A word about safety

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Safety is the state of being «safe», the condition of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk.

Meanings

There are two slightly different meanings of safety. For example, home safety may indicate a building’s ability to protect against external harm events (such as weather, home invasion, etc.), or may indicate that its internal installations (such as appliances, stairs, etc.) are safe (not dangerous or harmful) for its inhabitants.

Discussions of safety often include mention of related terms. Security is such a term. With time the definitions between these two have often become interchanged, equated, and frequently appear juxtaposed in the same sentence. Readers unfortunately are left to conclude whether they comprise a redundancy. This confuses the uniqueness that should be reserved for each by itself. When seen as unique, as we intend here, each term will assume its rightful place in influencing and being influenced by the other.

Safety is the condition of a “steady state” of an organization or place doing what it is supposed to do. “What it is supposed to do” is defined in terms of public codes and standards, associated architectural and engineering designs, corporate vision and mission statements, and operational plans and personnel policies. For any organization, place, or function, large or small, safety is a normative concept. It complies with situation-specific definitions of what is expected and acceptable.^[1]

Using this definition, protection from a home’s external threats and protection from its internal structural and equipment failures (see Meanings, above) are not two types of safety but rather two aspects of a home’s steady state.

In the world of everyday affairs, not all goes as planned. Some entity’s steady state is challenged. This is where security science, which is of more recent date, enters. Drawing from the definition of safety, then:

Security is the process or means, physical or human, of delaying, preventing, and otherwise protecting against external or internal, defects, dangers, loss, criminals, and other individuals or actions that threaten, hinder or destroy an organization’s “steady state,” and deprive it of its intended purpose for being.

Using this generic definition of safety it is possible to specify the elements of a security program.^[1]

Limitations

Safety can be limited in relation to some guarantee or a standard of insurance to the quality and unharmful function of an object or organization. It is used in order to ensure that the object or organization will do only what it is meant to do.

It is important to realize that safety is relative. Eliminating all risk, if even possible, would be extremely difficult and very expensive. A safe situation is one where risks of injury or property damage are low and manageable.

When something is called safe, this usually means that it is safe within certain reasonable limits and parameters. For example, a medication may be safe, for most people, under most circumstances, if taken in a certain amount.

A choice motivated by safety may have other, unsafe consequences. For example, frail elderly people are sometimes moved out of their homes and into hospitals or skilled nursing homes with the claim that this will improve the person’s safety. The safety provided is that daily medications will be supervised, the person will not need to engage in some potentially risky activities such as climbing stairs or cooking, and if the person falls down, someone there will be able to help the person get back up. However, the end result might be decidedly unsafe, including the dangers of transfer trauma, hospital delirium, elder abuse, hospital-acquired infections, depression, anxiety, and even a desire to die.^[2]

Types

There is a distinction between products that meet standards, that are safe, and that merely feel safe. The highway safety community uses these terms:

Normative

Normative safety is achieved when a product or design meets applicable standards and practices for design and construction or manufacture, regardless of the product’s actual safety history.

Substantive

Substantive or objective safety occurs when the real-world safety history is favorable, whether or not standards are met.

Perceived

Perceived or subjective safety refers to the users’ level of comfort and perception of risk, without consideration of standards or safety history. For example, traffic signals are perceived as safe, yet under some circumstances, they can increase traffic crashes at an intersection. Traffic roundabouts have a generally favorable safety record^[3] yet often make drivers nervous.

Low perceived safety can have costs. For example, after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, many people chose to drive rather than fly, despite the fact that, even counting terrorist attacks, flying is safer than driving. Perceived risk discourages people from walking and bicycling for transportation, enjoyment or exercise, even though the health benefits outweigh the risk of injury.^[4]

Security

Also called social safety or public safety, security addresses the risk of harm due to intentional criminal acts such as assault, burglary or vandalism.

Because of the moral issues involved, security is of higher importance to many people than substantive safety. For example, a death due to murder is considered worse than a death in a car crash, even though in many countries, traffic deaths are more common than homicides.

Risks and responses

Safety is generally interpreted as implying a real and significant impact on risk of death, injury or damage to property. In response to perceived risks many interventions may be proposed with engineering responses and regulation being two of the most common.

Probably the most common individual response to perceived safety issues is insurance, which compensates for or provides restitution in the case of damage or loss.

System safety and reliability engineering

System safety and reliability engineering is an engineering discipline. Continuous changes in technology, environmental regulation and public safety concerns make the analysis of complex safety-critical systems more and more demanding.

