Introduction:
In this report, I have visited a science organisation and will be
producing a report that supplies information on how two
departments in the organisation are following health and safety
legislation as well as describing the hazards that are present in
the organisation and how health and safety is managed.
Organisation: Pfizer
Pfizer is one of the most innovative biopharmaceuticals
companies in the world. They are involved in researching,
developing, and delivering loads of medicine and vaccines
throughout the United Kingdom and the entire world. They sell
drugs which serve as treatment to a wide array of illnesses which
include cardiovascular, metabolic and pain problems. Other
services that Pfizer supplies are sterile injectable
pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Pfizer believes in improving the lives of consumers in small but
meaningful ways. They believe that protecting the health, safety
and well-being of their employees is critical to achieving their
aims.
Potential Hazards and Safety Measures:
Pfizer has different business units in its organisation. These
business units are Consumer Healthcare, Inflammation and
Immunology, Internal medicine, Oncology, Rare disease, and
vaccines. The potential hazards in each unit differ, but that
does not mean they are not equally crucial in deciding their
employees' health of safety. In pharmaceuticals,
safeguarding the health of employees is paramount. There
are different challenges and hazards in each Pfizer business
, unit. Hazards and safety measures were taken from two
business units. They are as follows:
The hazards in the consumer healthcare unit could include
exposure to harmful chemicals during manufacturing; there
are also risks potential allergens and ergonomic risks for
workers such as packaging, labelling and palletising
products. Safety measures for this department include
supplying personal protective equipment such as gloves, lab
coats, and goggles for employees to reduce the chances of
exposure to harmful chemicals. Employees should also be
trained on the proper use of these protective equipment.
Potential allergens can be managed by having proper
labelling of products so employees can be able to find
products that they might have an allergic reaction to.
Employees should also be trained on proper allergen
management practices and finally, production lines should
be segregated. Ergonomic hazards can be minimised by
providing workers with ergonomic workstations and training
could be offered to employees on proper techniques and
ways to set up workstations.
The hazards in the Vaccines business unit include exposure
to live viruses, biological contaminants, and allergens in
vaccine components. Safety measures for these hazards
include adherence to manufacturing processes to ensure the
safe handling of live viruses and other biological material
that is used in vaccine production, equipment such as
cabinets could also be used in containing these hazards.
Employees can be given specialised training in handling
biological hazards. Employees should be vaccinated to
prevent them from being infected by diseases and protecting
them from vaccine-preventable diseases, this safeguards the
health of employees and prevents the spreading of
infectious diseases. Effective biosecurity measures should
also be put in place to prevent any accidental release of
, biological materials. This includes restricting access to
secure areas, and implementation of surveillance systems.
Risk evaluations which are eventually analysed by health and
safety experts are conducted by line managers. Every facility has
first responders that have been given proper training. Contact
information for first responders can be found on notice boards,
induction packets, and webpages. This is a highly effective health
and safety management system that adheres to all applicable
regulations. The organisation ensures that health and safety are
taken seriously by inspecting the enterprises. At each location,
health and safety checks are performed regularly. They act as a
safety net in case something goes wrong. Working equipment,
who uses the area, operating tactics, maintenance, and cleaning
methods, among other things, are all during inspections.
Pfizer’s Health and Safety Policy:
Pfizer has an excellent health and safety record however it can be
improved in terms of ensuring all employees are safeguarded.
The most common type of injury at Pfizer are ergonomic injuries
especially in the manufacturing and Research and Development
departments. There are efforts being actively made to prioritise
educational activities whose aims are to reduce time lost, total
amount of injuries and the rates of sicknesses. There are also
strict systems that are put in place to protect employees from
exposure to chemicals especially in operations that have an
exceedingly considerable risk. There are safety standards that are
executed throughout and there is a higher focus on areas that
have a remarkable amount of risk such as the handling of any
hazardous materials.
Pfizer is also actively engaged in green chemistry which is the
design of chemical products and processes that reduce or cut the
use or generation of hazardous substances. Customised safety
, standards have been created to address specific hazards in
different areas of operations that include offices, contractor sites,
external supply and laboratories. Pfizer has set up rigorous
safeguards to protect colleagues from exposure to chemicals and
biological materials throughout all stages of the manufacturing
process. Pfizer also has a focus on ergonomic and behaviour
change which is essential to prevent any Musco-skeletal and
repetitive stress/chronic injuries. Employees can perform their
jobs at a greater rate while reducing the risk of injuries developed
in the workplace. The implementation of these ergonomic
principles can greatly improve job efficiency, prevent injuries to
employees and reduce errors in work performance.
Description of Hazards in Procter and Gamble:
Procter and Gamble like Pfizer has a good health and safety
record, but it can be improved. Injuries such as strains, fractures,
sprains, can be caused from physical activities such as moving
equipment, setting up booths, cluttered workspaces, loose cables
and even wet floors. Injuries can also be caused from travelling to
set up stages at different events, lifting heavy load and
equipment.
Ergonomic hazards such as poorly designed workstations can lead
to repetitive strain injuries, back pain, and other musculoskeletal
disorders. Other issues can include improper chair height, monitor
positioning, and lack of ergonomic accessories. Extended periods
of sitting without breaks can contribute to health issues such as
lower back pain and cardiovascular problems. Tasks such as
typing, using the mouse, and other repetitive activities can lead
to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
High workload, tight deadlines, and pressure to deliver successful
events or projects can also lead to stress and burnout. Irregular
hours or the need to work evenings and weekends for events can
affect employees’ work-life balance and overall well-being.
