Appraisal Of The Application Of Health And Safety Measures In Stores Operation
(A Case Study Of John Holt Plc Port-Harcourt)
The application of health and safety measures in store operations is paramount to fostering a secure and conducive environment for both employees and customers. Ensuring occupational well-being involves implementing rigorous protocols to mitigate potential risks and hazards within the retail setting. This encompasses the establishment of stringent hygiene practices, such as regular sanitation of high-touch surfaces and the provision of sanitization stations at strategic points. Additionally, the integration of ergonomic principles in the store layout and design contributes to the prevention of physical strain and injuries among staff. Adequate training programs on emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and first aid, further bolster the preparedness of personnel in the face of unforeseen circumstances. In the context of store operations, the judicious application of health and safety measures not only safeguards individuals from potential harm but also fosters a culture of responsibility and well-being that positively impacts the entire retail environment.
Over the years companies have witnessed series of accidents in the stores, since encountering accidents in the store has a lot of cost implication, the main problem of this study is to enquire into the major causes of accident and lay safety consciousness in the organization and store in particular.
As a result of the above of objectives hypothesis were stated. The major objective being to prevent all potential accident at work and to analyze hazard, risks and provide actions to avoid presents and future occurrence.
Effective engineering of this work was carried out through the use of questionnaire, personal interviews statistical, information were supplied by John Holt Plc Port Harcourt. Tables were used in analyzing the data where appropriate, , while chi-square was used to test the hypothesis formulated. A number of findings were made, chief of which is that effective use of safety regulation in stores is of high advantage to the organization.
Finally conclusions were drawn from the findings made and relevant recommendation proffered. These conclusion are also valid to the extent that the assumption made hold water.
However, one main conclusion is that not every organization make safety a priority and recommend that companies should lay down an overall philosophy relating to health and safety and specifying policies on health and safety of the organization.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 General overview
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 purpose of the study
1.6 Research Question
1.7 Scope of the study
1.8 Limitation of the study
1.9 Operational definitions of terms
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Review of related literature
2.1 Historical background
2.2 Importance of safety at work
2.2.1 Aims and objectives of safety application
2.2.2 Possible causes of accident in stores
2.2.3 The dominium effect and square of accident
2.3 Principles of occupational safety and health Safe system of work
2.3.1 Receipt for safe conduct
2.3.2 Safety responsibilities in stores
2.3.3 Safety as management priority
2.3.4 Supervisors responsibilities
2.3.5 Individual responsibilities
2.4 Health And safety precautions
2.4.1 Safety acts and conditions in stores
2.4.2 Code of safe practice
2.4.3 Mind your back
2.4.4 Personal safeguards
2.4.5 Special safety regulation in handling Dangerous materials
2.4.6 Major hazards
2.4.7 Form of hazardous chemical petrol other Fuel and their storages
CHAPTER THREE
Research methodology
3.1 Research design
3.2 Questionnaire design
3.3 Population / sample selection
3.4 Sources of data
3.4.1 Primary source
3.4.2 Secondary source
3.5 Data Collection techniques
3.5.1 The survey
3.5.2 Observation
3.6 Methods of Data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data presentation and Analysis
4.1 Data presentation
4.2 Analysis of data
4.3 Testing of hypothesis
4.4 Decision rule
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary, conclusion and recommendation
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
Bibliography
Appendix
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
Cases on the accident in store depend highly on the materials in store, the manner in which stores personnel carry out their day to day tasks and the stores environment itself.
Generally accidents do not just occur they are caused through error of omission or commission. It therefore be hoofs on management to remove all known and possible causes of accident from work analyze hazard and risk where necessary recommend actions to avoid present and future occurrence.
Large number of working days are lost every year because of accident at work.
Therefore the management should bring a comprehensive policy statement on health and safety to the attention of his employees.
The company’s policy will then help people to be more aware of the dangers and risks involve in working in stores.
The overall objective of the company’ policy is to prevent life at work, reduce accident, create safety awareness and consciousness towards materials, equipment and environment with a view of eliminating operational lost of time, pain and suffering.
The policies when implement will help to ensure safety of all store personnel in the performance of their duties and other people entering the store.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
There is no application of safety measure in the organization.
The organization does not take safety measure serious as can be seen from the fact that there is no safety measure officer in their organization.
There are no competent and qualified personnel in the area of the subject matter to handle safety and health issues more a worth responsible for safety and health issues.
The organization has done little to promote safety and health matters; there is no seminar or workshops being organized for workers on the subject matter.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
To find out the extent of application of safety and health measures in the organization.
To find out management psychology with respect to health and safety matters.
To investigate into the qualifications, experience, and the competency of the workforce as to ascertain their contribution otherwise in the health and safety matters.
To suggest ways of improving health and safety issues in the organization
To educate management and staff alike on the need for health and safety application in their daily operation.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
On completion of this research work the following persons or group will benefit immensely from
1. The researcher, this work is a requirement by NBTE for the award high natural diploma certificate. In purchasing and supply and therefore without this research work the researcher will not obtain this certificate.
Also this exercise has provided an opportunity for the researcher to acquire skills in project and research. If the researcher is faced with similar situation in the future he will not be seen as a novice in research writing.
2. To other students, it will go a long way to provide with the necessary data they may require for research work in the future.
3. To the firm of the case study this work on completion would provide an instrument of measures that will enable them to know if what they have been doing is right or otherwise as far as health and safety measures is concerned on completion, of this work it will create some degree of curiosity in the minds of these firms in the industry that have not taken health and safety measure serious and this may lead to a change of heart.
