Question 6 of 7: Safety, Ergonomics, and Emergency Programs

Question 6: Safety, Ergonomics, and Emergency Programs (20 marks: 6/7/7)

Question text not reproduced: the examination questions are © Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Open the official past paper (linked at the top of this page) to read the question, then follow the worked solution below.

(i) Elements of an Occupational Safety Program

• Management commitment and policy; clear responsibilities and accountability.
• Worker participation and a safety committee.
• Hazard identification and risk assessment; inspections.
• Hazard prevention and control (hierarchy of controls).
• Training and education; safe work procedures.
• Incident reporting and investigation.
• Emergency preparedness; first aid.
• Record-keeping, evaluation and continual improvement.

(ii) Major Elements of an Ergonomics Program

• Management commitment and worker involvement.
• Training — recognize risk factors and symptoms of MSDs.
• Hazard identification/analysis — job analysis, symptom surveys, worksite evaluation.
• Control of risk factors — engineering (workstation/tool redesign) and administrative (rotation, rest, pacing) controls.
• Early reporting and medical management of MSD symptoms.
• Program evaluation and continual improvement.

(iii) Steps to Implement an Emergency Safety Plan

1. Identify potential emergencies and assess risks (fire, spill, explosion, natural events, medical).
2. Develop procedures — alarm/notification, evacuation routes and assembly points, roles/responsibilities, shutdown of critical processes.
3. Provide resources — alarms, extinguishers, first aid, spill kits, communication; assign emergency team/wardens.
4. Train all personnel; coordinate with external responders.
5. Conduct drills and exercises to test the plan.
6. Review and revise the plan after drills, incidents or changes.