A common fallacy, for example among electrical engineers regarding structure power systems, is that safety issues can be readily deduced. In fact, safety issues have been discovered one by one, over more than a century in the case mentioned, in the work of many thousands of practitioners, and cannot be deduced by a single individual over a few decades. A knowledge of the literature, the standards and custom in a field is a critical part of safety engineering. A combination of theory and track record of practices is involved, and track record indicates some of the areas of theory that are relevant. (In the US, persons with a state license in Professional Engineering in Electrical Engineering are expected to be competent in this regard, the foregoing notwithstanding, but most electrical engineers have no need of the license for their work.)

Safety is often seen as one of a group of related disciplines: quality, reliability, availability, maintainability and safety. (Availability is sometimes not mentioned, on the principle that it is a simple function of reliability and maintainability.) These issues tend to determine the value of any work, and deficits in any of these areas are considered to result in a cost, beyond the cost of addressing the area in the first place; good management is then expected to minimize total cost.

Measures

Safety measures are activities and precautions taken to improve safety, i.e. reduce risk related to human health. Common safety measures include:

• Chemical analysis
• Destructive testing of samples
• Drug testing of employees, etc.
• Examination of activities by specialists to minimize physical stress or increase productivity
• Geological surveys to determine whether land or water sources are polluted, how firm the ground is at a potential building site, etc.
• Government regulation so suppliers know what standards their product is expected to meet.
• Industry regulation so suppliers know what level of quality is expected. Industry regulation is often imposed to avoid potential government regulation.
• Instruction manuals explaining how to use a product or perform an activity
• Instructional videos demonstrating proper use of products
• Root cause analysis to identify causes of a system failure and correct deficiencies.
• Internet safety or Online Safety, is protection of the user’s safety from cyber threats or computer crime in general.
• Periodic evaluations of employees, departments, etc.
• Physical examinations to determine whether a person has a physical condition that would create a problem.
• Process safety management is an analytical tool focused on preventing releases of highly hazardous chemicals.
• Safety margins/Safety factors. For instance, a product rated to never be required to handle more than 200 pounds might be designed to fail under at least 400 pounds, a safety factor of two. Higher numbers are used in more sensitive applications such as medical or transit safety.
• Self-imposed regulation of various types.
• Implementation of standard protocols and procedures so that activities are conducted in a known way.
• Statements of ethics by industry organizations or an individual company so its employees know what is expected of them.
• Stress testing subjects a person or product to stresses in excess of those the person or product is designed to handle, to determining the «breaking point».
• Training of employees, vendors, product users
• Visual examination for dangerous situations such as emergency exits blocked because they are being used as storage areas.
• Visual examination for flaws such as cracks, peeling, loose connections.
• X-ray analysis to see inside a sealed object such as a weld, a cement wall or an airplane outer skin.

Standards organizations

A number of standards organizations exist that promulgate safety standards. These may be voluntary organizations or government agencies. These agencies first define the safety standards, which they publish in the form of codes. They are also Accreditation Bodies and entitle independent third parties such as testing and certification agencies to inspect and ensure compliance to the standards they defined. For instance, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) formulated a certain number of safety standards in its Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and accredited TÜV Rheinland to provide certification services to guarantee product compliance to the defined safety regulations.^[5]

United States

American National Standards Institute

A major American standards organization is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Usually, members of a particular industry will voluntarily form a committee to study safety issues and propose standards. Those standards are then recommended to ANSI, which reviews and adopts them. Many government regulations require that products sold or used must comply with a particular ANSI standard.

Government agencies

Many government agencies set safety standards for matters under their jurisdiction, such as:

• the Food and Drug Administration
• the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Testing laboratories

Product safety testing, for the United States, is largely controlled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition, workplace related products come under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which certifies independent testing companies as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL), see.^[6]

European Union

Institutions

• the European Commission (EC)
• the European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
• the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
• the European Safety Federation (ESF)

Testing laboratories

The European Commission provides the legal framework, but the different Member States may authorize test laboratories to carry out safety testing.

Other countries

Standards institutions

• British Standards Institution
• Canadian Standards Association
• Deutsches Institut für Normung
• International Organization for Standardization
• Standards Australia

Testing laboratories

Many countries have national organizations that have accreditation to test and/or submit test reports for safety certification. These are typically referred to as a Notified or Competent Body.

See also

References

Further reading

A Word about Safety

IJsselstein, Sunday, 24 March 2002 (updated: Thursday, 27 April 2017)

The Philippines sometimes receives negative press regarding the safety of foreigners. We believe this is not always deserved, and certainly does not apply to Bohol. In this article we will give some advice about the safety situation in the Philippines, and some tips to stay out of trouble.

Although terrorism always gets a disproportionate level of attention in the press, the change you will be affected by it is very low. Don’t let it distract from taking some common-sense precautions against events you are more likely to encounter.

