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Environmental Health Science · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for EHS 315 Health, Safety & Environment, prepared for Environmental Health Science students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS EHS 315 Health, Safety and Environment Series 1 Foundations of Health, Safety and Environment Part 1 Key concepts and definitions in HSE • 1.1: Defining health, safety, and environment • 1.2: Occupational health and related terms (occupation, ILO, WHO) • 1.3: Relationship between health, safety, and environment Part 2 Principles and objectives of HSE • 2.1: Core principles of HSE • 2.2: Objectives of HSE in workplace and community contexts • 2.3: Application of HSE principles in practice Part 3 Scope and role of HSE • 3.1: Scope of HSE in occupational and environmental contexts • 3.2: Role of HSE in promoting sustainable development • 3.3: Importance of HSE training and awareness Introduction This first Series sets the stage for your study of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). It provides the essential background and definitions that will help you understand the scope and importance of HSE in both occupational and environmental contexts. By beginning with the foundations, you will be able to build a clear picture of how health, safety, and environment interact and why they are central to protecting people and ecosystems. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the key concepts, principles, and objectives of HSE. You will learn the meanings of important terms such as health, safety, environment, occupation, occupational health, and the roles of international organisations like the ILO and WHO. We will
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS then explore the principles and objectives of HSE, followed by its scope and role in promoting sustainable development. We shall begin with definitions and relationships among health, safety, and environment. Next, we will examine the principles and objectives that guide HSE practice. Finally, we will consider the scope and role of HSE, including its relevance to training and awareness. This sequential approach ensures that you gain a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics in later Series. Series Learning Outcomes By the end of Series 1 Foundations of HSE: Concepts and Principles, you should be able to: • define key terms such as health, safety, environment, occupation, occupational health, ILO, and WHO. • explain the relationship between health, safety, and environment in occupational and environmental contexts. • describe the core principles of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). • analyse the objectives of HSE and their application in workplace and community settings. • evaluate the scope and role of HSE in promoting sustainable development. • discuss the importance of HSE training and awareness for professionals and organisations. Part 1 Key Concepts and Definitions in HSE 1.1 Defining health, safety, and environment Health refers to the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Safety is the condition of being protected from harm, injury, or danger. Environment encompasses the natural and built surroundings in which people live and work, including air, water, soil, and ecosystems. Together, these three concepts form the foundation of HSE, ensuring that human activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably. Fill in the blank: The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being is called __________.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2 Occupational health and related terms Occupation refers to the type of work or activity a person engages in to earn a living. Occupational health is the branch of public health concerned with the prevention and management of work-related injuries and illnesses. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency that sets international labour standards and promotes decent work conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised UN agency responsible for international public health. These organisations provide frameworks and guidelines that shape occupational health practices globally. Fill in the blank: The branch of public health concerned with work-related injuries and illnesses is called __________.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Organisation Core Roles & Focus Areas International Labour Organization (ILO) • Standard Setting: Creates international labor standards (Conventions and Recommendations) that form the legal framework for OSH policies. • Tripartite Approach: Fosters dialogue between governments, employers, and workers to develop workplace safety cultures. • Legal Protection: Focuses on workers' rights, prevention of work-related injuries, and the improvement of working conditions and environment. World Health Organization (WHO) • Health Promotion: Focuses on the "whole person" (physical, mental, and social well-being) rather than just the absence of disease. • Public Health Integration: Integrates occupational health into national health strategies and primary healthcare systems. • Technical Support: Provides evidence-based guidelines on disease prevention (e.g., occupational cancers, mental health at work) and manages a global network of collaborating centers. 1.3 Relationship between health, safety, and environment Health, safety, and environment are closely linked. Unsafe environments can lead to poor health outcomes, while neglecting health and safety can damage the environment. For example, exposure to toxic chemicals at work affects both workers’ health and the surrounding ecosystem. Effective HSE practice requires recognising these interconnections and addressing them holistically. Fill in the blank: Exposure to toxic chemicals at work affects both workers’ __________ and the surrounding ecosystem.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Issue/Activity Health (Impact on People) Safety (Risk of Incidents) Environment (Impact on Surroundings) Chemical Handling Long-term respiratory diseases or skin irritation from exposure. Immediate risk of fires, explosions, or chemical burns if spilled. Soil and groundwater contamination if chemicals leak or are dumped. Noise Levels Permanent hearing loss or high stress levels for workers. Inability to hear warning signals or alarms, leading to accidents. Noise pollution affecting local wildlife or neighboring residential areas. Waste Disposal Risk of infection or toxicity if hazardous waste is handled poorly. Physical hazards (trips/slips) from cluttered work areas and debris. Ecosystem damage and landfill overflow from non-biodegradable waste. Air Emissions Chronic asthma or lung conditions for workers and the community. Reduced visibility in the plant due to smoke or smog, causing collisions. Greenhouse gas accumulation contributing to climate change and acid rain. Radiation Genetic mutations or cancer risks for employees over time. Critical equipment failure or acute radiation poisoning from leaks. Radioactive contamination of the local flora and fauna. Pilot questions 1 1. Define health in the context of HSE. 2. What does safety mean? 3. Name one role of the ILO in occupational health. 4. Which UN agency is responsible for international public health? 5. Give one example of how health, safety, and environment are interconnected.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Part 2 Principles and Objectives of HSE 2.1 Core principles of HSE The principles of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) are the fundamental ideas that guide practice in workplaces and communities. These include prevention of harm, protection of workers and the public, and promotion of sustainable use of resources. Prevention means identifying hazards before they cause harm. Protection involves ensuring safe working conditions and safeguarding the environment. Sustainability requires balancing human activities with ecological preservation. Fill in the blank: Identifying hazards before they cause harm is part of the principle of __________.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 2.2 Objectives of HSE in workplace and community contexts The objectives of HSE are the specific goals that organisations and communities aim to achieve. These include reducing accidents and injuries, promoting health and well-being, ensuring compliance with laws, and protecting the environment. In workplaces, objectives focus on safe operations, employee welfare, and productivity. In communities, objectives extend to public health, pollution control, and sustainable development. Fill in the blank: Reducing accidents and injuries is one of the __________ of HSE.
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