures, fumes, and spring tension.
Step 6: Lockout the assets and tag them with a Lockout
Tagout device. A designated maintenance person
authorized to install and remove the device should be
the only person administering this process. The device
should remain in place during shift changes.
Step 7: Once maintenance work is completed,
authorized personnel can remove Lockout Tagout
devices and turn equipment back on.

It’s crucial for organizations to periodically review

and update their Lockout Tagout procedures in
line with asset changes, no matter how minor.
Chemical accidents
According to OSHA, organizations use approximately 650,000
different types of chemicals in the workplace each year.
Around 32 million workers are exposed to one or more
hazardous chemicals on the job. Hazards associated with
chemical exposure include skin burns and rashes, poisoning,
nervous system disorders, and death. For these reasons,
employers must do everything possible to protect workers
from mishandling and incorrectly interacting with chemicals.
OSHA chemical safety checklists often instruct
workers to:
• Label every chemical product and note its side effects.
• Ensure chemicals are properly stored away from other employees.
Only those who work with chemicals should have access to them.
• Provide workers with personal protective equipment when
handling chemicals.
• Store combustible chemicals in fireproof storage units.
• Store chemicals in their original packaging.
• Stock plenty of readily available First Aid kits.
• Check for chemical spills within periodic timeframes.
Workplace Safety Procedures
Kitchen Safety
•Always wear shoes
• Wear a safe clothing
• Avoid burns
• Don't forget to wash your hands
• Use different chopping boards for raw meat, fruits, and
vegetables.
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Knife Safety Rules
•Keep your knives sharp by sharpening occasionally. Dull knives
can slip and put you at risk of losing control and cutting yourself.
you to exert extra force and dull Steak knives cut
•Always slice away from your hands and watch your fingertips.
If you slip or miss when cutting, you don’t want your hand to
catch the knife.
•When mincing, always keep the tip of the knife on the
chopping board.
•When chopping, curl your fingers under and hold the food
with your fingertips, while using your knuckles to guide the
blade.
•Steak knives are extremely sharp and are meant for cutting
meat. Always pay extra caution.
•Don’t be tempted to lick off any spreads or cream cheese off
the knife. It really can cut your tongue.
•Choose the right knife for the task at hand. Using a meat
cleaver to peel an apple is not a great idea.
•Make sure your chopping board is secure. If it doesn’t
have grip, put a damp towel underneath when cutting.
•Never slice anything freehand over the sink.
•If you do happen to cut yourself, quickly wash the
cut, apply pressure, raise the cut above your head
until the bleeding stops, and then apply antibiotic
cream and wrap over with a bandage.
Safety for Room Attendants
Casino Dealer Safety
Front Desk Staff Safety
The front desk of your workplace is like the front door of
your home. You want it to be welcoming, friendly, and a
reflection of your style. You also want it to keep you safe. As
organizations adopt hybrid work models and employee
schedules become more flexible, it can be hard to keep track
of people coming and going. The added element of a
pandemic and the invisible health threats that come with it
make front desk safety and security even more challenging.
Your front desk security should keep your workplace secure
and employees feeling welcomed and safe. If it does, your
people will feel more comfortable—and excited—about
being in the workplace.
Step 1 - Screen your visitors in advance
The best defense is preparedness. Know who plans to come on-site
before they enter by screening your visitors in advance. The questions
you ask should outline a clear set of requirements for entry. These
questions give front desk staff a list of people to expect and empower
security teams to enforce rules for entering. Screening questions also
allow front desk security to check to see if any planned visitors appear
on internal or third-party watch lists. Many workplaces require visitors
to complete a health check to prevent sick employees from entering
the premises. Think of your health check questions as a safety
protocol that protects your workplace and staff. Managing health
checks manually can become unwieldy fast.
Step 2 - Keep a detailed visitor log
After you’ve set up clear parameters for guests, make sure
you’re tracking who’s coming and going. Use a visitor log to
collect key information from everyone who enters your
building. These details can include their name, contact
information, reason for visiting, and any other details
important to your company. This way if an issue with a visitor
arises, your front desk staff can refer back to the log, place
problem guests on a “no entry” list, and complete necessary
follow-ups. That could include sending the visitor an email
outlining your guest policies, cross-checking their information
against third-party lists, or, if necessary, alerting authorities.
This step isn’t just essential for front desk safety and security.
Step 3 - Print a custom badge for every visitor so visitors are
easily recognizable
Being able to easily identify who’s who in the workplace helps
to keep your employees, ideas, and facilities safe. A badge
system is a simple way to distinguish guests from regular staff.
Some examples of this include automated badge printing for
every visitor who signs in at the front desk, or pre-printing
visitor passes for guests who complete your pre-screening
form in advance.
To make your badge system even more specific, you can
include guests’ reason for visiting on their badge; maybe a
“visiting for an interview” badge is a different color than a
“visiting for a meeting” badge. You can also include a sign-in
timestamp, print a visitor photo on the badge, or create
expiring badges to limit visit times—just to name a few ideas
to track guests. To complement your custom visitor badge
setup, develop a badge policy. An enforceable rule empowers
front desk security to take action when they identify
unauthorized visitors.
Step 4 - Have a strategy in place to turn away unauthorized visitors
Your screening protocol (see Step 1) will flag visitors who don’t
appropriately answer the visitor questions. Your visitor log (see
Step 2) will help identify anyone who shouldn’t be allowed inside.
And your badge system (see Step 3) will differentiate visitors from
staff so your security folks can enforce the rules. Now that you
know who’s coming and going, (and who shouldn’t be on-site),
what happens next? Make sure you have a consistent strategy for
how to turn away unauthorized visitors once you’ve identified
them. You’ll need to train your front desk staff in protocols and de-
escalation techniques to prepare them for these incidents.
1.Articulate visitor policy and identify how the guest has
breached it
2.Ask the visitor to leave
3. Call in a second staff member to assist with walking the
individual out
4. Know who to contact if the visitor begins to make a scene.
5.Document the incident and alert relevant internal folks

