SAFETY AND FIRST AID

NB: the certificates are attached at the end of this topic

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT (OHSA)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) provides for self-regulation by industry involving those most at risk in the work place – the workers. The South African Occupational Health and safety Act 85 of 1993 this Act is responsible  for regulating and ensuring that Health and Safety standards are met not only by the employer and employees but by any person who could be affected by risks, hazards and dangers from the workplace.

THE PURPOSE OF OHSA

• Provide for health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery.
• Protect persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work.
• Establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety, and provide for matters connected therewith.

THE IMPORTANCE AND PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING SHE ACTIVITIES

The main objective of the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Management System implemented in the workplace is to prevent deaths, injuries, occupational diseases and damage to property. Its purpose is also to prevent production and time loss, to minimize financial loss and damage to the reputation of the company. Health and Safety Representative or Safety Health Environment (SHE) Representatives are part of the SHE management system. As such the Health and Safety Rep interact with many role players and functions with them as part of a team to ensure the SHE management system is efficient and effective and maintained that way at all times.

WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS

All workplaces have hazards that could cause injury or illness. When theses hazards are not managed effectively, the led to accidents that not only cause personal suffering and loss of income, but also loss of productivity and property damage. So, it is in the best interests of both the worker and the management to reduce workplace hazards. An accident/incident means suffering and loss for everyone!                                                                                                                     An accident/incident is any event which causes – or nearly causes – human injury, illness or damage to property.

CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS

Research has shown that most accidents are caused by unsafe acts. The ratio of accidents is as follows:

• Unsafe acts:88% of all accidents
• Unsafe conditions: 10% of all accidents
• Acts of nature: approximately 2% of all accidents

This simply implies that elimination of all unsafe acts and unsafe conditions could prevent 98% of all accidents! Accidents can only be prevented if causes are identified through regular inspections, regular reporting of unsafe acts and unsafe conditions and training of all employees.

UNSAFE ACTS AND CONDITIONS AT ACTOM UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Unsafe conditions I define them as like things that are not properly in place and they may cause injuries and illness. This could include damaged walls, windows, stairs, floor and any other condition that is not done by a person.

UNSAFE ACTS

Unsafe acts I define it as a doing or an action that is done by a work or an employee or an one within the workplace environment, but this action is done in an unsafe manner that could lead to the illness, injure or even serious conditions like death. In simple words I can say, unsafe act is the violation of the company rules concerning safe. I was told by the current safe rap that anyone who violates company safety rules is directly digging their own grave. ACTOM safety rules and guidelines are as follows

• Observe and practice the safety procedures established for the job you are doing
•  In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slightly it may seems, report at once to your supervisor. In no case should an employee treat his own or someone else's injuries or attempt or attempt to remove foreign object from someone's eye.
• In case of job or injure resulting in possible fracture to leg, legs, back, neck, or any accident resulting in an unconscious condition or a severe head injury, employee is not to be moved until medical attention has been given by authorized personnel.
•  Do not wear loose clothing and jewellery around machinery. It may catch on moving equipment and cause a serious injury.
•  Never distract the attention of another person as you might cause him or her to be injured. If it is necessary to get the attention of another person, wait until it can be done safely.
• Where required, you must wear protective equipment, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, respiratory, safety shoes etc. Depending on what you doing at that time.
• Pile materials, skids, bins, boxes or other equipment so as not to block aisles, exits, fire, firefighting equipment, electric lighting or power panel, valves etc. Fire doors and aisles must be kept clear.
• Keep your work area clean
• Use compressed air only for the jobs which it is intended. Do not clean your clothes with it and do not fool around with it.
• Observe “no smoking” regulation sign
•  Shut down your machine before cleaning, repairing or even leaving it.
• Forklift will be operated only by authorized personnel.
• Do not exceed a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
•  Running and horseplay are strictly forbidden.
• Do not block access to fire extinguishers.
•  Do not tamper with electric controls or switches.
• Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly instructed and authorized to do so by your supervisor.
•  Do not engage in such other practices as may be inconsistent with ordinary and reasonable common sense safety rules.
• Report any unsafe acct and unsafe conditions to your supervisor.
• Help to prevent accident.
• Use designated passages when moving from one place to another; never take hazardous shortcuts (i.e. between moving equipment or across roadways).
• Lift properly, use your legs and not your back. For heavier loads, ask for assistance.
• Do not adjust, clean or oil moving machinery.
• Keep machine guards in their intended place.
•  Do not throw objects.
• Wear hard-sole shoes and appropriate clothing at all times (i.e. safety shoes and overalls)
• Place trash and paper in proper containers and not in cans provided for cigarettes butts.

