Occupational Health and Safety

2012

Acknowledgement
Sincere thanks go to,
Prof. C.B. Dissanayake, Director, Institute of Fundamental Studies.
Mr. K.T.Waisundara, Secretary, Institute of Fundamental Studies.
Dr. C.T.K. Tilakaratne, Coordinator, Institute of Fundamental Studies.
And all academic, non academic staff of the Institute of Fundamental Studies.

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Abstract
Occupational Safety and Health is a really effective fact in the field of Human resource
management. Its really important as Moral of the employees, economic status of the
institute, and a legal area of the country depends on the balance of this matter.
In present, OSH is practiced in Sri Lankan institutes, but not in a large scale as other
countries do. As I had to complete a project to submit for my Advance certificate in Human
Resource Management, I thought it would be much obliged, to do a research on
Occupational Health and Safety at Institute of Fundamental Studies, which is one of the
leading science research facility of Sri Lanka.
First I obtained permission from the Director and then prepared a questionnaire to get data
on the present situations. Then completed this project with handing out a copy to the
director, which I hope, will really helpful to the administration of the institute to implement
new Safety and health procedures.
For more details, please refer the project report.

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List of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................1
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................... 2
LIST OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................3
LIST OF DRAFTS........................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.....................................6
IMPORTANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH................................................................7
Why Occupational safety?......................................................................................... 7
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT...............................................................................8
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 8
OSHA at a glance...................................................................................................... 8
Rights and Responsibilities.................................................................................................. 8
OSHA Standards.................................................................................................................. 9

SAFETY LAW OF SRI LANKA................................................................................................ 10

Work in factories and manufacturing processes, addressed by the Factories
Ordinance............................................................................................................... 10
How government ensures that the provisions are followed at the workplaces........12
Industrial Safety division at Labour department.....................................................13
Occupational Hygiene division at Labour department.............................................13
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, SRI LANKA...................................14
Vision...................................................................................................................... 14
Mission.................................................................................................................... 14
In addition, NIOSH Helps workers by,......................................................................14
HAZARDS....................................................................................................................... 15
Recognition of Hazards........................................................................................... 15
Categories of Hazards.............................................................................................15
Identification and Classification of Hazards.............................................................16
Hazard Surveillance and Survey Methods...............................................................16
EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS........................................17
Management Commitment and Employee Involvement..........................................17
Worksite Analysis.................................................................................................... 17
Hazard Prevention and Control...............................................................................17
Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers................................................17
ROLE OF REPRESENTATIVES............................................................................................... 18
Powers of the Health and Safety Representative....................................................18
Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 18
SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY.............................................................................................. 19
What is a Safety and Health Policy..........................................................................19
Developing a Health and Safety Policy....................................................................19

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CHAPTER TWO............................................................................................ 21
INTRODUCTION TO INSTITUTE OF FUNDAMENTAL STUDIES (IFS).................................................22
Brain Computer Interface project............................................................................22
Solid state chemistry and Condensed Matter Physics project.................................22
The Microbial Biotechnology Unit............................................................................22
Ecology and environmental biology........................................................................23
Cell Biology project.................................................................................................23
The Bio-fuel research project..................................................................................23
Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling.....................................................24
Geothermal project................................................................................................. 24
The Food Science & Nutrition Group.......................................................................24
Science Dissemination Unit.....................................................................................25
Research on the behavior and ecology of wild primates.........................................25
Annual Budget of IFS...............................................................................................26
Objective................................................................................................................. 26
Goals....................................................................................................................... 26
Organizational Structure.........................................................................................27
PRESENT SAFETY AND HEALTH PRACTICE OF INSTITUTE OF FUNDAMENTAL STUDIES....................28
Most Important facts of the IFS Insurance policy.....................................................28
Employees Trust Fund benefits..............................................................................28
FOCUSED MAIN MATTERS AND DATA ANALYZE........................................................................29
Focused main matters of the institute....................................................................29
Analyze of the data collected..................................................................................30
CHAPTER THREE.........................................................................................32
SUGGESTIONS................................................................................................................. 33
Environment and other........................................................................................... 33
Laboratory safety and other arrangements should implement...............................33
PROPOSED SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY FOR INSTITUTE OF FUNDAMENTAL STUDIES......................35
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................... 37
REFERENCE................................................................................................ 38
ANNEXES.................................................................................................... 39

List of Drafts
Draft one: organizational chart of the Institute of Fundamental Studies27
Draft two: Ground floor map of the Institute of Fundamental Studies...29

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Chapter one

Theoretical Background of Occupational Safety and

Health

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Introduction and definitions of Occupational Safety and Health

Occupational Health and Safety is a really important aspect in the field of Human resource
management of Sri Lanka. It is about ensuring a safe workplace for the employees.
For research facilities, this includes staff employed at the facility as well as the public. It is
vital to follow the procedures that have been developed at the facility for managing
occupational health and safety. In addition, it is important that others on site follow these
procedures. These people (such as members of the public), may not know what is required as
it is their first time on-site, so it is important to provide the necessary advice in a manner that
helps prevent any adverse incidents occurring. It is essential for all employers to provide a
safe working environment for all employees. Employees have the right to know what
hazardous materials, equipment or processes they work with or could be exposed to, and
what they can (and must), do to avoid injury or illness when working with these materials,
equipment or process.
Employees have an obligation to report hazards identified in the workplace. Information and
training must be provided to minimize the possibility of any adverse impacts or hazards, and
to comply with all relevant legislation. Consultation is an important part of this process.

Situation where no problems in maintaining good physical, mental and social conditions
which reduce workers normal or special activities / work
World Health Organization

It is a Normal condition of hygiene in physical, Mental and emotion.

Mannis and Jackson (1998)

Protecting employee and other people affected by what the Institute produces and does
against the hazards arising from their employment of their links with the Institute.
Michel Armstrong (1998)

Occupational Health and Safety encompasses the Social, Mental and Physical well-being of
workers, that is the whole person.
International Labour Organization

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Importance of Occupational Safety and Health

Why Occupational safety?
Moral
:
an employee need not be subjected to risk injury at work, nor
did others associate with the work environment.
Economic

poor occupational safety and health performance results in

huge costs to the State (e.g. through social security payments to the incapacitated, costs
for medical treatment, and the loss of the "employability" of the worker especially in
countries where the welfare of the citizens are taken as paramount to national
development).
Costs to employer in the event of an incident at work through payments e.g. legal fees,
fines, compensatory damages, investigation time, lost production, lost goodwill from the
workforce, from customers and from the wider community).

Legal
:
without extra "encouragement" of potential regulatory action
or litigation, many organizations would not act upon their implied moral obligations.
Occupational Safety and health (OSH) is important, mainly because of the above mentioned
attributes. But in addition, it seeks to secure the health, safety and welfare of all persons at
work and other persons who may be at risk as a result of activities at work. And also it
monitors, employers maintain plants and systems that are reasonably and practicably safe;
they ensure safe methods of handling, storing and transporting materials and also provide
adequate induction, training and supervision in those methods.
In every year, 2nd week of October is declared as the National Safety Week. In order to mark
the occasion island wide Occupational Safety and Health awareness programmes will be
conduct. Main programme will be conducted in Colombo.

