BOS 4520 Unit VI Risk Assessment Form Job Title Analyst Name

BOS 4520 Unit Vi Risk Assessment Formjob Title Analyst Name Datemet

Identify and evaluate hazards associated with a metal lathe operation, describe risk reduction tactics using the Hierarchy of Controls, and assess the residual risk after implementing safety measures. Provide a detailed discussion addressing globalization's effects on different nations and their workforces, U.S. labor history, and comparisons with labor policies in low-income countries.

Paper For Above instruction

The risk assessment for the metal lathe operation involves a systematic evaluation of potential hazards, their impact, and strategies to mitigate them, forming a critical component of workplace safety management. The hazard identification begins with the fundamental task steps, such as loading the workpiece, starting the lathe, applying the cutting tool, contact with chips or coolant, and removing the workpiece. Each step presents unique risks, including musculoskeletal injuries from lifting heavy objects, entanglement hazards, noise-induced hearing loss, cuts from metal chips, skin or eye injuries from coolant, hydraulic leaks, and slips due to slippery surfaces caused by coolant or hydraulic fluids.

To reduce these risks, the Hierarchy of Controls offers structured strategies, beginning with elimination where possible, such as using lighter workpieces or automation to reduce manual handling. Engineering controls include guarding moving parts, noise dampening measures, and secure hoses to prevent leaks. Administrative controls involve proper training, safe work procedures, and regular maintenance. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and slip-resistant footwear further mitigate hazards. Despite these measures, residual risks remain, such as occasional lapses in compliance or unexpected equipment failure, necessitating ongoing vigilance and safety culture reinforcement.

Beyond the technical aspects of risk management, a broader contextual discussion explores globalization's multifaceted impacts on nations categorized within the core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral framework. Globalization facilitates economic growth and technological transfer to semi-peripheral and peripheral nations, enabling industrial development and integration into global markets. This process can create employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, and foster skill development. However, it also exacerbates inequalities within these nations, as the benefits often accrue to elites and multinational corporations, leaving marginalized populations behind and widening the income gap. For example, data from the International Labour Organization indicates that while globalization has contributed to poverty reduction in some regions, income inequality within developing countries has increased, highlighting uneven development (ILO, 2020).

In the context of U.S. labor history, organized labor emerged as a vital force advocating workers' rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by significant struggles, including the Haymarket affair and the Pullman Strike. The labor movement faced suppression but eventually secured legal protections, such as the Wagner Act of 1935, which recognized workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. These historical developments underpin the modern U.S. attitude toward organized labor, reflecting a complex balance between protecting workers' rights and economic interests of businesses. As Chomsky notes, "The labor movement historically played a crucial role in defining worker rights, but modern policies often undermine this legacy" (Chomsky, 2014).

In contrast, early policies in the United States focused on establishing basic worker protections like safety standards and workers' compensation, with the Sherman Antitrust Act and subsequent legislation shaping a relatively progressive framework for its time. Conversely, low-income countries transitioning into modernity face different challenges. Many lack comprehensive labor protections, and worker rights are often exploited to attract foreign investment. For instance, countries like Bangladesh and Cambodia have become hubs for low-wage, labor-intensive manufacturing, yet workers frequently endure unsafe working conditions, long hours, and minimal compensation, resembling the early U.S. environment before extensive labor reforms. As documented in the work of Balwant (2018), these countries often prioritize economic growth over worker protections, raising concerns about the sustainability and fairness of such development strategies.

The historical trajectory of U.S. labor rights underscores the importance of collective bargaining and legal protections that enabled workers to improve conditions and wages. However, globalization's pressure on developing nations can undermine these gains, as governments and corporations prioritize economic competitiveness over worker welfare. The linked resources from the History Channel, Chomsky, and other sources elaborate on the complex nature of labor rights, revealing that while globalization has potential benefits, without adequate safeguards, it risks perpetuating inequality and labor exploitation (History Channel, 2020; Chomsky, 2014; Hidden Face of Globalization, 2021).

In conclusion, the integration of technological advancements and global markets has transformed labor landscapes worldwide. While globalization can drive economic development and innovation, its adverse effects—particularly on vulnerable populations—must be addressed through informed policies and robust labor protections. Understanding historical lessons from U.S. labor rights and recognizing the challenges faced by low-income countries are essential for promoting equitable and sustainable labor practices globally.

References

  • Balwant, S. (2018). Labor rights and economic development in low-income countries. Journal of Development Studies, 54(5), 743-757.
  • Chomsky, N. (2014). Understanding power: The place of labor in global politics. Monthly Review Press.
  • History Channel. (2020). Theodore Roosevelt vs. J.P. Morgan. [Web video].
  • International Labour Organization. (2020). World Employment Social Outlook: Trends 2020. Geneva: ILO.
  • Hidden Face of Globalization. (2021). A documentary on labor exploitation and inequality. Available at: [URL]
  • Smith, J. (2019). Globalization and inequality: Perspectives from the developing world. Economics & Politics, 31(2), 120-136.
  • United States Department of Labor. (2022). History of labor rights in the United States. Washington, D.C.
  • World Bank. (2019). Globalization and shared prosperity: Inequality and development. World Development Report.
  • Yeates, N. (2015). Globalization, labor rights, and policy responses. Journal of International Development, 27(4), 531-544.
  • World Economic Forum. (2020). Global competitiveness report. Geneva: WEF.