HOW TO IDENTIFY DIFFERENT INJURIES AND TREATEMENT

STROKE

A medical term for stroke condition is cerebrovascular accident or CVA. A stroke may be caused by a clot blocking one of the blood vessels in the brain or by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both of these conditions restrict blood flow to the area of the brain that the blood vessel serves, causing that part of the brain tissue to die due to lack of oxygen. Causes are usually hypertension, cardiac diseases or diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF STROKE

• Possible headache
• Level of consciousness – dizziness, fainting, possible loss of consciousness
• Possible respiratory difficulties and arrest
• Heartbeat – possible cardiac arrest
• Other symptoms could be facial droop, arm weakness, limb paralysis, difficulty in speaking, mental confusion, loss of co-ordination, blurred vision, double vision and nausea.

NB: If it happens that I suspect stroke, I would simple ask the victim to smile and see if one side of the face moves. I would also ask the victim to extend his or her arms out sideways with eyes closed, if the victim cannot move arms or if one arm moves slowly downwards, it could indicate a stroke

First aid treatment

I should try by all means to improve the blood flow. As a first aider I should let the conscious patient to find a comfortable position to rest. I should not give anything by mouth but I can moisture the lips if the patient is very thirst. If it happens that the patient becomes unconscious and stop breathing normally, I should perform CPR. If the patient is unconscious but continues to breath, I should place the patient in a recovery position with the paralyzed side down in order to aid breathing. If one of the limbs is paralyzed, I must protect them from possible injuries as they would be devoid of feelings. I should monitor the patient’s vital signs and reassure the patient while I am trying to get help.

HEART ATTACK

A medical term form heart attack is coronary thrombosis or AMI (acute myocardial infarction). This condition is usually occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off. This happens when the diameter of the coronary arteries has been narrowed over time by fatty deposits on the internal walls of the vessels (arteriosclerosis) and a blood clot lodges itself in the artery as a result. When the heart muscles starved of oxygen it dies and a heart attack happens. Causes are usually over weight, chronic stress, hypertension, smoker, lees exercising, and high intake of cholesterol.

Symptoms

• Sudden crushing, vice like pain, originating under the breast bone and which may radiate to the arms. The pain is unaffected by coughing, body movements or deep breathing but 15-20 percent of heart attacks are painless
• Heart attack is accompanied by sudden dizziness, shaking and trembling, weakness and faintness that progresses to UNCONSCIOUSNESS.
• Breathing is painful, difficult, short and rapid
• Heartbeat – the victims pulse is frequently fast as the body tries to compensate for the blood flow problem. The pulse is weak and irregular. This condition eventually progresses to cardiac arrest if allowed to develop
• Skin – ashen-grey color that may become bluish. Increase in sweating causes the skin to become cold and clammy
•  Other symptoms could be nausea and vomiting; symptoms that resemble indigestion; feeling of impending doom; anxiety denial

First aid treatment

CONSCIOUS PATIENT

Place the patient in the semi-seated or comfortable position. Treat the patient for shock, keep the patient still. Prevent loss of body heat by covering the patient with a blanket and protecting the patient from cold surfaces. Avoid over-heating the causality. I was told I should never give anything to the patient by mouth even if the patient is thirsty. I should moisture the lips if they are too dry or if necessary. I should monitor the patient’s vital signs very closely and call for help. I should reassure the patient.

UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT

I should perform CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)

BURNS

Types of Burns Are Classified As:

1.  Thermal – Fire, Hot water
2. Chemical – Alkalis or acids
3. Electrical – Electricity or lighting
4. Light – Arc welding or snow blindness
5. Radiation – sunburn, x-rays or radio-active material

Signs and symptoms

·         Partial thickness burns:

With this kind of burn, damage may involve only the outer layer of the skin

·         Full thickness burns

With this one, damage extends through the dermis and into and beyond the subcutaneous fat. The area becomes dry, leathery, and discoloured charred, brown or white. Clotted blood vessels and subcutaneous fat may be visible.

Thermal Burns

These burns are caused by fire or hot liquid. General signs and symptoms of burns will be evident.