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Occupational Safety and Health Act

Introduction
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers
from being killed or seriously harmed at work. This law created the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and
health standards. OSHA also provides information, training, and assistance to employers and
workers.
Under the OSH Act, employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace.
OSHA at a glance
Rights and Responsibilities
Employer must:
Follow all relevant OSHA safety and health standards.
Find and correct safety and health hazards.
Inform employees about chemical hazards
Through training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems, chemical information sheets and other
methods.
Provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.
Keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
Not discriminate or retaliate against any worker for using their rights under the law.
Employees have the right to:
Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.

Receive information and training (in a language workers can understand) about chemical
and other hazards, methods to prevent harm, and OSHA standards that apply to their
workplace.
Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Get copies of test results done to find and measure hazards in the workplace.
Use their rights under the law without retaliation or discrimination. If an employee is fired,
demoted, transferred or discriminated against in any way for using their rights under the law,
they can file a complaint with labour department.

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OSHA Standards
OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods employers are legally required to follow
to protect their workers from hazards. Before OSHA can issue a standard, it must go through
a very extensive and lengthy process that includes substantial public engagement, notice and
comment. The agency must show that a significant risk to workers exists and that there are
feasible measures employers can take to protect their workers.
Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Agriculture standards protect workers from a
wide range of serious hazards. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals
workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and
require employers to monitor certain workplace hazards.
Examples of OSHA standards include requirements to provide fall protection, prevent
trenching cave-ins, prevent exposure to some infectious diseases, ensure the safety of
workers who enter confined spaces, prevent exposure to such harmful substances as asbestos
and lead, put guards on machines, provide respirators or other safety equipment, and provide
training for certain dangerous jobs.
Employers must also comply with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act. This clause
requires employers to keep their workplaces free of serious recognized hazards and is
generally cited when no specific OSHA standard applies to the hazard.

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Safety Law of Sri Lanka

The Principal Legislation in Sri Lanka relating to safety of workers is embodied in the
Factories Ordinance Act No. 45 of 1942 and subsequent amendments. However, there are
other pieces of Legislation that includes sections on welfare of employees, sanitation, safety
and accident prevention to a certain extent. The payment of compensation to injured workers
is defined in the Workmens Compensation Ordinance Act No 19 of 1934 and its subsequent
amendments.
Safety and health legislation was first introduced in Sri Lanka in 1896 with the enactment of
the Mines and Machinery Protection Ordinance No.2. After four decades, basic legislation
covering safety, health and welfare in factories was introduced in 1942. The Factories
Division of the Labour Department was set up in 1949 and the Factories Ordinance became
operational in January 1950. However, the Factories Ordinance does not cover safety of field
workers, such as farmers in the Agricultural Sector, in which 38.9 percent of the working
population of Sri Lanka are employed at present.
Only industrial hazards are covered by the Ordinance. The Factories Inspectorate comprises
a team of engineers, doctors and scientists attached to the Labour Department who are in
charge of enforcement of the Factories Ordinance. In addition to the Factories Ordinance
there is the Shop and Office Employees Act, the Workmens Compensation Ordinance, the
Environment Act and the Control of Pesticide Act that cover safety and health of workers in
Sri Lanka to a certain extent. The Environment Act and the Control of Pesticide Act mainly
cover safety in the use of chemicals, and, protection of users and the environment from
harmful effects of chemicals.
Work in factories and manufacturing processes, addressed by the Factories Ordinance

Part I of the Factories Ordinance addresses the Registration of Factories and Approval of Factory
Buildings.
Part II Health (General Provisions)
Part III - Safety (General Provisions)
Part IV Welfare (General Provisions)
Part V - Health, Safety and Welfare (Special Provisions and Regulations)
Part VI Notification and Investigation of Accidents and Industrial Diseases
Part VII addresses Employment of Women and Young Persons Hours and holidays
Part VIII Special Applications and Extensions (of) Premises in respect of which Owner is Liable
Part IX Homework
Part X Miscellaneous
Part XI Administration
Part XII repealed by Amendment No. 12 of 1976
Part XIII Supplementary: Offences, Penalties and Legal Proceedings
Part XIV Application of Ordinance
Part XV Interpretation and General Interpretation.
Part II addresses Health and Hygiene:
Cleanliness

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Overcrowding and cubic space per worker

Number of workers to be posted in each workroom
Temperature, ventilation and lighting
Drainage of floors, sanitary conveniences
Requirement of medical supervision
Part III deals with Safety
Prime movers, transmission machinery and other machinery
Provisions for unfenced machinery, construction and maintenance of fencing for such machinery
Construction and sale of new machinery
Securing of vessels containing dangerous substances
The use and maintenance of self-acting machines
Cleaning of machinery by women and young persons and the training and supervision of young
persons working at dangerous machines
The use of hoists, lifts, chains, ropes and lifting tackle, cranes and other lifting machines
The construction and maintenance of floors, passages and stairs,
Safe means of access and safe place of employment,
Precautions in places where dangerous fumes, etc., are liable to be present or where there is a possible
deficiency of oxygen
Precautions with respect to explosive or inflammable dust, gas, vapour or any other substance
The safe operation of steam boilers, steam receivers and steam containers
The safe operation of air receivers
Precautions to be observed in respect of water sealed gasholders
Instructions on means of escape in case of fire, safety provisions in case of fire
Powers of the Commissioner to require special safety arrangements for the prevention of accidents, to
make orders as to dangerous conditions and practices, powers to make orders as to safety of factory
premises and regulations on the use of other machinery.
Part IV addresses the Welfare of workers:
Supply of drinking water
Regulations as to washing facilities, accommodation for clothing, resting facilities for female workers
and first aid.
Part V addresses Health, Safety and Welfare:
The removal of dust fumes
Precautions where asphyxiant or irritant gases or vapour is used or liable to be present
The prevention of meals being consumed in areas where dangerous trades are conducted
The protection of eyes
Protection from radiation and vibration
Shuttle threading by mouth suction
The prohibition of the use of white and yellow sulphur in the manufacture of matches
The safe use of underground rooms
The operation of laundries
Lifting of excess weights
The prevention of noise and the protection of workers through the provision of suitable ear defenders
Precautions to be taken in factories where electricity is generated.
Part VIII: Special Applications and Extensions (of) Premises in respect of which Owner is Liable:
Section 80 (Electrical Stations) addresses the safety needs with regard to any premises where the
workers are involved in the management of electrical energy.
Under the same Part VIII Section 81 titled Institutions applies to:

