OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY OF

11/11/2024

Name : Nanda Kumar Kaimal Candidate ID: 2212

1. Introduction
Any person engaged in a job-related activity is susceptible to occupational hazards,
whether they are working on a computer or in a steel melting shop, travelling to meet
clients, or studying for an upcoming test. If ignored, several of these risks can result
in occupational illnesses. Most occupational diseases are mitigated or prevented by
knowledge of the risks and adequate preventive measures. In other words, there are
risks associated with any job and they can all be avoided.
Increasing crime rates and global security crises have necessitated the employment
of forensic techniques for tackling such situations. Crime scene investigation forms
an essential part of forensic science protocol, which involves collection and
examination of the physical evidences present in various forms (chemical, biological
and physical) and their subsequent examination in the laboratory. Interaction of the
crime scene investigating personnel with such materials is expected and may pose
occupational health hazards to the individuals involved, e.g., investigation of
clandestine drug laboratories, physical contact with harmful biological agents, and
exposure to latent fingerprint developing chemicals and materials, etc. Occupational
hazards to the personnel involved in the crime scene investigation are of primary
importance when keeping in view the health of the individuals involved and the
dynamic nature of the cases they come across.
Occupational safety and health (OSH) or occupational health and safety (OHS)
is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at
work (i.e., while performing duties required by one's occupation). OHS is related to
the fields of occupational medicine and occupational hygiene and aligns with
workplace health promotion initiatives. OHS also protects all the general public who
may be affected by the occupational environment.
Globally, more than 2.78 million people die annually as a result of workplace-related
accidents or diseases, corresponding to one death every fifteen seconds. There are
an additional 374 million non-fatal work-related injuries annually. It is estimated that
the economic burden of occupational-related injury and death is nearly four per cent
of the global gross domestic product each year. The human cost of this adversity is
enormous.
In common-law jurisdictions, employers have the common law duty (also called duty
of care) to take reasonable care of the safety of their employees. Statute law may, in
addition, impose other general duties, introduce specific duties, and create
government bodies with powers to regulate occupational safety issues. Details of this
vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
2. Identifying hazards, Risks and Outcome

The criminal justice system has placed increasing importance on the role of forensic
evidence collection and scientific analysis, particularly in support of investigations
and prosecution. Forensic scientists and laboratories must deal with rising demands
for their services, though they face a chronic lack of resources for training,
equipment, personnel, and in some cases, a lack of scientific standards for analyses.
These limitations directly hinder the ability of laboratories to hire and train the
scientists needed to improve the overall functionality and speed with which evidence
is processed. As a consequence, there is a need to identify policies and procedures
to improve the overall productivity of current laboratory personnel, as well as
understand the factors that affect their work experiences. By definition,

 A hazard is something that can cause harm if not controlled.

 The outcome is the harm that results from an uncontrolled hazard.
 A risk is a combination of the probability that a particular outcome may occur
and the severity of the harm involved.

a) Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is an important step in the overall risk assessment and

risk management process. It is where individual work hazards are identified,
assessed and controlled or eliminated as close to source (location of the
hazard) as reasonably practicable.

The information that needs to be gathered from sources should apply to the
specific type of work from which the hazards can come from. Examples of
these sources include interviews with people who have worked in the field of
the hazard, history and analysis of past incidents, and official reports of work
and the hazards encountered. Of these, the personnel interviews may be the
most critical in identifying undocumented practices, events, releases, hazards
and other relevant information. Once the information is gathered from a
collection of sources, it is recommended for these to be digitally archived (to
allow for quick searching) and to have a physical set of the same information
in order for it to be more accessible.

b) Risk Assessment

Modern occupational safety and health legislation usually demands that a risk
assessment be carried out prior to making an intervention. This assessment
should:

 Identify the hazards

 Identify all affected by the hazard and how
 Evaluate the risk
 Identify and prioritize appropriate control measures.

The calculation of risk is based on the likelihood or probability of the harm being
realized and the severity of the consequences. The assessment should be recorded
and reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change to work
practices. The assessment should include practical recommendations to control the
risk. Once recommended controls are implemented, the risk should be re-calculated.