A sound incident management protocol ensures all front desk

staff feel safe and prepared for these sometimes difficult
interactions.
Step 5 - Train your team to document incidents
Front desk staff should document and track every incident
that requires support or raises concerns. Train your team to
create consistent and comprehensive incident reports.
These should include:

•The name of the visitor, including all information gathered

from the visitor log
•A thorough description of the issue
• A list of who else was involved—security staff, employees, third
parties
•A step-by-step accounting of what actions the staff member took to
de-escalate the situation
•Any next steps or follow-ups. For example, place the visitor on a do-
not-visit list, alert authorities, meet with employees involved in the
incident, etc.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to protecting others. As

with your incident management protocol, an incident documentation
protocol ensures your team reports necessary information and keeping
the workplace safe for everyone.
Bar Staff Safety
KEY RISKS TO BE AWARE OF IN
YOUR VENUE
Food Safety Risks - these risks
are related to the potential
contamination, spoilage, or
mishandling of food, leading to
foodborne illnesses.
7 TIPS FOR FOOD SAFETY
Employee Training
Hygiene Practices
Cross-Contamination
Temperature Control
Inventory Management
Supplier Management
Traceability
FIRE SAFETY
Proper fire safety is a must in food and beverage premises,
especially in restaurants with busy kitchens.