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Any premises that forms part of an institution which is established for charitable or reformatory
purposes or for technical or vocational training but is not a factory, and where:
There is any manual labour in the making, altering, repairing, ornamenting, finishing,
washing, cleaning, or adapting for sale, of articles not intended for the use of the institution
Section 82 of the same Part VIII, titled Docks, Wharves, Quays, Warehouses and Ships addresses safety
measures in respect of docks, wharfs or quays:
with respect to steam boilers
with respect to welfare regulations;
special regulations for safety and health;
and shall apply to the processes of:
Loading, unloading or coaling of any ship in any dock, harbour or canal, and to all machinery or plant
used in those processes. The word plant under this sub-section includes any gangway or ladder used
by any person employed to load or unload or coal a ship.
Section 84 titled Building and other Construction Works applies to:
Building and other construction works undertaken by way of trade or business,
The purpose of any industrial or commercial undertaking,
To any line or siding which is used in connection with this undertaking and is not part of a railway or
tramway.
Section 86 deals with Lead Processes carried on in places other than factories and states the following
provisions:
The employment of women and young persons in certain processes connected with lead manufacture
and in process involving the use of lead compounds;
Notification to be sent to the Chief Factory Inspecting Engineer, or to the District Factory Inspecting
Engineer for the district, of lead poisoning contracted or occurring in factories;
Powers and duties of Factory Inspecting Engineers
Offences, penalties and legal proceedings
Part IX addresses Home Work:
Section 87 applies to any place of business which is either sub-contracting manufacturing processes or is
involved in the manufacturing process as if it were a factory.
The owner must:
Keep a register of the names and addresses of all workers either as workmen or contractors
This register shall be open to an inspection by any Factory Inspecting Engineer, and by any officer
duly authorized by the Minister,

How government ensures that the provisions are followed at the workplaces
According to Part XI titled Administration, the Commissioner of Labour is the officer in
charge of the administration of the Factories Ordinance. He may delegate his duties to
officials listed under the Ordinance.

Under Section 99 an Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Committee consisting of:
Chief Factory Inspecting Engineer, (Chairman);
Four other members will be appointed by the Minister, of whom at least one member
shall :1.
represent the interests of the occupiers of factories,
2.
represent the interests of the persons employed in factories, and
3.
be a specialist in the field of industrial safety and health

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By Section 101, the Ordinance empowers The Commissioner, the Chief Factory Inspecting
Engineer, and others as per the Section to enter, inspect and examine by day or night any
premises, in order to fully implement the law:
which he has reasonable cause to believe this Ordinance applies;

which is intended to be used as a factory;

which is adjacent to any premises where there are stored explosive or inflammable
materials or other substances which would expose the persons employed in the
premises to risk of injury

even premises to which this Ordinance does not apply but in which health or welfare
facilities are provided by the occupier of any premises

Female wardens must be appointed to see the welfare of woman

workers, who work at night;

Every woman worker, working at night shall be provided with rest

rooms and refreshments by the employer;

No woman shall be employed for more than ten days on night work,
during any one month

Industrial Safety division at Labour department

Their main objective is to ensure the Safety, Health and Welfare at each and every work
place by enforcing the Factories Ordinance of Sri Lanka. Their services are decentralized
through District Factory Inspecting Engineers offices at Anuradhapura, Badulla, Colombo,
Galle, Gampaha, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura.
Occupational Hygiene division at Labour department
Main functions

To promote and maintain highest possible level of physical, mental and social well being of
the Sri Lankan workforce.

To prevent workers deviating from good health to ill health due to exposure to hazards and
risks encountered at work.

To provide consultancy, advisory and advocacy services on occupational health

To provide training, educational and awareness programs on occupational health

To provide environmental and biological monitoring facilities to industries

To embark on research activities aimed at improving occupational health of workers.

Secondary functions
To intervene in conflict situations between employers and employees

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To assist the chief factory inspecting engineer and his staff in matters pertaining to
occupational health.

To provide expert evidence in legal matters

To provide assistance to the Department of Health Services in analysis of biological

specimens.

To collaborate with other government and semi-government institutions in matters relevant

to occupational health.

Factories Ordinance of Sri Lanka

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National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Sri Lanka

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health was established on 28th April
2005, under the Ministry of Labour Relations & Manpower Sri Lanka. NIOSH is committed
to better working conditions for all people, through increasing awareness of and adherence
to proper health and safety measures. Their activities include the dissemination of update
information, advisory and consultancy services. And also they educate and train employers,
employees and all other categories of people who will benefit from such training.
Vision
Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare for all
Mission
To empower through education training, research and other relevant interventions for
preventing and controlling all forms of work related hazards to ensure Safety, Health and
Welfare at workplaces.
NIOSH undertake, assist with, or co-operate in investigations studies surveys and research in
the field of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
They undertake or collaborate in the collection, preparation, dissemination or publication of
information relation to OSH, with liaising and establishing links and networks with both
National and international Institutes, Universities and other organizations in the field.
NIOSH advice the Government on the formulation and periodic reviewing of Nation Policy,
Laws, Regulations standards, codes of Practice and Guidelines on Occupational Safety and
Health

In addition, NIOSH Helps workers by,

Understanding Medical Inspections
Doing environmental monitoring
Carrying out Safety and Compliance auditing
Assessing Risk Keeping you advised of current trends in OSH Industry
Training Safety Officers
Giving training in First Aid
Training Industrial Nurses

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Hazards
Recognition of Hazards
A workplace hazard can be defined as any condition that may adversely affect the well-being
or health of exposed persons. Recognition of hazards in any occupational activity involves
characterization of the workplace by identifying hazardous agents and groups of workers
potentially exposed to these hazards. The hazards might be of chemical, biological or
physical origin. Some hazards in the work environment are easy to recognize-for example,
irritants, which have an immediate irritating effect after skin exposure or inhalation. Others
are not so easy to recognize-for example, chemicals which are accidentally formed and have
no warning properties. Some agents like metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese),
which may cause injury after several years of exposure, might be easy to identify if you are
aware of the risk. A toxic agent may not constitute a hazard at low concentrations or if no
one is exposed. Basic to the recognition of hazards are identification of possible agents at the
workplace, knowledge about health risks of these agents and awareness of possible exposure
situations.
Categories of Hazards
Chemical Hazards
:
Chemicals enter the body principally through inhalation, skin
absorption or ingestion. The toxic effect might be acute, chronic or both.
(Corrosion, Irritation, Allergic reactions, Asphyxiation, Cancer, Reproductive Effects, Systemic
poisons)

Biological Hazard
:
Biological hazards can be defined as organic dusts originating
from different sources of biological origin such as virus, bacteria, fungi, proteins from
animals or substances from plants such as degradation products of natural fibers. The
aetiological agent might be derived from a viable organism or from contaminants or
constitute a specific component in the dust. Biological hazards are grouped into infectious
and non-infectious agents. Non-infectious hazards can be further divided into viable
organisms, biogenic toxins and biogenic allergens.
(Infectious hazards, Viable organisms and biogenic toxins, Biogenic allergens)

Physical Hazards

Substances which threat your physical safety.

