You are a safety officer of a manufacturing company; write down safety instructions for your workers.

Avoid ___.

Don’t forget ___.

Wear ___ when ___.

Switch off ___ before you open the casing.

Put on ___ when you ___.

Read the instructions carefully before ___.

Never ___.

Always use protective ___.

Make sure ___ before ___.

8. Look at the floor plans on the wall of the classroom and give your partner directions in case of evacuation using the following words:

1. go out; 2. go up/down; 3.take the stairs; 4. turn right/left; 5.go along the corridor; 6. the exit.

9. Read the following text. Then discuss safety measures in an office, using these words and phrases:

size and layout of the office; furniture; equipment; air quality; health problems; safety measures

The office has been considered a relatively safe and healthy place to work. Despite this common belief, there can be a lot of hazards, which cause thousands of injuries and health problems among office workers. Accidents that occur in offices are frequently due to poorly designed office environments and improper office procedures. The size and layout of office areas should be flexible and suit the needs of the users and the jobs they perform. Poor design can lead to crowding, lack of privacy, slips and falls. Walkways and exits must never be used for temporary storage of things. Furniture should be positioned so that sharp edges corners do not create hazards. In addition to obvious hazards such as a slippery floor or an open file drawer, a modern office may also contain hazards such as poor lighting, noise, poorly designed furniture and equipment. Air quality is an important factor in work areas. If printing or copying machines are present, an exhaust ventilation system should be installed in the office. Insufficient fresh air may lead to employees suffering from tiredness, headache, dry itchy skin and eye irritation. Here are some preventive measures for office workers:

a. learn about how to avoid pain or injury from repetitive or physically awkward tasks, take breaks as needed;

b. learn safe lifting techniques;

c. keep all work areas clear of clutter;

d. set up your workstation ergonomically;

e. know how to relax strained body parts by doing correct stretching exercises;

f. know emergency evacuation plan.

Discuss the following questions with a partner.

1. Why is it necessary to know emergency procedures?

2. What are the factors to consider for a proper safety strategy?

3. Who usually carries out assessment of risks and hazards in a company?

What is your opinion on the following statements?

1. A danger foreseen is half avoided.

2. Alert today. Alive tomorrow.

3. At work, at home, let safety be known.

4. Danger never takes a vacation.

5. Don’t learn safety by accident.

6. Expect the unexpected. Gear up for safety.

7. Good habits will normally keep you out of bad trouble.

8. Learn from the mistakes of others, don’t have others learn from you.

Write a safety slogan for your company.

e.g. “Our first priority is the health and well-being of our employees”

“Safety on the Job is Everyone’s Business”.

Unit 11. ETHICS

Discussion.

1. What are common unethical behaviors in the working place?

2. Can you think of any specific examples of unethical behavior?

3. Are there any jobs that require you to be an ethical person?

4. What can be unethical about the following jobs?

shop assistant, teacher, doctor, car salesman, plumber, accountant, construction engineer

Read the following text.

ETHICS

Workplace ethics and behavior are a crucial part of employment. Generally, being ethical involves conducting yourself in accordance with accepted principles of right and wrong. Being ethical means acting morally right, being honest, not cheating your employer, co-workers, or customers and generally treating your co-workers well. Unethical workplace behavior can include inappropriate use of the Internet, outside-of-work activities, etc.

Companies specify what behaviors are acceptable, and they see high morale and teamwork as key ingredients for success. When hiring employees they usually address topics, such as work schedule, dress code and language, and summarize what kind of attitude is expected. Workers who fail to follow the code of conduct receive written and verbal warnings and can be fired.

It is absolutely necessary to keep professional knowledge and skills up-to-date. Besides possessing the necessary skills, being honest, doing the right thing at all times, taking responsibility for one’s actions is another key factor of workplace behavior. That means showing up on scheduled workdays, as well as arriving on time and doing one’s best in any assignment an employee gets.

Working well with others is necessary as well. It includes everyone from peers to supervisors to customers. Not all employees will like each other, but they do need to set aside their personal or even work-related differences to reach a larger goal. In many cases, those who are not considered “team players” can face demotion or even termination of their employment. You should not allow bias, conflict of interests or undue influence of others to override your professional judgments. On the contrary, those who work well with others often can advance, because teamwork can even enhance their performance.

Both bosses and employees should refrain from accepting any gifts or benefits from other organizations or customers that may have impact on their decision or performance of their duties.