Occupational Safety, Health and Work Ethics
This domain tests workplace hazards in apparel units, safe machine use, ergonomics, emergency response and expected conduct at work.
Core concepts
- Hazards include moving machine parts, needles, hot irons, sharp tools, electricity, poor lighting, dust, repetitive strain and poor posture.
- Controls follow a hierarchy: remove the hazard, guard it, change the work method, then use PPE. Machine guards, needle guards, proper earthing and good housekeeping are essential.
- Ergonomics means adjusting the chair, table and task to the worker. Take short breaks and stretch to reduce strain.
- Fire safety requires clear exits, correct extinguisher type, no blocked passages and evacuation drills. Report accidents and near misses.
- Work ethics include punctuality, honesty, confidentiality, teamwork, respect, safe reporting and refusal of unsafe tasks.
Worked example
A tailor removes the needle guard to sew faster. This is unsafe. The guard is an engineering control that prevents finger contact with the needle. The correct response is to stop, refit the guard, adjust the work method or use a suitable tool, and report the removal. Speed does not justify disabling a safety device. The reasoning places hazard control before productivity.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say PPE is the first choice; it is the last line of defence. Do not treat ethics as only major crimes; lateness, misuse of materials and silence about hazards also matter. Do not use water on an electrical fire. Do not ignore near misses.
Exam focus
Hazard identification, control measures, emergency response and workplace-conduct scenarios.