(Noise, Vibration, Ionizing radiation, Non-ionizing radiation, electrical, working from heights)

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Ergonomic hazards :
occur when the type of work, body position and working
conditions put strain on the body. They are the hardest to spot since employees don't always
immediately notice the strain on their body or the harm these hazards pose.
(poor lighting, frequent lifting, poor posture, improperly adjusted workstations and chairs)

Mechanical Hazards :

Hazards, take over due to machines, tools, and objects.

(Impact force, Struck by objects, confined space, slips and trips, entanglement, compressed air)

Psychosocial Issues

Psychological issues, which will led employees to hazards.

(Dissatisfaction, Apathy, Confusion, Tension, Negligence, Disorder, Frustration)

Identification and Classification of Hazards

Before any occupational hygiene investigation is performed the purpose must be clearly
defined. The purpose of an occupational hygiene investigation might be to identify possible
hazards, to evaluate existing risks at the workplace, to prove compliance with regulatory
requirements, to evaluate control measures or to assess exposure with regard to an
epidemiological survey.
Many models or techniques have been developed to identify and evaluate hazards in the
working environment. They differ in complexity, from simple checklists, preliminary
industrial hygiene surveys, job-exposure matrices and hazard and operability studies to job
exposure profiles and work surveillance programmes (Renes 1978; Gressel and Gideon
1991; Holzner, Hirsh and Perper 1993; Goldberg et al. 1993; Bouyer and Hmon 1993;
Panett, Coggon and Acheson 1985; Tait 1992). No single technique is a clear choice for
everyone, but all techniques have parts which are useful in any investigation. The usefulness
of the models also depends on the purpose of the investigation, size of workplace, type of
production and activity as well as complexity of operations.
Identification and classification of hazards can be divided into three basic elements:
workplace characterization, exposure pattern and hazard evaluation.

Hazard Surveillance and Survey Methods

Occupational surveillance involves active programmes to anticipate, observe, measure,
evaluate and control exposures to potential health hazards in the workplace. Surveillance
often involves a team of people that includes an occupational hygienist, occupational
physician, occupational health nurse, safety officer, toxicologist and engineer. Depending
upon the occupational environment and problem, three surveillance methods can be
employed: medical, environmental and biological.

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Medical surveillance is used to detect the presence or absence of adverse health effects for
an individual from occupational exposure to contaminants, by performing medical
examinations and appropriate biological tests.
Environmental surveillance is used to document potential exposure to contaminants for a
group of employees, by measuring the concentration of contaminants in the air, in bulk
samples of materials, and on surfaces.
Biological surveillance is used to document the absorption of contaminants into the body and
correlate with environmental contaminant levels, by measuring the concentration of
hazardous substances or their metabolites in the blood, urine or exhaled breath of workers.

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Effective Workplace Safety and Health Management Systems

The Safety and Health Management System is a systematic process for managing workplace
safety and health, providing for goal setting, planning, performance measurements, and clear
management commitments and direction. Safety and Health Management Systems are
mandatory for the Sri Lankan industries.
Every day, workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities cause immeasurable pain and suffering
to employees and their families. Effective Safety and Health Management Systems (SHMS)
have proven to be a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related
injuries and illnesses. SHMS will result in reduced injury-related costs. These savings, when
properly administered, will exceed the cost of a workplace SHMS.
Below mentioned areas are really effective to build up a good Safety and health management
system, to be Proactive for incidents. And also OSHA regulations do not require employers
to have a SHMS. Thus, the items mentioned below are strictly voluntary.
Management Commitment and Employee Involvement
Develop and communicate a safety and health policy to all employees.
Conduct regular safety and health meetings involving employees, managers and supervisors.
Assign responsible person(s) to coordinate safety and health activities.
Integrate safety and health into business practices (e.g., purchases, contracts, design and
development).
Involve employees in safety and health related activities (e.g., self-inspections, accident
investigations and developing safe practices).
Recognize employees for safe and healthful work practices.
Worksite Analysis
Evaluate all workplace activities and processes for hazards.
Conduct on-site inspections, identify hazards and take corrective actions.
Provide a hazard reporting system for employees to report unsafe and unhealthful conditions.
Investigate all accidents and near misses to determine their root causes.
Hazard Prevention and Control
Eliminate and control workplace hazards (e.g., engineering controls, workstation design and
work practices).
Establish a preventive maintenance program.
Keep employees informed of safety and health activities and conditions.
Plan for emergencies (e.g., create an evacuation plan, train employees and conduct fire
drills).
Record and analyze occupational injuries and illnesses.
Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers
Provide training on specific safe work practices before an employee begins work.
Provide additional training for new work processes and when accidents and near misses
occur.
Provide refresher training on a routine basis.
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Role of Representatives
Health and safety representatives (HSRs) play an important role in the partnership between
employers and employees by ensuring that employees have the opportunity to participate in
decisions affecting their health and safety at work. HSR is kind of an agent appointed by a
vote to represent the employees, on health and safety matters. Mostly he works under the
union.
Researcher views the role of the HSR as a significant contribution and an integral
component of maintaining Sri Lankas safest workplaces.
Powers of the Health and Safety Representative
HSRs have wide ranging powers under the legislation to promote the health and safety at
work of employees in their work group. Broadly these powers are:
Inspect the workplace
AcInstitute an investigator during an investigation
Represent the members of the WG in health and safety consultations with the employer
Investigate health and safety complaints
Initiate emergency stop-work procedures, and
Issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN).
Responsibilities
Use their powers carefully and only in relation to OHS matters
Ensure any action taken by them in the exercise of their powers is not taken with the
intention of causing harm to the employer or to an undertaking of the employer, and
Represent members of their WG in a professional and timely manner.
In present, researcher hasnt heard about practicing safety and health representative, in Sri
Lanka. But researcher, strongly recommend that Sri Lankan government should immediately
implement a method to make employees, appoint HSRs in privet as well as government
organizations.

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Safety and Health Policy

What is a Safety and Health Policy
A policy is a written statement, usually comprises three elements:
A statement section (often a single page) detailing how safety will be
managed and that demonstrates the organizations commitment to health and safety
An organization section that details where responsibilities are allocated and
how employees fit into the overall safety management system
Arrangements section that contains details of how specific activities and
functions are managed.
This arrangements section could include such matters as risk assessments, fire safety, first
aid, accident reporting, electrical safety, work equipment, hazardous substances, manual
handling and other workplace issues.
In larger organizations the arrangements section may refer to other documents, such as safety
manuals or safe systems of work.
All organizations employing five or more people must have a written Health and Safety
Policy statement. The policy should cover all aspects of the organization and be relevant to
all employees. A Health and Safety Policy demonstrates how seriously an organization takes
its health and safety responsibilities. A good policy will show how the organization protects
those who could be affected by its activities.
The policy should be of an appropriate length and relevance to the activities and size of the
organization.
Developing a Health and Safety Policy
Ideally the statement should be written by people within the organization. they know the
organization best and how it operates. Writer of the policy can seek assistance and advice
externally, but essentially, it should be a policy that is appropriate to the needs of the
business.
Involve the staff in putting the policy together. As well as benefiting from their day-to-day
experience of the job, doing so will give a better chance of getting their commitment to carry
out the aims of the policy.
Setting out a policy
It should be decided on how the policy should be set out. It should be set out in such a way
that it makes it clear to everyone what is expected of them to comply with the requirements
of the policy.
In a small organization its likely that a simple statement will be suitable. Its also likely that
the organization section of the policy will contain only one or two names, as most of the
responsibilities will be allocated to those people.

