1. Define safety and explain its importance in the workplace.
Answer:
Safety refers to the condition of being free from risk and danger. It involves implementing
measures to protect workers from accidents, injuries, and hazards in the workplace.
Importance in the Workplace:
• Reduces the number of accidents and injuries.
• Lowers insurance costs and compensation claims.
• Increases worker productivity and morale.
• Ensures legal compliance and avoids penalties.
2. List and explain the causes of workplace injuries.
Answer:
Workplace injuries are mainly caused by:
1. Unsafe Conditions: Hazardous environments or situations that increase the risk of
accidents.
2. Unsafe Acts: Worker behaviors that ignore safety procedures.
3. What are unsafe conditions? Give examples.
Answer:
Unsafe conditions are hazardous situations in a workplace that can lead to accidents.
Examples:
• Falling and flying objects.
• Poor lighting, ventilation, or excessive noise.
• Faulty machinery or improper safety equipment.
• Slippery or uneven work surfaces.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
4. Describe unsafe acts and how they lead to accidents.
Answer:
Unsafe acts are actions taken by workers that violate standard safety procedures. These acts often
lead to accidents.
Examples of Unsafe Acts:
• Using machinery without proper training.
• Ignoring personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operating equipment at unsafe speeds.
• Lifting heavy objects improperly, leading to injury.
• Losing focus due to fatigue or distractions.
5. Explain Heinrich’s Domino Theory of accident prevention.
Answer:
Heinrich’s Domino Theory states that accidents happen due to a sequence of events, like a line of
dominos falling. The key idea is that removing one factor (unsafe acts or unsafe conditions) can
stop the accident chain.
Stages in the Domino Theory:
1. Social environment and ancestry (worker’s background and personality).
2. Fault of the person (carelessness or bad habits).
3. Unsafe acts or conditions.
4. Accident occurs.
5. Injury results from the accident.
By eliminating unsafe acts or conditions, the accident sequence can be stopped.
6. What is the Multiple Causation Theory? How does it differ from Heinrich’s theory?
Answer:
The Multiple Causation Theory suggests that accidents are caused by multiple factors acting
together, rather than a single cause.
Difference from Heinrich’s Theory:
• Heinrich’s theory focuses on a chain reaction of events.
• Multiple Causation Theory considers that several unsafe acts and conditions can combine
at the same time to cause an accident.
7. Define ergonomics and state its primary goal.
Answer:
Ergonomics is the study of designing workplaces, tools, and tasks to match human abilities and
limitations.
Primary Goal:
• To "fit the job to the person" rather than forcing the person to adapt to the job.
8. What are the benefits of a workplace ergonomics process?
Answer:
1. Reduces Costs: Prevents injuries, lowering medical and compensation costs.
2. Increases Productivity: Reduces physical strain and improves efficiency.
3. Improves Work Quality: Prevents fatigue and frustration, leading to better work
performance.
4. Enhances Employee Engagement: Shows that the company values worker safety and well-
being.
5. Creates a Better Safety Culture: Reinforces safety as a core workplace value.
9. How does ergonomics improve employee productivity?
Answer:
• Reduces physical stress, allowing workers to perform tasks efficiently.
• Minimizes unnecessary movements, improving workflow.
• Provides comfortable workstations, reducing fatigue.
• Ensures proper posture and tool placement, decreasing injury risk.
10. What role does ergonomics play in workplace safety culture?
Answer:
• Promotes a proactive approach to worker safety.
• Encourages companies to invest in employee well-being.
• Reduces absenteeism due to work-related injuries.
• Improves morale and job satisfaction.
• Helps in compliance with workplace safety regulations.
