Occupational Health and Safety Management Framework

Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan

The Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan is the essential tool for integrating preventive activities within a company. It typically includes:

• Identification Data
• Organizational Structure
• Production Organization
• Company Organization
• Prevention Policy, Objectives, and Goals
• Human, Technical, Material, and Economic Resources
• Plan Review and Update Procedures
• The company's own periodic risk assessment, including control and risk management
• Details of preventive health surveillance activities
• A Self-Protection Plan

Health Surveillance: Mandatory Medical Examinations

Medical examinations are mandatory when:

• It is essential to assess the effects of working conditions on workers' health.
• Checking the worker's health may pose a danger to themselves, other workers, or third parties.
• Required by statute to protect against specific risks and particularly dangerous activities.

Specific Worker Groups

Pregnant Workers

The company will conduct a risk assessment that takes into account the state of pregnant workers. If the results of the assessment reveal a risk to the safety and health of the pregnant worker or the fetus, the employer shall proceed as follows:

1. Take the necessary steps to avoid exposing her to that risk.
2. Reassign the worker to another job compatible with her status and professional qualifications (medical certification is required).
3. If there is no job in the same category, she will be moved to a non-equivalent position.
4. Alternatively, her contract may be suspended due to risk during pregnancy.

Minors

The employer shall undertake an assessment of occupational hazards for jobs to be performed by minors. The employer shall inform the minors and their parents or guardians about these risks.

Temporary and Contract Workers

Workers on temporary contracts or employed by Temporary Employment Agencies (ETT) should enjoy the same level of protection, safety, and health as other workers of the company.

Obligations of the User Company

The user company is responsible for:

• Implementing appropriate work conditions.
• Informing the worker about protective measures.
• Informing worker representatives.
• Reporting to the Temporary Employment Agency (ETT).

Obligations of the Temporary Employment Agency (ETT)

The ETT is responsible for:

• Providing the necessary theoretical and practical training.

The Self-Protection Plan

A Self-Protection Plan is a document that establishes the organizational and functional framework designed for a center, establishment, or facility to prevent and control risks to people and property. It shall be reviewed at least every three years.

Fire Protection Fundamentals

Understanding the elements of fire is crucial for protection:

• Fuels: Solid, liquid, or gas materials that can burn.
• Oxidizing Agent: Normally, the oxygen in the air.
• Heat: Energy which initiates the ignition of a combustible material.

Classes of Fire

Fires are classified based on the type of fuel involved:

• Class A: Fires involving solids, generally of an organic nature (e.g., wood, paper, textiles).
• Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids or liquefiable solids (e.g., gasoline, oils, plastics).
• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases (e.g., propane, natural gas).
• Class D: Fires involving metals or reactive chemicals (e.g., magnesium, sodium).

Fire Protection and Fighting Equipment

Key equipment and systems for fire safety include:

• Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Extinguishers
• Equipped Fire Hose Reel (BIE)
• Dry Column System
• Wet Column System
• Sprinkler System
• Manual Call Point / Alarm Button
• Emergency Lighting
• Passive protection measures, such as fire doors, sealed penetrations, and bunds.