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Aims of a policy
There are no hard and fast rules about the length of the policy. The important thing to
remember is to link the aims of the policy to the level of risk. Risk Assessment will
determine how explicit you need to be in your arrangements section.
Reach of a policy
In a larger organization with multiple sites or activities, it is often the case that there is an
overarching or corporate policy that covers the general issues and also more detailed policies
relating to the individual sites or activities.
This can be a useful approach particularly where an organization has a number of sites where
different activities are carried out. It can allow you to tailor the organization section of the
policy to the individual managers of each site.
Informing employees
There are various ways to bring the policy to the attention of employees. If it is short
enough, employer may decide to give a copy to each employee.
When its a larger organization or the policy is fairly lengthy, employer could post copies on
notice boards or in appropriate places. But employer must make sure that they bring the
policy to the attention of all employees.
Monitoring and review
Monitoring that the policy is still effective is vital. There are many ways that this can be
done, including carrying out spot checks or safety inspections using prepared checklists.
More formally, effective monitoring can be achieved through audits and by reviewing
management reports and accident investigations.

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Chapter Two

Institute of Fundamental Studies

Hanthana road, Kandy

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Introduction to Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS)

The Institute of Fundamental Studies is a research institute which is unique in Sri Lanka. It
was established in 1981 by an Act of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The IFS is administrated
by a Board of Governors, with His Excellency the president as the Chairman and comprising
of eleven members. The Research Council, chaired by the Director of the IFS, serves as an
advisory body on scientific matters to the Board.
A scientist in the IFS is free to do research in any selected area that contributes to the
frontiers of knowledge. The researchers are mainly engaged in basic research for the benefit
of the future world; in the mean time researchers are carrying out application research for the
development of our nation. In order to fulfill the above purposes the following research
projects are carried out at the IFS.
Brain Computer Interface project
Scientists in the Brain Computer Interface project are aiming at building a Brain Computer
Interface (BCI) system, which provides a communication link between the human brain and
a computer, especially for patients who suffer from severe motor impairments. This way, the
patients who have severe physical disabilities can control equipment such as wheel chairs,
TVs, etc. and communicate with computer voice in his or her native language (in Sinhala,
Tamil or English)
Individuals with speech disabilities need an effective way of communication with the general
public. Scientists are developing a portable electronic speech system based on micro
controllers which can produce Sinhala speech, according to the input received from the
disabled person.
Solid state chemistry and Condensed Matter Physics project
The solar electricity is presently a rapidly growing but often relatively expensive renewable
energy form. Solid state chemistry and Condensed Matter Physics project are focusing their
investigations on the preparation and characterization of thin films of semiconductor nanostructures and identification of new semiconducting materials which can be used in
photovoltaic applications. As an practical application of their work, investigations are being
carried out in usage of dye solar cells in bio- sensing applications.
The Microbial Biotechnology Unit
It is now evident that the crop productivity of agriculture and plantation sector in particular
in Sri Lanka is declining, and in a few instances, total plant death of tea and coconut will
occur. This has been caused by the destruction of beneficial microbes in soil due mainly to
continuous use of chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals. The Microbial Biotechnology Unit
of the IFS has now developed a solution for this; novel microbial bio-fertilizers called Biofilmed bio-fertilizers. Initial success of the Bio-filmed bio-fertilizers against plant death of
tea in Deniyaya region has now been clearly observed. This will certainly save over billions
of Rupees of foreign exchange spent on the fertilizer imports, as well as the environment.

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Commercial production of these Bio-filmed bio-fertilizers will be commencing shortly in

collaboration with a local entrepreneur.
Ecology and environmental biology
Ecology and environmental biology focuses on understanding how ecosystems are affected
by the loss of biodiversity. Ecosystems sustain human lives and a diversity of species is
important to maintain healthy ecosystems. Studies in labs depend on student interest, and are
currently on plants and animals in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems worldwide, with a
special focus on the ecosystem that is currently defined as the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka
biodiversity hotspot. Most of our resources are devoted to understanding how species are
lost, with plants, animals and microorganisms as model systems. Species-level systematic
and ecological work in labs focus on two families of spiders; jumping spiders, crab spiders,
pseudoscorpions and the orchid genera Dendrobium and Bulbophyllum. We apply
morphological, molecular and behavioral methodology to answer questions of interest. We
at IFS believe that biodiversity loss is the single most significant challenge facing not only
Sri Lanka but the entire planet. Biodiversity loss is a hindrance to achieving sustainable
development.
Cell Biology project
The scientists in the Cell Biology project are investigating the secondary products obtained
from microorganisms such as proteins, enzymes and compatible solutes which are of great
interest to Biotechnology. They are also trying to identify whether cyano toxins is a risk
factor for the Chronic Kidney Disease in Sri Lanka. Tuberculosis had been a dreaded
disease in Si Lanka for centuries. One of the most important challenges in the control of TB
is the rapid diagnosis of cases and the optimization of anti tuberculos treatment. Our cell
biologists are trying to develop a simple, rapid and inexpensive assay based on PCR
methodology for direct detection of MDR strains from patients clinical samples.
The Bio-fuel research project
The development of alternatives to non-renewable fossil fuels is an urgent global priority as
they will get exhausted soon and their use aggravates environmental pollution and global
warming. Development of fuels from biomass is widely accepted as a timely strategy
towards energy independence from fossil fuels.
The Bio-fuel research project at IFS is aimed at producing effective microbial biofilms that
are capable of utilizing (converting) lignocellulose materials into biofuels.
Forests and forest soils are considered as potentially important terrestrial carbon sinks to
meet the CO2 emission reduction targets set by the Kyoto Protocol. However the ever
reducing forest cover is not the whole source of carbon stores available. Home gardens
will also be a good alternative. Therefore the project is aimed at studying Carbon
sequestration of forest plantations, and home gardens of Sri Lanka. The project on home
gardens is currently working on soil Carbon sequestration of different home garden systems
available in Sri Lanka and management options for improvement. The research findings will
be utilized to develop a model home garden that maintains a high-output and a maximum
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Carbon sequestration potential. The project will also be aimed at studying soil C
sequestration of forest plantations and tea plantations in the mid country areas of Sri Lanka
focusing on future Carbon trading activities.
Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling
Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling works on understanding and modeling the
hydrogeology and chemical processes in groundwater systems in order to find solutions for human
benefit. Their aim is to perform mechanistic, spectroscopic and molecular modelling of solid-water
interfacial interactions to understand the interactions of chemical species with geological material.

