Classwork: OSHA Webquest

Workplace Safety Webquest

It is essential to always act safely at work. Unsafe conditions cause accidents and should be corrected or reported. Thinking about and practicing safety requires a safety-conscious awareness.

Most workplace accidents are caused by a combination of an unsafe act and an unsafe condition. Workers need to follow safety procedures and to recognize safety hazards and correct them.

After completing this webquest, you will be able to:

• describe employers' and employees' responsibilities as they relate to OSHA
• explain provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act
• define coverage provided by workers' compensation
• discuss disability benefits provided by Social Security
• describe unsafe conditions in reference to computers in the workplace
• describe safety hazards in the workplace

Go to website www.osha.gov Links to an external site. and answer the following questions on a Word Document:

• Look on the main page under “Worker Fatalities.” List one worker fatality listed:

At the top of the website, click on the link for "Worker Rights". OSHA encourages states to develop and operate their own safety and health programs in the workplace.

• Does Mississippi have it’s own plan?

• Does it cover both public and private employees?

Good luck and enjoy your quest!

Go to: http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/state.htm Links to an external site.

• What is the federal minimum wage?
• What is Mississippi’s minimum wage?       
• Is this minimum wage more or less than the federal?

Go to: http://www.employmentlawhandbook.com/wage-and-hour-laws/state-wage-and-hour-laws/mississippi/

• What does Mississippi law say about paying workers under 18?

Go to: http://www.employmentlawhandbook.com/wage-and-hour-laws/child-labor-laws/

and Click ‘Frequently Asked Questions’

• Who must get a work permit?
• Where do students get work permits?
• What hours can workers under 16 work?

It is important to work safely at your computer workstation.

Go to the following website https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/wkstation_enviro.html Links to an external site.

• How should one sit at a workstation?
• What are some hazards in the worksation environment?
• What are some warning signs of risk factors involving prolonged use of computers?

 It is important to understand safety in reference to computers in your workplace.  Answer the following questions as true of false.

1. Keep all food and drinks near your computer and equipment-because liquids don't spill and don't cause an electrical shock or the computer to not operate properly.
2. Opening an e-mail attachment could download a virus into your computer system.
3. You shouldn't remove the CPU cover monthly to clean inside.
4. Spilling a coke on your computer will not cause damage to the system.
5. Surge protectors can help guard against lightning, but may not be complete protection.
6. It is a good idea to use the computer during a thunderstorm.
7. If your computer screen is dirty spray it with windex.
8. Install one program, then test your computer for problems before installing another one.
9. The initials ICAP stand for Individual Course Academic Plan.
10. The initials FBLA stand for Future Business Land of America.

Conclusion......

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is a federal law that calls for safe and healthy working conditions. The law was passed to reduce hazards in the workplace. Both employees and employees have obligations under the law.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and youth employment standards. It affects employees in the private sector adn in federal, state, and local governments.

Workers' compensation is insurance against work-related accidents and illnesses. All 50 states have workers' compensation laws. Employers pay the premiums for workers' compensation.

 It's your responsibility as an employee to know your rights! I hope you enjoyed your quest!