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/accountability; worker participation/committee; hazard identification and risk assessment (inspections); hazard prevention and control (hierarchy); training and safe procedures; incident reporting and investigation; emergency preparedness and first aid; record-keeping, evaluation and continual improvement.

(ii) Major Elements of an Ergonomics Program

• Management commitment and worker involvement; training (recognize risk factors/symptoms); hazard identification/analysis (job analysis, symptom surveys, worksite evaluation); control of risk factors (engineering + administrative); early reporting and medical management of MSDs; and program evaluation/continual improvement.

(iii) Steps to Implement an Emergency Safety Plan

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