Natural products are organic compounds produced by plants, microorganisms, marine

organisms and lichens. The natural products research group at the IFS is conducting research
to identify environmentally friendly antioxidant, antifungal, and bioactive compounds
originating from natural sources. The objective of these studies is to identify extracts and
bioactive compounds that may be commercially exploited and help to improve the quality of
human life. Bioactive compounds are present in leaves, fruits, seeds, roots and stem bark of
plants, and in fungal mycelia and fungal cultures. Compounds are extracted by solvent
extraction, and separated using chromatographic methods and identified using spectroscopic
analysis. Antioxidant, phytotoxic, cytotoxic and fungicidal assays are carried out on extracts
and pure compounds.
Geothermal project
Sri Lanka depends heavily on imported fossil fuel for its energy requirements. Fossil fuels
not only damage the environment, but they are also non-renewable. Until recently we in Sri
Lanka did not think seriously about the heat energy from the earth as a possible resource of
energy. IFS initiated a project on mapping geothermal resources in Sri Lanka with a view to
collect vital information on our geothermal resources.
As the first step, an extensive survey around the possible hot spots was conducted using
state-of-the-art technology, with the kind support of foreign collaborators. A large amount of
valuable data was collected during this survey. Once the collected data is analysed,
recommendations can be made on the possible locations for geothermal power plants.
The Food Science & Nutrition Group
The Food Science & Nutrition group is trying to address nutrition related problems in Sri
Lanka. The main focus is to find solutions through naturally available food resources in Sri
Lanka. This involves conducting research on various food items to ensure their quality as
well as studying the effects of various types of diet on the body chemistry in labs and to
explore the link between food, nutrition and well being. They are focused on developing a
nutritive supplement with locally available resources for pregnant and lactating mothers as a
remedy for protein and micronutrient malnutrition and analyzing the anti-obesity effect of
cowpea in rats
Environmental pollution is a serious issue which is related to ecological, economical and
health problems. Sustainable technologies are needed in managing such problems.
Understanding and implementing processes for successful removal of environmental
pollutants is the goal to be achieved by our research group. We investigate the fundamentals
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of pollution removal processes and possibilities of applying those processes in engineering

applications. Electrochemistry is used as a process in treatment (material development) as
well as a tool in process development.
Science Dissemination Unit
The Dissemination of scientific knowledge is a commitment of the IFS. The Science
Dissemination Unit (SDU) has identified the great importance and the needs to improve the
know-how about electronics for O/L teachers. A series of workshops were organized for
science teacher in collaboration with the Central Province, Education Department.
The school science programme (SSP) is the one of the most important annually conducted
programme for the dissemination of science among the younger generation. The aim of this
activity is to expose young students to frontiers of science and give them an indication as to
how science is actually practised. This programme enables students to meet and mix with
students from different ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds in an informal
atmosphere which is an added advantage.
Nanoscience is an emerging field at present and it will be a golden gate for a new scientific
era. Therefore we have conducted several programmes to disseminate the idea of
nanoscience among the school students and teachers. Our main intention in conducting
these programmes were to promote our school children to explore the modern scientific
world through the knowledge of nanoscience.
Public lectures are organized to promote the public understanding of science. Special
lectures are held to provide a quick forum for the researcher at the IFS , other institutes and
the country. Research meetings are conducted by the research assistants of the IFS. These
meetings provide a platform to present their research findings and discuss their research
problems with the peers.
IFS served the community in 2010, in collaboration with the private enterprise, Link Natural
Products Pvt. Ltd. It was revealed in the investigations, that Mihindu Praha Moola water
supply scheme in Asokamalagama, Pemaduwa distributed water with a high fluoride content
and hardness which serves a population about 500. The Electro Coagulation methodology
was adopted due to its simplicity to remove excess hardness and fluoride in drinking water.
The Electro Coagulation unit was designed and fabricated in this village, thus reducing the
fluoride content in the drinking water.
Research on the behavior and ecology of wild primates
The main objective of the research on the behavior and ecology of wild primates is to
expand the (our) understanding of the evolution of primate societies and of human social
predispositions. This fundamental theoretical objective, however, has practical and
economic applications. Humans have a keen interest to learn about primates because they
recognize something of themselves when observing monkeys. The research team has
accumulated a substantial store of information about primates, and the knowledge is

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marketable by way of eco-tourism. It also has applications to issues of human health as well
as wildlife management, nature conservation and education.
This work also has been broadcast internationally through high quality documentary films.
The films have given Sri Lanka a positive image in the international political and economic
arenas, and have attracted visitors to the country.
Annual Budget of IFS
The annual budget of the IFS in 2011 was Sri Lankan Rupees 127 Million. This amounts to
about 6 Rupees per Sri Lankan citizen. This modest contribution has been efficiently utilized
by the IFS scientists to produce the highest number of publication per scientist in Sri Lanka.
Objective
The objective of the Institute is to initiate, promote and conduct basic research in
Mathematics, Physical and Chemical Sciences, Life sciences and Philosophy taken in the
broadest sense.
Goals
To conduct basic and advanced scientific research, and to make new innovations which uplift
scientific and technological activities in Sri Lanka.
To motivate students and younger scientists to engage in advanced competitive research.
To promote international cooperation in research.
To contribute towards national development through research in the basic and applied
sciences
To develop human resources in the science through training undergraduates post graduates
and mid level technical cadres.

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Organizational Structure

Draft one: organizational chart of the Institute of Fundamental Studies

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Present Safety and Health practice of Institute of Fundamental Studies

At present, IFS follows some Safety and Health practices, which are most common in
Institutes. But they are not good enough, as IFS is one of the leading Scientific research
facility in Sri Lanka. 75% of the IFS staff is science researches, who deal with dangerous
chemicals and machineries, in their day to day work.
Insurance policy and the employee trust fund are the main compensation methods at IFS.
They do not practice a Health and safety policy.
Most Important facts of the IFS Insurance policy
Five employees of the institute can claim Rs.100,000/- each in a year, when they should have
surgical treatments for the under mentioned critical illnesses.
Heart Attack (Myocardial infarction)
Coronary Artery Disease Surgery
Stroke
Cancer
Renal Failure

Major Organ Transplant, such as Lung or Bone Marrow

Paralysis
Multiple Sclerosis
Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Fulminate Hepatitis

When in a case of hospital admittance, an employee can claim Rs. 55,000/- if he/she is admitted in a
privet hospital. Or, he/she can claim Rs.500/- a day when admitted at a government hospital, for 14
days. (Once in year)
Cost of drugs, special consultation fee, or fee for tests and investigation can be covered by a claim of
Rs.2500/Employee can claim Rs.3000/- in case an eye specialist recommended to use spectacles. Once in
three years.