Dangers from Natural Causes

The biggest risk is probably attracting a severe sun-burn. Always protect yourself when exposed to direct sunlight. Either wear covering clothing, or use high-factor sunblock on the beach. Be aware that near water, your exposure doubles due to reflected sunlight, while at the same time, the cooling effect of water can make you unaware of the fact you are developing a severe sunburn before it is too late. When snorkeling it is wise to wear a short wet-suit.

Dangerous Animals

In Bohol you can encounter a number of dangerous animals.

Mosquitoes can be highly irritating, especially during dawn and dusk. To protect yourself, use an insect repellent lotion that includes DEET, and cover your arms and legs. It is best to sleep under a mosquito-net (Kulambu), especially when staying in nipa-hut like facilities that allow insects easy access. Malaria is not present in Bohol, but dengue does occur.

The most deadly dangerous animal on Bohol is the cobra (banakon). These snakes are both aggressive and deadly poisonous. Avoid walking in or near long grasses and growth, and when you see them, keep your distance and alert bystanders.

The black-and-white sea-snake walo-walo you can commonly see near the coast is also extremely poisonous, but not aggressive will only bite if provoked.

Near many beaches you can find sea urchins with extremely long spines. Just avoid stepping on them, and if you still step on them, carefully remove all parts of the spines, and disinfect the wounds (or better, have a doctor do this). You can also encounter jelly fish, various types of poisonous fish and shells. As a general rule, do not touch any creature you encounter in the sea. It is better for them and for you.

Natural Disasters

Tropical storms reach the Philippines with some regularity. The storm season is roughly from June to November, but that doesn’t mean it is constantly storming during that period, nor that storms cannot occur on other times. Since Bohol is surrounded by other islands, Bohol will not be hit with the full force of storms arriving from the Pacific ocean.

In October 2013, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Bohol, causing about 200 causalities, and significant damage. However, no tourists were effected. Earthquakes are very hard to predict, and when they occur, it is best to leave buildings as fast as reasonably possible, and stay outside, away from buildings and other things that can collapse.

Again, since Bohol is surrounded by other islands, the chance a large Tsunami will hit it is small. Still, in those areas that have some risk of tsunamis (the south-eastern coast between Baclayon and Anda), you will find signs pointing out evacuation routs.

When you go swimming near one of the many waterfalls in the inland streams and rivers, be aware of the danger of flash-floods. A heavy tropical rain can turn a gentle stream into a dangerous torrent of water in a matter of minutes. When the strength of a stream starts to increase, get out.

Dangers from Human Causes

Theft and Robberies

Just as much as in your hometown, thefts and robberies can happen in the Philippines, especially in the larger cities (of which Bohol has none: Tagbilaran, the largest city has slightly over hundred twenty thousand inhabitants). Unlike in your hometown, you are probably a stranger, unknown with local conditions and customs, and because of that more easily attract the attention of criminals. However, if you take some simple precautions, most of the Philippines is perfectly safe for travel.

Follow the following do’s and dont’s.

• Do put only a small amount of money in your wallet. A couple of hundred pesos is enough to pay for all the snacks and small souvenirs you can buy on a day.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you. If you have to carry larger amounts, keep it very close on your body, in a place where it cannot be reached without removing your clothes. A money belt under your pants is often a good suggestion.
• In most places ATM’s are reliable and they are often guarded, however, don’t use them at late hours, and don’t allow others to look over your shoulder or see where you put your money.
• Don’t wear jewelry — chain snatchers sometimes operate on local buses and jeepneys.
• Don’t be conspicuous with your wealth. Keep cameras, etc. in unsuspicous looking bags, not in flashy camera bags. Only bring them out if you want to photograph something.
• Travel light. Don’t bring more than a single small bag that you can keep in sight. In the tropical climate you need only a few sets of light clothes, and you can have them washed at almost every hotel.
• Be cautious when approached by overly helpful people at crowded places in cities, such as airports, bus-stations and piers. However, don’t avoid getting in contact with the Filipinos, for you will miss a lot of friends…
• Do carry a number of photocopies of important documents such as your passport and airplane tickets, so that you have the details handy in case the real ones get missing. Of course, keep them separate from your real documents.
• Don’t Accept drinks from strangers. Some people have been drugged that way, and then robbed of their possessions.
• Last but not least, do use your common sense!

Crooks can be very creative in thinking out con-schemes. Be very critical of every odd story and money making scheme. A very common trick is too tell you that somebody has just snatched your wallet, hoping that in your response you will give away the place you hide it. The old wisdom is: if it is too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.

However, don’t let these precautions spoil your frame of mind, just be alert when needed, and enjoy your stay.

Terrorism and Kidnappings

For years already, the Philippines has a lot of negative press regarding the safety of foreigners. Reports of tourists being kidnapped by terrorists from Malaysia, Sulu, Basilan, and Mindanao, and Palawan aren’t a comfortable read. However, we don’t believe there is any reason for concern, and assure you Bohol is safe.