First aid treatment

I must first check for safety! I should never try to save someone from a fire unless I am trained to do so. I should stop the burning process with cold running water for at least twenty five minutes. If no water on scene, smother the flames by rolling the patient on the ground or use a blanket. I should assess the patient’s vital signs level of consciousness, breathing and circulation. Check for respiratory problem if there are no burns on the face. I should also check for possible swelling that may obstruct the respiratory track. I must remove all the jewelry before the area swells and any clothing necessary to evaluate the burn but I should never remove it if it is stuck on the skin. I must not break any blisters. I must cover the burned area with a moist sterile dressing to decrease the risk of infection but not with ice.

NB: never put anything else on the burn, either ointment, gels or anti-septic as these will have to be removed at the hospital which is severely aggravating the injury.

Chemical Burns

The chemical may be in a dry or liquid form and may be an alkali or acid. General signs and symptoms are evident.

First aid Treatment

Check safety! I should wear protective clothing, I should handle minor chemical burns with care great care so as not to become contaminated. The first thing I should do is to wash the chemical away using copious amount of flowing water for at least 10 to 20 minutes prior transportation  but only if the chemical does not react with water. Treat the patient for shock.

NB: If the chemical is in the eye, I must open the eye and irrigate it with water for 10 to 20 minutes non-stop. I should try by all means to protect the uninjured areas of the face when doing this.

Electrical Burns

The source of these burns is electrical power supply or lighting. General signs and symptoms of burns, electrical burns are complicated by damage to other vital organs. Heart and breathing may stop simultaneously. Functioning of the brain may also be seriously affected

Signs and Symptoms

Redness, swelling, scorching or charring of the skin at the points where the energy entered and exits the body. Paralysis – disrupted nerve pathways may be indicated. Muscle tenderness, with or without muscular twitching. If conscious, irritability or restlessness, visual difficulties, possible seizures. Possible loss of consciousness. Respiratory difficulties or arrest( tongue may obstruct airway). Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest. Signs of shock. Possible fractures or dislocation from spasm or fall.

First aid Treatment

Check safety first! I must switch off the source of electricity at the mains if earth leakage failed. If high voltage cables are involved, I should wait to be official informed that the electricity has been switched off before I can start helping the victim. Lighting victims will not conduct electricity to the first aider so I will be safe. I should first assess the victim’s level of consciousness and breathing. I must then treat the enter and exit sites as for thermal burns but I must bear in mind that internal damage is worse than the outer damage.

BLEEDING INJURIES

WAYS TO CONTROL BLLEDING FOR LIMBS

EXTERNAL BLEEDING	INTERNAL BLEEDING
Clear the wound-do not clean unless it is a superficial wound	Apply ice to the injured area for approximately 10 to 15 minutes (do not put ice direct contact with the skin – use a plastic bag or wet towel)
Be especially careful of bleeding caused by glass as you may cause more damage or cut yourself	Elevate the limb if not fractured
Apply direct pressure over the wound using a trauma pad	Limit it movement and try to prevent swelling by means of a firm bandage
Elevate the limb if the patient has no head/ spinal injuries or fractured limb	Treat for shock
Dress and bandage the wound
Immobilize a fractured limb by splinting
Treat the patient for shock

CAVITIES (ORGANS) BLEEDING

I should apply a trauma pad to the area and try to exert minimum pressure as possible	I should position the patient to localize bleeding except if the patient has neck or spinal injury
With bleeding from the chest, I should watch out for associated respiratory complications	Treat for shock
Bleeding form the head could indicate CNS injury so I should move the patient
Position the patient
Treat for shock

GENERAL BLEEDING

Symptoms and Signs

The patient will be in pain. The degree of pain will be determined by the severity of the wound/s. The patient will show signs and symptoms of shock if the bleeding is severe. The skin will be broken and bleeding and the underlying tissues may be exposed. There may be swelling and discolouration of the skin surrounding the wound. Wounds differ in nature depending on the cause.

First aid Treatment

I should try by all means to control the bleeding and treat the patient for shock. I should prevent further contamination by covering the wound with a sterile dressing and bandaging it in place. The patient must be referred to a doctor or to a hospital causality ward where the wound can be attended to properly. The doctor may prescribe anti-biotics to prevent infections or give an anti-tetanus injection. Other treatment may be necessary depending on the type of the wound.