In the modern, dynamic world of business, there is a constantly present need to mitigate risks as they occur so that in the event of disaster or unprecedented circumstances, the business operations and interests are protected. This is even more crucial for business organizations that rely on raw materials such as those in the manufacturing industry.
In the course of receipt and handling of materials aimed at fulfilling customer orders, many organizations fail to adequately plan for a rough future. This is even more worrying given that some of their raw materials are hazardous substances and dangerous materials. The following questionnaire is part of a suggested hazardous materials handling strategy aimed at helping Harris and Heartfield Company adopt a wider, disaster response, and emergency policy.
Due to the constant need to ensure a constant vigilance against disaster and operational incapacitation, the management has decided to engage its most valuable asset, the employees, in an exercise to adopt a strategy aimed at mitigating the risks posed by such phenomena (Erbschloe, 2003).
While handling the questionnaire, you are under no obligation, whatsoever, to indicate your name or any other personal details. In addition, please refrain from marking any other areas outside those indicated, and required of you.
Premises
Is the floor and other parts of the industrial facility kept free of hazardous materials such as snow and ice, and chemicals (OHSA, 2011)’? Is the adequate space between the facility’s machines and industrial fittings? Guard rails alongside moving machines and those with dangerous fittings? Guard rails for all elevated platforms’? Are all the areas that may, in any way, pose a danger to the employees and machine operators labeled clearly and using the right signage (Erbschloe, 2003)?
Lighting
Is there an adequate source of lighting in the facility’? Does the provided lighting cause any discomfort to machine operators and other employees? Is it, in ay way, a hindering factor to smooth operations? Are there any shadows? Is there glare?
Fire prevention and protection
Are there adequate provisions for the securing of flammable liquids and materials in the facility’? Is there special equipment available to handle the flammable materials within the facility’? Is there an adequate supply of fire-fighting equipment on site’? Are the employees adequately trained in the use of this equipment?
Materials handling
What is the organizational policy regarding the handling of dangerous materials within the facility (Erbschloe, 2003)’? Is the presently available equipment adequately suited to handling dangerous materials’? Does the facility have in place enough emergency equipment in case it is needed during an emergency situation’? What long term strategies does the facility employ in case of incapacitation, and/or a disastrous occurrence affecting productivity (OHSA,2011)’? What is the facility’s policy in case of molten metals’? Corrosive alloys’? Abrasive materials’? Radio-active equipment’? Poisonous metals and other materials?
Electronic equipment
What is the facility’s policy in the hand (OHSA, 2011)’? Are there strategies guarding any electronic control equipment from interference and external manipulation’? What policies dictate the personnel access protocol for these equipments’? What strategies are in place to guard the facility in case of incapacitation, and/or a disastrous scenario?
Discussion
There has been an increase in the number of fronts that business organizations base their competitiveness recently as each tries to gain an edge over the rest. One of the most recent fronts these firms have taken up, in light of the recent increase of major disaster at the hands of radical extremists, or major environmental disasters, is the management of raw materialsErbschloe, 2003). Harris and Heartfield are involved in the manufacture and fabrication of metal parts for a wide range of clientele, and some of these materials are considered dangerous and hazardous. Therefore, as part of a wider disaster response and management policy, better handling of the same materials is an important step.
Conclusion
According to the styling of the questionnaire, Harris and Heartfield Company will be able to learn about the effectiveness of their current materials handling policy. The state of this policy, among others, will assist the company to decide what to change, or improve, in order to align its long-term goals with a sustainability strategy for cases where disaster and catastrophic incapacitation are a real threat.
References
Erbschloe, M. (2003). Guide to disaster recovery. Boston, MA: Course Technology.
Occupational Health and Safety Act. (2011, July 11). Occupational Health and Safety Act – R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851. Retrieved from http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900851_e.htm#BK14
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