TIPS FOR FIRE PREVENTION

Install and maintain any equipment – this includes smoke detectors,
fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and functioning fire extinguishers
throughout the premises. Regularly inspect and test fire protection
equipment to ensure they are in working condition, including
ensuring the electrical outlets are not overloaded (which is a common
issue in bars and restaurants).
Proper Storage and Handling – Store flammable materials
and chemicals in designated areas. Maintain clear and
unobstructed pathways to emergency exits and firefighting
equipment.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation Plans – Clearly mark
emergency exits with illuminated exit signs and always keep
pathways unobstructed (this is mandated in most countries).
Develop and communicate clear fire safety policies to all staff
members, outlining their responsibilities in preventing and
responding to fires.
Kitchen Safety – Install fire-resistant materials in the
kitchen area, such as fire-resistant wall coverings and
non-combustible flooring. Ensure proper ventilation
to prevent the buildup of grease and smoke.
Maintenance and Inspections – Schedule regular
inspections of fire protection systems and equipment
by qualified professionals (and this applies to all
electrical installations).
A GUIDE TO MITIGATING SLIPS, TRIPS &
FALLS
Reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls
in bars and restaurants is crucial to
ensure the safety of both customers and
staff. These incidents can result in
injuries, legal liabilities, and damage to
the establishment's reputation.
Floor Maintenance – All walking surfaces shall be kept clean,
dry, and clear of any obstacles. Non-slip floor surfaces are
preferred and use appropriate cleaning products and
techniques to prevent slippery surfaces. Ensure that floors are
properly dried after cleaning.
Stairs and Steps – Install handrails on stairs and steps to
provide support and balance for customers and staff. Ensure
that stairs are well-maintained, with even surfaces and non-
slip treads, and staff are careful not to carry too many items
while using the stairs.
Spill Response – Train staff to respond quickly to spills and clean
them up immediately. Provide spill kits with absorbent materials
for fast cleanup and use "wet floor" signs to warn customers of
potential hazards while the area is being cleaned (this is
mandated in most countries).
Footwear Policy – Enforce a footwear policy that requires
employees to wear slip-resistant shoes (at least staff working in
a kitchen and wet areas).
Proper Storage – Store items in designated areas to prevent
clutter and ensure that cords, cables, and hoses are properly
secured and not obstructing walkways.
A GUIDE TO FIRST AID
1.Risk management and first aid are closely intertwined aspects
of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in various
environments.
2. First aid involves providing immediate assistance to
individuals who have been injured or are in medical distress. It
aims to stabilize the person's condition and prevent further
harm.
However, individuals providing first aid should only perform
actions within their level of training and expertise. Deviating
from their training could lead to legal liabilities if their actions
cause harm.
3.Minor cuts and burns are common in the bar/restaurant
setting and are relatively easy to treat. Choking on food items
is not an uncommon occurrence, and a quick response (like
the Heimlich maneuver) can save lives. As such it is always
worthwhile to have staff trained in first aid (in some countries,
it is compulsory to have at least one trained staff).
Robberies and Assaults Safety
What to Do During a Robbery
1. Remain calm and do not resist.
Assure the robber you will cooperate and take no action that
may jeopardize your safety. Don’t make any quick or
unexpected movements.
2. Follow the robber’s directions, but do not offer more than what
they ask for.
Don’t argue. If you have to move or reach into your pockets to give the
robber what they want, tell them what you are going to do and why.
3. Make mental notes of the robber’s appearance.
You’ll need to describe the suspect when filing your report. Take note
of their features including race, age, height, hair and eye color,
clothing, etc. Is there anything unusual about their appearance such as
scars or tattoos? If they have a weapon, make note of what it is so you
can describe it later. If they come or go in a car, try to note the make
and model and license plate number.
4. Notice what the robber does so you can include it in your report.
If there are two accomplices, pay attention to any conversations they
have with one another. Do they use each others names or nicknames?
Do they mention any locations? Try to remember what they touch
during the robbery so that police can check those areas for
fingerprints.
5. After the robbery, go immediately to a safe location, then report
the crime.
Your personal safety is your top priority. Make sure you feel secure
before you call 911 or DPS. If you’re in an isolated area, move to an
area with people and ask someone to stay with you while you wait for
help. If you opt to remain at the crime scene, try not to touch
anything. If there were any witnesses, ask them to remain with you
until the officers arrive. If they must leave, write down their name,
THANK
YOU!