Unit VIII Assignment: Completing Two Tasks 253549

Unit Viii Assignmentthis Assignment Involves Completing Two Exercises

This assignment involves completing two exercises aimed at applying the safety and health management systems approach to workplace ergonomics. The first exercise entails discussing the 10 generic countermeasure strategies proposed by Haddon in relation to a workplace incident or an observed scenario. The strategies include: (a) Prevent the initial buildup of energy, (b) Reduce the potential energy, (c) Prevent the release of the energy, (d) Reduce the rate of release of energy, (e) Separate the host from the energy source, (f) Place a barrier between the host and energy source, (g) Absorb the energy, (h) Strengthen the susceptible host, (i) Move rapidly to detect and counter the release, and (j) Take procedures to mitigate the damage. Your response should be at least 200 words, providing a detailed discussion on how these countermeasures relate to specific workplace incidents or observed scenarios.

The second exercise involves applying the safety and health management systems approach to workplace ergonomics by analyzing a workplace incident described in a passage. You are asked to select either the company or the employee as at fault and defend that choice with a well-reasoned rationale supported by research. The scenario involves a truck driver, Ben, who injures his back while tying down tarps on his flatbed trailer using four-inch straps and bungee cords. You should consider regulatory standards such as OSHA standards and FMCSA rules, and incorporate APA citations in your response. Your answer should be at least 200 words, providing a thorough argument that evaluates the root causes and accountability regarding the injury, supported by relevant research and standards.

Paper For Above instruction

The application of safety and health management systems (SHMS) to workplace ergonomics necessitates a structured examination of various injury prevention strategies and regulatory compliance measures. The first exercise prompts a discussion of Haddon's ten generic countermeasure strategies, which serve as foundational principles for incident prevention and damage mitigation in occupational settings. These strategies provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how various control measures can be implemented to prevent energy-related injuries, a critical component in ergonomic safety management.

Preventing the initial buildup of energy (a) is fundamental to energy control, particularly in environments where machinery or processes involve stored potential energy. For instance, in manufacturing plants, ensuring that machinery is properly shut down and locked out can prevent accidental energy release. Similarly, reducing potential energy (b) through design modifications, such as lowering loads or using lighter materials, can diminish injury severity in case of an incident. Preventing the release of energy (c) involves safeguards like safety valves or circuit breakers that interrupt energy flow, essential in electrical and mechanical systems. Reducing the rate of energy release (d) can entail employing damping mechanisms or flow control devices to slow down accidental releases, thereby minimizing injury risk.

Moving to the separation of the host from the energy source (e), physical distancing or isolation of hazardous parts reduces contact risk. Installing barriers (f) such as guarding shields in machinery settings protects workers from moving parts or energy jets. Absorbing energy (g) often involves damping materials or protective padding that dissipate force, crucial in fall prevention or impact injuries. Strengthening the susceptible host (h) includes ergonomic interventions like proper tool handles or supportive devices that enhance worker resilience against injury. Rapid movement in detecting and countering energy releases (i) emphasizes the importance of safety monitoring systems and trained personnel capable of quick response. Lastly, procedures to ameliorate damage (j) involve emergency protocols, first aid, and injury response plans that limit damage consequence.

By systematically applying these strategies, workplaces can proactively address potential hazards, minimizing the likelihood and severity of ergonomic injuries. For example, in a warehouse setting, implementing safety barriers (f) around heavy machinery, routine energy isolations (a), and training workers for rapid response (i) can substantially enhance safety performance. This holistic approach aligns with the principles of risk management and safety culture development, essential for sustainable ergonomic safety practices.

The second exercise requires evaluating a workplace injury incident involving a truck driver, Ben, who injures his back while securing a load with straps and bungee cords. The defensive stance in this scenario can be to argue that the company bears responsibility for providing a hazard-free workplace that complies with OSHA standards and FMCSA regulations, rather than blaming the employee for improper procedures.

According to OSHA standards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR 1910), employers are mandated to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause injury or death. Adequate training on safe load securing practices is essential, and the employer must ensure that the equipment and procedures used facilitate the safe completion of tasks. The FMCSA rules (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 49 CFR Part 392) specify requirements for cargo securement, including the use of appropriate straps and securing devices to prevent load shift or loss during transit. Failure to adhere to these standards indicates systemic lapses within the employer’s safety protocols.

Research indicates that injuries related to improper cargo securement often result from insufficient training, lack of proper equipment, or inadequate enforcement of safety policies (Zohar & Luria, 2005). If the employer neglects to provide proper equipment—such as load straps meeting safety standards—or fails to train drivers like Ben in correct securing techniques, the root cause of the injury can be attributed to systemic shortcomings in safety management. Within a comprehensive SHMS, regular safety audits, employee training, and equipment maintenance are critical components to prevent such injuries (Gillen et al., 2012).

From a legal and ethical perspective, the employer must assume responsibility for creating a hazard-free environment by providing the necessary tools, training, and supervision. Blaming the employee alone overlooks systemic failures and neglects the employer’s duty of care. Therefore, the root cause of Ben’s back injury is more aligned with the company’s failure to uphold safety standards and provide an ergonomically safe and compliant working environment. This approach promotes a safety culture prioritizing prevention and accountability, in line with OSHA and FMCSA mandates, ultimately reducing injury rates and associated costs (Huang et al., 2017).

References

• Gillen, M., Bradley, E., & Kiningham, R. (2012). The impact of safety management systems on workplace injury rates. Journal of Safety Research, 43, 343-350.
• Huang, Y. H., Chen, M., & Liu, S. (2017). Organizational safety climate and injury prevention: The role of safety culture in transportation industries. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 102, 27-36.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (n.d.). 29 CFR 1910. Occupational safety and health standards. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). (2019). Cargo securement rules. 49 CFR Part 392. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/part/392
• Zohar, D., & Luria, D. (2005). A multilevel model of safety climate: Cross-level relationships between organization and group-level climates. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90(4), 616-628.