Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE
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HEALTH AND SAFETY IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 17
Grade code: 2.1.2.LI.5
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.2.LI.5
Theme: ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Subtheme: HEALTH AND SAFETY IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE
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This lesson introduces a fundamental tool for safety in any engineering field: the Risk Assessment Matrix. In Ghana, from the local mechanic's shop in Suame Magazine to the large-scale construction sites in Accra and Takoradi, engineers and technicians face daily hazards. Understanding how to systematically identify, evaluate, and prioritize these risks is not just a professional skill; it is a life-saving one. This tool helps us move from simply saying "be careful" to making calculated decisions that protect ourselves, our colleagues, our families, and the community.
This section breaks down the essential ideas you need to understand and apply the risk assessment matrix. A. Hazard vs. Risk
This is the most important starting point. People often use these words interchangeably, but in engineering, they have specific meanings. Hazard: A hazard is anything with the *potential* to cause harm. It is the source of danger. *Example 1:* A puddle of engine oil on a workshop floor is a hazard. *Example 2:* An unguarded blade on a cutting machine is a hazard. *Example 3:* A frayed electrical cord is a hazard. Risk: Risk is the *chance or probability* that a person will be harmed by the hazard, combined with the *severity* of that harm. *Example 1:* The risk associated with the spilled oil is that someone might slip, fall, and break a bone. *Example 2:* The risk of using the unguarded machine is that an operator might suffer a severe cut or amputation. *Example 3:* The risk from the frayed cord is electrocution.
Think of it this way: A sleeping lion in a cage is a hazard. The risk of being attacked is low. If the cage door is open and you walk towards it, the hazard is the same (the lion), but the risk has become very high. B. The Risk Assessment Matrix
A risk assessment matrix is a simple visual tool that helps us to determine the level of a risk by considering two key factors: Likelihood and Severity. Likelihood (or Probability): How likely is it that the harm will occur? We rate this on a scale, typically 1 to 5.