3. Occupational Health and Safety Challenges for Forensic Scientists

a) Chemical Exposure Forensic labs often use chemicals like

formaldehyde, which can be hazardous if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed
through the skin.
Control Measures: Proper ventilation, fume hoods, and the use of
personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and lab coats are
essential. Regular air quality testing is also crucial to ensure safety standards.
b) Biological Hazards Handling bodily fluids, tissues, and other
biological materials exposes forensic scientists to pathogens like hepatitis,
HIV, and other infectious agents.
Control Measures: Use of PPE, strict biosecurity protocols, proper
handling and disposal of biohazard materials, and vaccinations help reduce
the risk.
c) Physical Hazards Forensic scientists may face physical hazards
when handling heavy equipment or sharp objects, such as scalpels and syringes, or
during fieldwork in rough terrain.
Control Measures: Ergonomic training, safe lifting techniques, use of
cut- resistant gloves, and awareness of fieldwork hazards can minimize
physical risks.
d) Radiation Exposure Forensic labs sometimes use radiation sources
for imaging, such as X-ray and other imaging equipment, which poses a risk
of radiation exposure.
Control Measures: Proper shielding, training in radiation safety,
limiting time near radiation sources, and regular monitoring with dosimeters are
essential.
e) Emotional and Psychological Stress Forensic scientists often work
on cases involving violent crime, mass casualties which can lead to
psychological stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
Control Measures: Access to mental health resources, stress
management training, counseling, and peer support systems can help
manage the psychological toll of the job.
f) Ergonomic Risks Long hours of lab work and repetitive motions,
such as pipetting and microscope use, can lead to musculoskeletal issues.
Control Measures: Ergonomic workstations, regular breaks, and
training on posture and body mechanics can reduce repetitive strain injuries.
4. Health & Safety at Crime Scene
a) Fire Scene
- Seek advice of fire service
- Turn of gas /electricity
- Never enter alone
- Falling debris
- Weakened surfaces
- Digging may reintroduce oxygen
- Have a good source of light
b) Bodily Fluids
- PPE
- Inoculation
- Disposable suit

c) Sharps
- Slash resistant gloves
- Sharps bin
- Remote device to pick up needles
- Goggles
d) RTA and vehicles
- High visibility clothing
- Using camera
- Assistance from police authorities

e) Violence at scene
- Situational awareness of CSI by control
- Self-defence training

f) Knowledge of Acts and Regulations

5. Routes of Exposure
The crime scene can be a source of contamination from a variety of potentially
hazardous materials. Exposure to infectious human blood or other body fluids,
chemicals and other hazards associated with sharp objects such as broken glass
and hypodermic needles are inherent risks associated with crime scene
investigations and evidence collection. In order for the crime scene response team
members to better protect themselves, a general understanding of the potential
routes of exposure is paramount:
a) Inhalation Inhalation of airborne contaminants may cause simple
respiratory irritation, respiratory destruction or may enter the bloodstream via
the lungs potentially causing liver, kidney, heart and central nervous system
damage. Adequate ventilation can help minimize some airborne
 contamination depending on the situation. In extreme cases, respiratory
protection should be used.
b) Skin Contact Skin contact is probably the most frequent route of
entry into the body encountered at crime scenes. Skin contact can result in
two types of health effects. One is localized affecting the area of contact
resulting in irritation, redness, swelling or burning. The other involves a
systemic effect, in which the substance is absorbed through the skin and
circulated throughout the body. This can cause such things as dizziness,
tremors, nausea, blurred vision, shock, organ damage and collapse.

c) Ingestion Ingestion involves the entry of either chemicals or

biological contaminants through the mouth. Ingestion of a corrosive chemical
can cause damage to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. When
swallowed, toxic chemicals can be absorbed through the intestines and
stomach. Exposure at crime scenes caused by ingestion of chemicals or
biological contaminants can be prevented by not allowing food, drinks or
smoking in areas that might be contaminated. Outside of these areas hands
should be washed before eating, drinking or smoking.