Employees Trust Fund benefits

Automatic life insurance cover maximum of Rs. 50,000/Total and permanent disability insurance cover maximum of Rs. 150,000/Financial assistance for heart surgeries up to 150,000/Intra ocular lens implant cost of lens maximum of Rs.3000/- per eye
Scholarships for year 5 children of members
Financial assistance up to Rs. 25,000/- for hospitalization
Low interest housing loan Viyana
Financial assistance for kidney transplants up to Rs. 150,000/-

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Focused main matters and Data analyze

As the researcher mentioned before Institute of Fundamental Studies is one of the leading
Research facilities of Sri Lanka. But the insurance policy does not clearly address their
coverage for the work place accidents and other hazards. To get a clear idea on what kind of
Health and Safety policy is most appropriate for the present situation, researcher
completed a survey on Occupational Health and Safety with producing questionnaires to
randomly selected 25 employees of the institute. (Questionnaire is attached in the annex)
Focused main matters of the institute
Buildings of the IFS are not built for laboratories. In past this was a Hotel called Hantana
hotel. due to that, the laboratories are not built up according to international standards on
building laboratories. In present, laboratories are located in past hotel rooms.
Due to the matter mentioned above, most of those laboratories do not have enough room to
keep equipments, such as cupboards and all. So most equipments are kept along the corridor.
If accidently a fire emergency occurred, employees does not have enough space to make a
run.
Some laboratories and office working environments do not have a good ventilation system.
There are lots of floor areas, which are extremely slippery when wet. And also some Steps
are slippery which has history for accidents.

Draft two: Ground floor map of the Institute of Fundamental Studies

Most of the Laboratories do not have a Fire alarm system.

Some of the fire extinguishers are not updated.
Most of the employees do not have an Emergency training, such as emergency evacuation.
Chemicals used in laboratories
In every laboratory, there are not enough of safety equipments for the number of workers in
there.
Some newly appointed research assistance and volunteers do not clean up the desk and other
equipments after experiments.
Laboratories do not maintain a good, standard first aid kit recommended for laboratories.

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Analyze of the data collected

Only 60% of employees clearly know about their Insurance policy.
52% of research staff has received training on lab equipments, when they were recruited.
Within the research staff,
56% use Explosive chemicals
70% use Oxidizing chemicals
75% use Flammable chemicals
88% use Toxic chemicals
76% use Carcinogens
68% work with Mutagens
90% work with Corrosive chemicals
90% use Irritant chemicals

Most used Dangerous chemical and categories are,

HNO3 , HF , Cyanide , Pyridine , Anisaldehyde , Sulfuric , Organic solvents , Heavy metal
salts , Cd , 3-Mecaptopropionic acid , Ethidium Bromide , HCl , DPPH .

72% of the employees work with particulates such as dust/fibrous and silica which can be
affect their health. And only 60% use safety methods such as dust masks, when working with
those.
30% of the research staff work with biological aspects such as virus and bacteria.
In case of a chemical accident, only 30% have the quick access to a safety shower. And 50%
has access to eye wash.
Within the research staff,
28% work with radioactive machines
68% work with Noisy machines
44% work with Damaged/Unsecured machines
44% work with machines, which dangerous parts are exposed to out.
44% work with machines needed to be updated

Machines and equipments with history for accidents are..

Atomic absorption spectroscopy, Oven, Hot plate, Vacuum chamber of the digester room,
centrifuges.

Only 52% of employees have emergency situation training.

36% of the employees have a fire alarm system at their work place.
70% of employees has quick access to a nearby fire extinguisher.
Only 24% of employees know the correct fire extinguisher to use in different conditions of
fire.
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68% has emergency exit, or they can move out quickly from the usual path.
When a toxic gas is released by accident,
28% has Gas masks, 60% has Goggles.
20% knows how to use proper air filter for relevant gas.
16% has a air vacuum system at their workplace.
85% of the employees has quick access to first aid kits.
60% of the employees work places have a good ventilation system.

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Chapter Three

Suggestions and Conclusion

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Suggestions
Environment and other
Should give a orientation programme on Insurance policy to new employees, and a lecture is
most appropriate for the present members too. Because some of them do not know about
their insurance policy.
There should be notices around the slippery areas, regarding the slippery floors and slippery
steps.
The corridor infront of the laboratories should be clean, easy to walk by. IFS can implement
a good equipment management system and put those in a one place.
IFS Union or the welfare society should appoint a Safety and Health representative to talk
in behalf of the employees regarding safety matters.
Laboratory safety and other arrangements should implement.
As laboratories are not enough, its better if they joined two or three rooms together with
breaking some walls, and building bigger labs with necessary standard laboratory needs.
All laboratories should be repaired to have a good ventilation system.
Each laboratory should have a fire alarm system linked to others. So when a close laboratory
is on fire, it will notify other, close laboratories to evacuate.
Fire extinguishers should be refilled annually. Non academic office should take care of that.
IFS should follow up the OSHA Laboratory standards.
IFS should develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan which is a written program developed and
implemented to set forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work
practices that capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by
hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace.
A Chemical Hygiene Officer or one of the technical officers should be appointed to provide
technical guidance in the development and implementation of the provisions of the Chemical
Hygiene Plan. Qualified by training or experience,
Every laboratory should have extra pair of safety wears, such as lab coats, gloves, safety
shoes, and all.
Its better if IFS issued a handout to each employee in the research field, which contains
valuable details about safety procedures to use relevant chemicals and lab equipments.
IFS should organize a annual programme to train employees on choosing, Suitable gas mask
for relevant type of gases. And most suitable dust masks to use in several dust type.

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It will be really effective, if a Health and Safety officer is appointed and made him to inspect
laboratories, regularly to check whether safety and health procedures are followed by them.
Been insured must be a must in the Institute.
Should design a proper compensation policy, to make sure that IFS covers the costs for
workplace accidents, those happened out of the policy. But if an employee faced to a
accident due to refusing the safety and health policy, he/she wont get full benefits.
Employees should be well trained on maintaining a standard first aid kit, which contains
necessary medicine for chemical damages.
When a accident occurred, should give the fullest attention and find the cause. Then safety
and health policy should be updated making sure to prevent that type of accident in future.
IFS should annually organize an Emergency Incident Training with making out some
incidents, like a fire emergency evacuation.
One or two employees from each division should be specifically trained to on safety
procedures to use chemicals and lab equipments. So that they can train newly appointed
employees regarding those.
IFS should refer International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) which are data sheets
intended to provide essential safety and health information on chemicals in a clear and
concise way.