1.5 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
Stores in John Holt Plc like most general importers / manufacturing organization represent above of its assets.
It is the function of stores management to provide adequate security which cover not only theft and fraud but other related hazards such as stock deterioration, fire damage and accident.
The stores like the heart in human body acts as source of supply to other functional units of the organization. Even though it provides a will reflected in the overall efficiency of the organization and serve functions of its services or task. It therefore implies that an effective management of stores will eliminate unsafe acts, duplication of efforts, handling of materials and creates a conducive working environment for employees
In the light of this, the objective of this research study is to critically look into the following cases.
a. Safety consciousness in the organization in general and the stores in particular.
b. Major causes of accident in the company .
c. Method adopted to prevent accident.
d. Efforts of management through policy guidance to prevent accidents.
To investigate and analyse other feasible measures to prevent and promote safety practices in the organization.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
In order for this research to give accurate direction to the reader, other researchers and planners, it becomes expedient to formulate some research questions on which the conclusion would be based.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study should have taken you to all the firm in admitting the fact that I am a student and at the same time working is not possible for me to visit all the firm within the industry.
To this effect, the researcher decided to concentrate on the application of health and safety measure in John Holt Plc Port Harcourt.
In this organization the researcher interacted with the marketing department
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY.
The researcher was confronted with various obstacles in the course of carrying out his investigation and collection.
One of such obstacles was difficulties in getting information from employees as most of them were reluctant to reveal such information.
In addition, since the researcher’s study revolve more on management policy, most do not attend to the researcher. The few ones the researcher got to fill the questionnaires were gotten after several calls. Concerning oral interview most of them could not say anything as there were so many time robbers pestering them”
Another major constraint encountered was finance. As a result of hyper inflation most of the materials used had their prices sky-rocketed.
Moreover, transportation has also gone up. Some times where there is traffic , the researcher has to board a bike popularly known as “Okada” in order to meet up appointments.
1.9 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
To ease the complexity in the use of some terms in this study. Some major terms have been defined as used in the context.
1. STORE: This is an area in an organization where various kinds of materials needed for production, distribution, maintenance packaging and general administration etc are kept and issued to users.
2. MATERIAL HANDLING: This embraces the movement, handling and storage of material including raw materials, components and supporting goods in stores regardless of shape size, form, nature or weight.
3. SPECIFICATION: A detailed description of materials including all features or attributes which guarantee fitness of purpose of the materials when put to use.
4. STOCK YARD: An open storage area where materials that do not suffer attack from the natural elements are stored.
5. OBSOLESCENCE: A process through which an item undergo before becoming obsolete. While obsolete items are those which are not required because requirements have changed.
6. STORAGE: This means storage of materials. Storage of materials entails adequate and correct location of items in accordance with manufacturers storage of instruction and demand of great deals of skill and understanding on part of store staff.
7. HIGH RISK MATERIAL: These are materials like explosive, petrol, oil chemical etc that requires special attention in terms of storage.
Application Of Health And Safety Measures In Stores Operation:
Health and safety measures in store operations are critical to ensure the well-being of both employees and customers. Implementing these measures helps prevent accidents, injuries, and the spread of illnesses. Here are some key applications of health and safety measures in store operations:
Store Layout and Design:
Ensure clear and unobstructed pathways to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Place emergency exits and fire extinguishers prominently and ensure they are easily accessible.
Use anti-slip mats and proper lighting to enhance visibility.
Employee Training:
Provide comprehensive training on safety protocols, including lifting techniques, handling hazardous materials, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Train employees to recognize potential hazards and report them promptly.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Ensure employees have access to and use appropriate PPE such as gloves, safety goggles, and masks, depending on the specific risks in the store.
Sanitization and Hygiene:
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as counters, carts, and door handles.
Provide hand sanitizers at entrances and throughout the store.
Encourage employees to wash their hands frequently.
Emergency Response Plans:
Develop and communicate clear emergency response plans, including procedures for evacuations, fire drills, and first aid.
Train employees on how to use fire alarms and emergency equipment.
Hazardous Material Handling:
Store hazardous materials in designated areas with proper labeling and containment measures.
Train employees in the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
Security Measures:
Implement security measures to prevent theft and violence, such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and panic buttons.
Train employees on how to handle potentially dangerous situations.
Customer Safety:
Clearly mark and maintain safe customer walkways and shopping aisles.
Ensure that heavy or fragile items are properly secured to prevent them from falling and causing injuries to customers.
Health Screenings:
During pandemics or health crises, implement health screenings for employees and customers, such as temperature checks or symptom questionnaires.
Occupational Health:
Provide access to occupational health services and encourage employees to report any work-related injuries or illnesses promptly.
Establish protocols for reporting and investigating workplace accidents.
Ergonomics:
Promote proper ergonomics in the workplace to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Provide adjustable workstations and seating where applicable.
Compliance with Regulations:
Stay informed about and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations related to health and safety in retail operations.
Regular Inspections and Audits:
Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify and address potential hazards or violations.
Communication and Awareness:
Keep employees informed about safety procedures and updates through regular meetings, signage, and training sessions.
Use communication channels to inform customers about safety measures in place.
Feedback and Improvement:
Encourage employees and customers to provide feedback on safety concerns and suggestions for improvement.
By diligently applying these health and safety measures in store operations, retailers can create a safer environment for employees and customers, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and enhance their overall reputation for responsible business practices.