Health and Safety in Science Organisations
The science organisations I have decided to inspect are Loreal (a cosmetic company),
Johnson & Johnson (a pharmaceutical company), and LG Chem (a company that produces
plastics).
Loreal, the largest beauty brand globally, is renowned for its unmatched dedication to
technology, research, and innovation, and creating innovative superior products suitable for
all age groups, gender and ethnicities. The brand includes skin care, hair colour, hair style,
hair care and cosmetics as its five main beauty categories.1
Johnson & Johnson conducts research, develops, produces, and markets medical devices
and pharmaceuticals. Through its operating companies, the company carries out business. In
addition to medical equipment for use in the domains of general surgery, orthopaedics,
neurovascular care, immunology, cancer and neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and
metabolic diseases, it offers medications for these conditions. J&J supplies pharmacies,
hospitals, wholesalers, and medical professionals with pharmaceuticals and medical
supplies.2
LG Chem’s main activities are establishing a vertically integrated system from materials such
as ethylene, propylene to downstream products such as PE (polyethylene), ABS (acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene), and synthetic rubber.3
P2: describe the potential hazards relevant to different scientific work environments
In the cosmetic industry most, times than not potential hazards are involved. Cosmetics and
personal care items include foundation and mascara, face and body lotion, soaps and
shampoos, hair styling products, deodorant, toothpaste, hair dyes, and nail polish. They are
regarded as secure. However, this does not negate the hazards associated with their use,
especially if improper usage occurs. Among the potential safety issues with cosmetics and
personal hygiene products are:4
- Spreading bacteria on the skin
- Irritation and scratches on the eye
- Fire hazards, in the case of aerosol products such as hairspray
- Allergic reactions or sensitivity to ingredients
The most common hazards in the cosmetic industry (etc. beauty salon) include: 5
- Chemicals: a beauty salon uses a wide variety of chemicals on a daily basis, including
equipment sanitizers, cleaning agents, and cosmetics (including acetone, chemical
1
L’OREAL PARIS BRAND OVERVIEW, https://www.lorealparisusa.com/overview#:~:text=As%20the%20biggest%20beauty%20brand,of
%20all%20ages%20and%20ethnicities., 24/01/2024
2
JOHNSON & JOHNSON: OVERVIEW, https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/johnson-johnson/, 24/01/2024
3
LG CHEM, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_Chem#:~:text=Life%20sciences-,Petrochemicals,and%20polyvinyl%20chloride%20(PVC).,
24/01/2024
4
SAFETY CONCERNS, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4498#:~:text=Safety
%20concerns&text=Spreading%20bacteria%20on%20the%20skin,reactions%20or%20sensitivity%20to%20ingredients, 18/04/2024
5
HOW TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL HAZARDS, https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/hazards-in-a-beauty-salon/, 24/04/2024
, peels, and colours). However, these can result in a number of health problems,
including respiratory and dermatological effects such as occupational asthma and
dermatitis, if they are not handled or stored properly (in compliance with COSHH).
- Needles and sharps: sharp objects like syringes, needles for cosmetic injections,
razors, and scissors can be extremely dangerous if not handled and disposed of
properly in a salon setting. For instance, someone may unintentionally puncture
their skin and become infected with blood-borne diseases like HIV.
- Bacteria: accidental contact with a chemical that hasn’t been adequately cleaned up
can easily lead to the spread of hazardous biological agents (which can cause
infection, allergy, or toxicity) in dirty salons and unwashed equipment. In addition to
more serious infections, unhygienic salons can harbour germs that cause and
transmit illnesses like COVID-19, the flu, and common colds.
- Slips, trips and falls: uneven surfaces, spilled items, damp floors, and trailing cables
can all contribute to workplace slips, trips and falls. Even though you may be aware
that you should cross the yellow cable to descend the stairs, will your clients be
aware of that danger?
- Electrical equipment: electrical burns, injuries, or fires can result from improperly
maintained equipment, overloading outlets or extension cables, utilising electrical
equipment near water, or utilising the incorrect equipment for the task.
- Fire: many workplace fires are caused by malfunctioning electrical equipment, but
working at a beauty salon also means that you’ll likely be around a lot of combustible
chemicals, such as aerosols and solvents like acetone. Another option is to use
tealights or candles, which are prone to catching fire if dropped or neglected.
- Noise: working with loud equipment can gradually harm your hearing, particularly if
you are frequently subjected to loud noises or extended periods of noise. When used
frequently, even portable devices like hair dryers can cause ear irritation.
- Untrained staff: everyone working in the salon should be adequately trained in the
necessary health and safety procedures, so accidents and injuries brought on by a
lack of awareness of the hazards should never occur. If untrained employees don’t
know the proper safety protocols, it can be dangerous for everyone, but it can be
especially harmful to clients who might get burned, hurt, or infected as a result if
unfit employees.
Using harsh cleaning solutions like hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid is used in ongoing
maintenance tasks like decontaminating or cleaning productions suites or cleanrooms.
PPE is essential for maintaining worker safety. Hazards that could present itself within the
pharmaceutical industry include:6
- Physical: noise, slips, trips and falls (high glass floors), mechanical hazards,
pressurised equipment. Potential for explosive and flammable atmosphere
- Chemical: APIs in particulates and liquids, solvents, gases and vapours, O2 deficiency
6
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING, https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/worker-health-safety-uk/safety-solutions/industry-solutions/
pharmaceutical-manufacturing-ppe/#:~:text=Radiation%3A%20Extreme%20temperatures%20and%20humidity,and%20vapours%20and
%20micro%2Dorganism, 18/04/2024