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Proposed Safety and Health Policy for Institute of Fundamental Studies

The safety and health of our employees in Institute of Fundamental Studies. (hereafter
referred to as the Institute) is our foremost consideration. No employee will be required to
do a job that he or she considers unsafe. The Institute will comply with all applicable
workplace safety and health requirements and maintain occupational safety and health
standards that equal or exceed the best practices in the industry.
The Institute will maintain a safety committee, which consists of management and our
employees. Our responsibility will be identifying hazards and unsafe work practices,
removing obstacles to accident prevention, and helping evaluate the Institutes effort to
achieve an accident and injury-free workplace. The Institute pledges to do the following:
Strive to achieve the goal of zero accidents and injuries.
Provide mechanical and physical safeguards wherever they are necessary.
Conduct routine safety and health inspections to find and eliminate unsafe working
conditions, control health hazards, and comply with all applicable OR-OSHA safety and
health requirements.
Train all employees in safe work practices and procedures.
Host annual programmes to train employees on,
Emergency evacuation training
First aid course
Fire extinguisher training
One or two employees from each division will be specifically trained on safety procedures to
use chemicals and lab equipments. So that they can train newly appointed employees
regarding those.
We will issue a handout to each employee in the research field, which contains valuable
details about safety procedures to use relevant chemicals and lab equipments. And also it
will contain details extracted from International Chemical Safety Cards.
Provide employees with necessary personal protective equipment and train them to use and
care for it properly.
Enforce Institute safety and health rules and require employees to follow the rules as a
condition of employment.
Investigate accidents to determine the cause and prevent similar accidents. And updates shall
be made to the safety and Health policy to prevent those in future.
The Institute recognizes that the supervisors and all other employees share responsibility for
a safe and healthful workplace.
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Management is accountable for preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. Management

will consider all employee suggestions for achieving a safer, healthier workplace.
Management also will keep informed about workplace safety and health hazards and
regularly reviews the Institutes safety and health program.
Supervisors are responsible for supervising and training workers in safe work practices.
Supervisors must enforce Institute rules and ensure that employees follow safe practices
during their work.
All employees have responsibility for their own safety as well as for the safety of their
fellow workers. They are expected to participate in the safety and health program, which
includes immediately reporting accidents, hazards, and unsafe work practices to a supervisor
or safety committee representative, wearing required personal protective equipment, and
participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

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Conclusion
Institute of Fundamental Studies did not had a good Health and Safety policy. But from
today onwards, researcher hopes that top management will implement some of the facts
pointer out in this project report.
Employees of the Institute were really helpful to make this project a success. !

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Reference
Safe work bookshelf, Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety, International
Labor Organization , www.ilo.org, (9th July 2012)
Occupational Safety and Health Laws , www.salary.lk, (10th July 2012.)
Health and safety at work, International Labor Organization , www.ilo.org, (9th July 2012).
CISDOC Database, International Labor Organization , www.ilo.org,(9th July 2012)
Official website of labour Department of Sri Lanka, www.labourdept.gov.lk, (10th July 2012)
"Safety & Health Management Systems", Ministry of Manpower, Singapore,
www.mom.gov.sg, (10th July 2012).
Industrial Safety division, labour Department of Sri Lanka, www.labourdept.gov.lk,( 11th
July 2012)
Occupational Hygiene division, labour Department of Sri Lanka, www.labourdept.gov.lk,
(11th July 2012)
"Health and Safety Policy", www.healthyworkinglives.com, (11th July 2012)
International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC), International Labor Organization,
www.ilo.ogr, (9th July 2012.)
"Safety, health issues in rubber sector", N Yogaratnam, Phd (London), Tree crops Agro
Consultants, DAILYNEWS ONLINE, www.dailynews.lk, (12th July 2012)
"Information for Health and safety representatives (HSRs)", www.comcare.gov.au, (09th July
2012)
Official website of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, www.
slniosh.com, (14th July 2012)
"Importance of Occupational Safety.ppt, Professor F.K. Ewete, Dean, Faculty of,
Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (09th July 2012)
Official website of the Institute of Fundamental Studies, www.ifs.ac.lk, (10th July 2012)
OSHA at glance.pdf, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, US Department of
labor, (10th July 2012.)
OSHA lab standards Occupational Health and Safety Administration, US Department of
labor, (10th July 2012.)

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Annexes
The researcher collected data to complete this project with producing a questionnaire to
randomly selected 25 employees of the Institute. structure of the questionnaire is mentioned
below.

Personal Details

Name with Initials

.

Age group
18-24
25-30
30-36
37-43

:
:
:
:

Present Position
..........................................................................
Department

What are the main work tasks you do in your job? Please describe as fully as possible.
Research
Field work
Technical
Administrative
Accounts
Transport

:
:
:
:
:
:

Do you have any long-standing health problems or disabilities which limit what you can do at
work, at home or in your leisure time?

Do you know about your Insurance policy?

Yes

No

Have you heard about a Occupational health and safety policy of IFS?
Yes

No

Job Related

When you were recruited to your workplace, do you had a proper orientation programme and a
Safety training on using equipments?
Yes

No

Do you use chemicals, which are

Carcinogens
Mutagens
Corrosive
Irritant

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Explosive
Oxidizing
Flammable
Toxic

What is the most Active/Dangerous Chemical you use at the laboratory ?

.

Do you work with particulates such as dust/fibrous & silica which will affect your health ?
Yes
No
When you work with those, do you use dust masks, and know how to use relevant dust masks for

different kind of dusts ?

Yes
No
At your workplace, is there a possibility for accidently exposing to Biological hazards ?
(Virus, Bacteria,)

Yes

No

What are the safety methods you use, during your work?
Gloves
Viynal
Acid
Safety glasses
Goggles
UV/IR cut glasses
Gas Masks
Dust Masks
Safety Shoes
Lab coats

In case of Chemical Accident, do you have quick access to,

A safety shower
A Eye wash

Are you working with,

Radioactive machines?
Noisy machines?
Damaged/Unsecured machines?
Machines with dangerous parts?
Machines needed to be updated?

What is the machine famous for the vulnerability for accidents, at your work place?
.

Do you have any Emergency training?

Yes
No

Environment

According to your opinion, what is the most vulnerable place for accidents in the IFS premises?
(Ex: Slippery floors, slippery steps)

Does your work place have a fire alarm system?

Yes
No
In a fire emergency,
Do you have quick access to WORKING fire extinguishers?
Yes
No

And do you have knowledge on which extinguisher to be used in relevant kind of fire?
Yes
No

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How often, fire extinguishers in your laboratory, are updated/refilled?

Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Do you have emergency exit? Or can you move fast at the usual path?
Yes
No

When a toxic gas is released accidently, do you have?

Gas masks?
Yes
No
Goggles?
Yes
No
And do you have a proper knowledge on which gas filter to be used for relevant toxic
gases?
Yes
No
An efficient, manual or automated air vacuum system. ?
Yes
No

When a accident occurred, do you have a quick access to a first aid kit at your work place?
Yes
No

How often is your first aid kit updated?

Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly

Do your workplace has a good ventilation system ?

What is your Opinion about practicing a appropriate health and safety policy,
At IFS ?

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