Strategies for Minimizing Workplace Hazards: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

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Table 1 covers the essential strategies and interventions aimed at eliminating or minimizing hazards faced by the workforce operating in various settings at each of the three stages of the source-path-worker model.

Table 1. Control interventions.

Hazardous Situations	Control Strategies and Measures
Operating a very loud and noisy machine	The strategies should include: temporary measures aimed at using personal protective equipment (hearing protection); long-term engineering methods (isolation of the source of noise); if a worker is exposed to the level of noise that exceeds the standard maximum, the employer should apply engineered control measures to identify and eliminate the source; if eliminating the source is impossible or the noise level cannot be reduced, the leadership should strive for minimizing the effects as much as possible; noise hazard settings should be indicated using the appropriate signs and warnings to attract the attention of the staff; the protection provided to workers should meet the required standards; the employer should make sure the employees affected by exceeding levels of noise do wear the protection every time they are exposed to the hazard.
Working in a hot and humid environment	To ensure a safe environment for workers operating in a hot or humid environment, it is essential: to allocate working and resting hours in accordance with legal standards; to ensure workers are provided with appropriate clothing; to consider engineering methods aimed at cooling the place; to apply work-related activities aimed at minimizing employee exposure; to train the workforce in identification and prevention of heat or humidity caused conditions; basic methods for eliminating the hazard include minimizing metabolic heat protection, isolating hot surfaces, shielding, ventilation, air conditioning to reduce humidity, and personal protection.
Operating a power tool with excess vibration	The main control measures and interventions include: the protection of the workforce through relevant tool selection; the provision of vibration-absorbing materials, ensuring adequate work activities and regulations; conducting employee education; educating the workers on practices reducing the effects of vibration (appropriate strength distribution and correct grip, taking sufficient time to rest, and so on) avoiding unnecessary exposure to the hazard; source-related interventions include mechanical isolation of vibration and assembling vibration-damping seats.
Technician working around the radiation of an x-ray machine	The basic control measures should include: the identification and strict adherence to the maximum dose of exposure (calculated as follows: dose rate x time); the calculation of distance inverse square and strict adherence to the guidelines; the provision of sufficient shielding and protective tools for the workers; providing education to the workforce and supervising their compliance with the standards.
Cleaning metal parts with a highly corrosive acid	The following principles, interventions, and measures should be applicable to workers cleaning metal parts with highly corrosive acid: the workers should always try to opt for less hazardous substance available; the corrosives should be stored correctly following the appropriate temperature regime; the waste substance should be disposed of following safety regulations; all workers dealing with the acid should wear personal protective equipment and clothing supplied by the organization; the workers should avoid any eyes, face or skin contacts; eye protection should be used every time when working with the acid; the workforce should avoid inhaling the acid vapors.
Working on an assembly line in a raw chicken processing plant	The main control measures include: keeping hand hygiene by all the workers; providing employees with protective equipment; ensuring the assembly parts meet all legal standards; educating the workers on face and body protection; environmental control ensured by the organization (so that the levels of microorganisms do not exceed the standard norm); proper disposal of wastes and segregation of contamination sources; installation of easily accessible waste containers by the organization; employee education on safe practices and administrative control over the compliance with regulations.