MBEYA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT NAME: MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
COURSE: BACHEROL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MODULE NAME: FUNDAMENTAL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
MODULE CODE: ME 8240
FACILITATOR: MR.
TASK: INDIVIDUAL ASSSIGNIMENT
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2024/2025
YEAR OF STUDY: THIRD YEAR
SEMESTER: II
S/N NAMES REG NUMBER
1.
1. Briefly Explain the Following Terms:
i. Safety
Safety refers to the condition of being protected from harm, injury, or any potential hazard. It
involves measures taken to reduce risks and prevent accidents in workplaces, laboratories, or
industrial settings. According to Hawkins (1983), safety in technical environments is achieved
through proper training, safety procedures, and adherence to guidelines that ensure the well-
being of individuals.
ii. Hazard
A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects. Heinrich, Petersen,
and Roose (1980) discuss industrial accident prevention, highlighting that hazard can be physical
(e.g., machinery), chemical (e.g., toxic substances), biological (e.g., bacteria), or ergonomic (e.g.,
repetitive strain injuries). Identifying hazards is the first step in preventing accidents.
iii. Risk
Risk is the likelihood that a person may be harmed or suffer adverse health effects due to
exposure to a hazard. Dan Peter (1978) describes risk management as evaluating hazards and
implementing control measures to minimize or eliminate them. For example, a worker operating
heavy machinery without proper safety gear faces a higher risk of injury.
iv. Safety Precautions
Safety precautions are preventive measures taken to avoid accidents and injuries. The I.L.O.
(1980) emphasizes that proper education and awareness among workers are key in reducing
workplace accidents. Examples of safety precautions include wearing protective equipment,
following standard procedures, and ensuring regular maintenance of machinery.
2. Roles of Different Groups in Safety Management
i. Management
Management plays a crucial role in establishing safety policies and ensuring their
implementation. According to Gupta (2009), management is responsible for providing resources,
conducting safety training, and enforcing regulations. They must also conduct regular risk
assessments and ensure compliance with international safety standards like ISO 45001.
ii. Safety Managers and Coordinators
Safety managers oversee the implementation of safety policies and procedures. Heinrich et al.
(1980) highlight that their role involves hazard identification, accident investigation, and
employee training. They ensure that all safety protocols are followed and work with management
to improve workplace safety measures.
iii. Employees
Employees play an active role in maintaining workplace safety by adhering to guidelines and
reporting potential hazards. The I.L.O. (1980) emphasizes the importance of worker education in
accident prevention. Workers must use protective gear, follow safety procedures, and participate
in safety training programs.
3. Protective Measures Employed by Industries to Prevent Accidents and Damages
Industries implement various protective measures to ensure workplace safety. Based on the
references, some key measures include:
i. Engineering Controls
According to Girdhar & Scheffer (2004), industries use vibration analysis and predictive
maintenance to prevent mechanical failures.
Machine guarding and automation reduce human exposure to hazardous machinery.
ii. Administrative Controls
Training programs and safety workshops help workers understand hazards and best practices
(Hawkins, 1983). Regular safety audits and inspections identify potential risks (Gupta, 2009).
iii. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers are provided with gloves, helmets, goggles, and other protective gear (I.L.O., 1980).
PPE reduces direct exposure to hazards like chemicals, noise, and heat.
iv. Emergency Preparedness
Fire drills, first aid training, and evacuation plans are essential in handling emergencies (Dan
Peter, 1978).
Heinrich et al. (1980) emphasize the importance of accident reporting systems for continuous
improvement.
4. ISO 45001 Standard and Its Key Elements
ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
According to Gupta (2009), it helps organizations improve worker safety, reduce workplace
risks, and create better working conditions.
Key Elements of ISO 45001:
Leadership and Worker Participation – Management must demonstrate commitment to safety
and involve employees in safety decisions.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment – Continuous monitoring and assessment of
workplace risks.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring compliance with national and international
safety regulations.
Operational Controls – Implementing preventive measures like safe work procedures and PPE.
Emergency Preparedness – Planning for accidents and conducting safety drills.
Continuous Improvement – Regular audits and feedback mechanisms to enhance safety
policies.
Conclusion
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from management,
safety officers, and employees. By implementing safety precautions, risk assessments, and
international standards like ISO 45001, industries can create a secure working environment. The
references used provide a comprehensive understanding of safety management and accident
prevention, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in industrial safety practices.
References
Hawkins, M. D. (1983). Technician Safety and Laboratory Practice (Revised Edition).
The Camelot Press Ltd., Southampton, UK.
Gupta, A. K. (2009). Reliable Maintenance & Safety Engineering.
Girdhar, P., & Scheffer, C. (2004). Practical Machinery Vibration Analysis and
Predictive Maintenance. Practical Pro.
Heinrich, H. W., Petersen, D., & Roose, N. (1980). Industrial Accident Prevention.
McGraw Hill Book Co., New York.
Peter, D. (1978). Techniques in Safety Management. McGraw Hill Book Co., New York.
International Labour Organization (ILO) (1980). Accident Prevention: A Worker’s
Education Manual (Second Edition). ILO, Geneva.