d) Injection Injection of chemicals or potentially infectious materials

usually occurs with needle pricks and/or mechanical injuries caused from
contaminated glass, metal or other sharp objects. This type of injury will lead
to the direct injection of the contaminants into the bloodstream.
6. Basic Safety Precautions Gloves will be worn at all times when
handling blood and biologically stained materials and/or other potentially hazardous
chemicals at a crime scene. Gloves will also be worn while handling bodies.
Additional protective clothing such as disposable lab coats, booties, gloves and caps
can also be worn as needed. No smoking, eating or drinking will be allowed while
processing the crime scene. When taking a break away from the immediate crime
scene area, protective clothing such as gloves must be removed and where possible
hands should be washed before eating or drinking occurs.
Any evidence transported back to the laboratory or transferred to another agency
from the crime scene will be packaged in such a manner that protects both its
integrity and those that might handle the evidence.
7. Pathogen Safety Measures at Crime Scenes Universal precautions
must be used at crime scenes. CSI unit staff must treat all human blood, body fluids,
or other potentially infectious materials as if they were infected with blood-borne
diseases such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Barrier protection such
as disposable gloves must be worn at crime scenes when handling potentially
infectious material. Gloves should especially be worn if the crime scene investigator
has cuts, scratches or other breaks in the skin. No eating, drinking, smoking or
applying cosmetics will be allowed while processing a crime scene when potentially
infectious materials are present.
8. Non-Routine Crime Scene Pathogens Non-routine pathogens are
potential biohazards that one does not normally associate with a crime scene. These
pathogens can pose a real health hazard if the crime scene investigator is not aware
of the potential occupations hazards when processing a crime scene.
a) Anaphylactic Shock An allergic reaction that can be life threatening
due to extreme sensitivity to a particular allergen such as an insect sting or a
spider bite. Forensics unit response team members who have an extreme
sensitivity to known sources of allergens should be extremely cautious at
crime scenes.
b) Hanta Virus Found in rodent urine, faeces and saliva of rodents and
other small animals. Infection can occur when dried material contaminated
with excreta is disturbed. Entry can be through broken skin, through the eyes,
animal bites and possibly through ingestion of contaminated food or water. For
areas with a confirmed case of Hanta virus infection or buildings with heavy rodent
infestations, use respiratory protection with at least a High Efficiency Particle
filter respirator.
c) Lyme Disease Lyme disease is the result of tick bites usually carried
by rodents. Symptoms include a reddish circle (like a target) on the skin that
gradually expands, flu-like symptoms, and joint inflammation. For outdoor
crime scenes that are known to have populations of rodents carrying Lyme disease,
the best protection is to cover the exposed skin areas. In some cases, the use
of insect repellents may be appropriate.
d) Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) TB is caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis and is commonly transmitted from person to person by the aerial
route. The bacterium can be expelled during episodes of coughing, sneezing,
and talking leaving airborne bacteria for long periods of time. These bacteria
are susceptible to ultraviolet light, and transmission of the disease rarely
occurs outdoors in the daylight. In order to minimize the possibility of an
exposure, it is important to provide fresh ventilation to any area where there is
a known or expected exposure. Surgical-type masks or respirators can also be
worn to prevent the crime scene investigator from coming into contact with the
airborne bacteria.
e) Insect and Snake Bites Be cautious at crimes scenes especially in
those areas known for their insect and snake population. When searching at
crime scenes for evidence, impeding objects should be moved with care.
Move objects away from your body and keep away from face (i.e. lift box up with
edge furthest away from you). If you are bitten, immobilize yourself and keep the
area bitten in a horizontal position. Have your crime scene partner or others at the
scene seek immediate medical attention for you.

