Info for Health and Safety in Software Development companies

D

Deepu

#1
Hi,

I could see a lot of useful information in this Forum. Is there something specific for software development companies or BPOs that you can share with me. Since it is not similar to the shop floor... ergonomics, fire safety, periodic breaks away from the computer... is there anything else that needs to be specifically addressed?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,
Deepu
 
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S

samsung

#2
I could see a lot of useful information in this Forum. Is there something specific for software development companies or BPOs that you can share with me. Since it is not similar to the shop floor... ergonomics, fire safety, periodic breaks away from the computer... is there anything else that needs to be specifically addressed?
Let me assume that your query is with respect to adoption of OHSAS. If so, I don't think there's anything in your profession that you can't manage without systematically adopting or getting certified to OHSAS. If you feel that there isn't much at stake with respect to OHS, then you should dispense with OHSAS and continue to manage the hazards as you normally do. What I feel is that if you do it, sooner or later you will start feeling a burden because you will have to do a lot of things which your business doesn't naturally demand except having a feel that your's is an OHSAS certified system.

You can also consider self certification if a third party certification isn't a requirement of your customers.
 
D

Deepu

#3
Hi,

Yes, it has to do with OHSAS. It has become a top management requirement, rather than a customer requirement. Reason being that our parent company in the UK is looking at it. So I need to investigate and submit a proposal.

Our UK parent has got a manufacturing set up also, so there it makes more sense.

However, here it will be more to do with fire safety and the other topics I mentioned, though we do have a challenge in the former, since one of our offices is in the 13th floor of a 14th floor building and other than the stairs and elevators (which cannot be used if there is a fire), there is no other option.

However if there are good practices followed in similar companies, I would like to adapt them to the extent possible, even if certification is not necessary. For example, do we need to address Electro Static Discharge as computer users, or is it needed only for Sys Admin people who may open up the computer?


Regards,
Deepu
 
P

PotentCompoundSafety

#4
Since it appears that you are located outside to the U.S. I won't reference any U.S. based regulations. Key health and safety issues for software development companies include ergonomics, emergency planning (medical, earthquakes, hostile intruders, etc.), indoor air quality may be a concern, office safety, electrical safety, health and wellness including weight control, stop smoking, etc. can be included as well.
 
S

samsung

#5
Yes, it has to do with OHSAS. It has become a top management requirement, rather than a customer requirement. Reason being that our parent company in the UK is looking at it. So I need to investigate and submit a proposal.
If it's a top management requirement, there's no way other than going for the certification.

However, here it will be more to do with fire safety and the other topics I mentioned, though we do have a challenge in the former, since one of our offices is in the 13th floor of a 14th floor building and other than the stairs and elevators (which cannot be used if there is a fire), there is no other option.
Other than fire, most of the perceived hazards in a software development environment do fall under low risk category. Now coming to the location of the office which I suppose is a shared building, you still need to answer the question- what additional measures you will adopt to mitigate/ reduce this particular risk once you get certified to OHSAS? or how would OHSAS help you minimize the risk level of an untoward fire incidence in the building? Why I quote this is because you probably will not find anything more significant than this.

However, you can procure Rope Ladders (with rigid rungs) or Hang Safe Ladders for your people to provide them with some means to escape in case the building sets on fire. These ladders can be hanged down through the windows to provide means of escape if the main pathway/staicase becomes inaccessible. BUT a lot of skill & training is required in using a rope ladder than a rigid ladder, because it tends to swing like a pendulum.

For example, do we need to address Electro Static Discharge as computer users, or is it needed only for Sys Admin people who may open up the computer?
Addressing Electrostatic Discharges is beyond the scope of OHSAS since it can only damage the electronics, ICs etc. rather than adversely affecting the H&S of human beings. You can still address it but outside of OHS management.
 
P

PotentCompoundSafety

#6
If you're going after OHSAS, do a good job with the risk assessment process, and make sure that you include some of the potential external risks - for example, are you located near an industrial facility that could have a chemical release.
 
W

Willie Brown

#7
Along with physical health, we should also take care of our mental health also. When you are stressed or depressed or anxious, you may not able to do your duties properly. But these types of issues, most of the time we ignore. So if you want to be a real healthy person, then You must have to take care of your mental health also. Whenever you feel any stress, anxiety or depression, take the help of professionals.
 
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