Most of the trouble with so-called Muslim separatists and the infamous Abu Sayyaf group takes place in Southern Mindanao and on the Southern islands of Basilan and Jolo. Bohol is roughly 700 kilometers away from those areas, and when using boats, potential kidnappers will have to travel at least double that distance. The small map below will clarify the situation. As you can see, the distance from Palawan to Basilan is roughly the same as to Palawan, however, unlike Palawan, where kidnappers can go across open sea, to get to Bohol they have to get into water surrounded by islands on all sides, which is much more difficult to enter or leave unnoticed. Besides that since the events, the Philippine Navy and Police are on high alert for attacks like this. The conclusion is that it is extremely unlikely you will be confronted with kidnapping attempts on Bohol.

Nevertheless, in April 2017, in the wake of an ASEAN summit in Panglao, eleven heavily armed members of Abu Sayyaf, including their (Bohol-born but converted to Islam) guide, managed to land with their pump-boats in Inabangga on the west coast of Bohol (some 80 kms from Panglao, and 45 from the Chocolate Hills). Fortunately, they quickly attracted the attention of local residents, because of their uncommon boats and display of heavy weapons, who immediately warned the authorities. After two bouts of heavy fighting with the Philippine Armed Forces, most of the intruders where killed, and the attempt to kidnap foreigners or otherwise wreak havoc was thwarted. The terrorists never even got near the tourist destinations, and has demonstrated that both the population and the authorities are on a high alert.

Further Reading

The following links can provide some more information:

• Travel advise from the British Foreign & and Commonwealth Office.
• Announcement from the U.S. State Department.

Jeroen Hellingman

David Reece wrote:

Friday, 9 October 2020 08:23:27 PHT

I was in Bohol during 7.3 earth quake in 2013 and got out of hotel in a hurry lol. Apart from that all the above advice is true and I have been there many times but the covid restrictions stopping flights there

Henry Tuyor wrote:

Wednesday, 19 February 2020 15:14:59 PHT

YES, YES,YES, BOHOL is a very SAFE place. We are very friendly and approachable. I was grown in small barrio San Rafael. Now I already lived in Manila, every time I visited my place, a gallon of TUBA can bring them happiness to my neighbor. Come and visit Bohol to experience the wonders of many places given by our Heavenly Creator.

Bohol Online Store wrote:

Tuesday, 4 February 2020 23:25:34 PHT

We deliver grocery items in Bohol, Philippines. If you are an OFW, overseas worker or far from Bohol, and you want to send money to your family, instead of money you can send them groceries. Visit our website at www.boholonlinestore.com Or send us an email at storebohol@gmail.com

wayne wrote:

Wednesday, 11 April 2018 11:14:53 PHT

I have been to Bohol 5x times an met many locals in tiptip pangalo beach visayes I want to go an live there soon as I have many friendes there salamat wayne scherf

Francis wrote:

Friday, 3 June 2016 01:46:57 PHT

Live on the Island of Panglao because of Airport This is the current status of on-going project of Panglao International Airport as of June 02, 2016. The picture shows how fast the development is. If you want to live on the Island of Panglao, start buying now a lot where you can build your home, apartment, hotel and other commercial establishments. With or without the airport, still Panglao Island would be progressive due to tourism industry. Now, if you want to own a lot, we offer you Villaverde Subdivision, which is selling raw lot. It is the nearest subdivision in Alona Beach Area’s and other known Beach resorts on the Island of Panglao. Not only that but also, it is the closest subdivision to the terminal of Panglao International airport. It will take only two minutes drive. We have two lot left having the lot cut of 200 sq.m. If you are interested in living in this area, feel free to contact my numbers below +639099036875 +639262787056 homesbohol@gmail.com skype: francis.aparicio2

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Please!  Make sure you read the manuals included with your tools.  The manuals will cover the safe operations of your tools.  Make sure all cutting edges are sharp and in good shape.  A dull cutting tool is a dangerous cutting tool.  Any damaged tools, blades, or accessories should be repaired or replaced before attempting to use them.

Also, wear safety glasses at all times while working.  When necessary, where hearing protection.  You may also want to consider wearing a filtered dust mask to protect against find sawdust particles, even if you are running dust collection. Some tools may require other safety gear not mentioned here that you should use as well.

The most important piece of safety equipment is your brain.  If there is an operation or technique that you don’t feel comfortable doing, it is a good idea to take step back and think through what you are doing.  There is likely another method you can use that maybe safer.

That said, this blog is just another tool for you to use.  The information on given on here is simply the poster’s perspective and opinion.  As with any other tool, use this resource at your own risk.