f) Chemical Safety at Crime Scenes There are a variety of

materials (which may or may not be essential to the crime scene investigation)
with which the crime scene investigator might come into contact with. These
materials may have the potential for creating health and safety hazards for the
crime scene response personnel depending on their flammability, age, and storage.
Do not create sparks or flames in and around flammable or
combustible materials such as gasoline, acetone and ether. Be cautious of
explosive materials.
9. Physical Safety at Crime Scenes Depending on the scene, protect
yourself from falling debris by wearing head protection such as a hard hat. Be aware
of your surroundings. Due to the vast number of different types of areas that crime
scenes can occur in, the crime scene response team member must pay attention to
their surroundings in order to prevent slips, trips and falls. It is very easy, especially
in a cluttered crime scene environment, to find yourself tripping over an item. In
addition, rural areas such as fields and grassy areas often have un-level terrain and
hidden dangers, such as barbed wire, animal holes, booby traps and dried debris.
Avoid sunburns! Protect yourself from the sun, by using sunscreen, wearing long
sleeves and a hat. Avoid dehydration! Take breaks and drink plenty of water.
Choosing and Using the Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Crime
Scenes
10. OHS Forensic Scientists
OHS Forensic Scientists play a specialized role at the intersection of
forensics, occupational safety, and health. These professionals investigate workplace
accidents, incidents, and fatalities to determine the causes and contributing factors,
with the ultimate goal of preventing future occurrences. Their work combines forensic
science techniques with knowledge of workplace safety, health regulations, and
industrial processes. Key Responsibilities of OHS Forensic Scientists are:
a) Investigation of Workplace Accidents and Fatalities: Forensic
scientists in OHS examine accident scenes, review evidence, and collect data
(e.g., from machinery, work conditions, or personal protective equipment) to
determine how and why an incident occurred. They often work with law
enforcement, regulatory agencies, and corporate safety teams.
b) Analysis of Safety Protocols and Compliance: Reviewing the
effectiveness of safety procedures, equipment, training, and compliance with
OHS regulations is a key part of their role. They assess whether workplace
conditions met legal and safety standards, such as OSHA (Occupational
Safety and Health Administration) requirements.
c) Collection and Preservation of Evidence : Forensic scientists are
trained to gather evidence in a way that preserves its integrity for legal or
regulatory purposes, ensuring it can be used in court if needed. Evidence may
include physical items, biological samples (in cases of injury or illness), and
data from electronic devices or monitoring systems.
d) Toxicology and Environmental Exposure Studies : In cases
involving exposure to toxic substances (e.g., chemicals, asbestos, or
hazardous materials), OHS forensic scientists may analyze the
presence of harmful agents in the environment, on equipment, or in biological
 samples (blood, urine, etc.). They may investigate the long-term effects of
exposure to hazardous materials on workers’ health.
e) Expert Testimony: Forensic scientists in OHS may be called upon to
provide expert testimony in legal proceedings, helping the court understand
the technical aspects of an accident or injury and the role of workplace
conditions or safety practices in contributing to it.
f) Preventative Recommendations: After investigating the causes of
an incident, these scientists often provide recommendations for changes in
safety protocols, equipment, or worker training to prevent future accidents.-
Their findings might lead to broader changes in workplace safety policies or
even industry standards.
11. Skills and Qualifications of OHS Forensic Scientists
a) Education: A degree in forensic science, occupational health and
safety, industrial engineering, toxicology, or a related field is typically required
b) Knowledge of Safety Regulations: Familiarity with OSHA standards,
workplace safety laws, and industry-specific safety guidelines is essential.
c) Attention to Detail: Ability to carefully examine accident scenes,
analyze data, and make connections between evidence and the incident.
d) Scientific Expertise: Proficiency in laboratory testing, toxicological
analysis, and environmental monitoring techniques.
e) Communication Skills: Forensic scientists must be able to clearly
explain their findings, often in writing and in testimony.
f) Flexibility: Forensic scientists must be open to various suggestions
and possibilities arising during the course of the investigation.
12. Key Features of a National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health
• The formulation of the policy should reflect tripartite participation, i.e. there
should be inputs from employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as from
government.
• The policy should be consistent with national development objectives and
policies as a whole. The policy should promote the right of workers to decent,
safe and healthy working conditions and environment.
• The policy should include ways of promoting adequate public awareness
and eliciting political endorsement at the highest level of government.
• The policy should promote the development of a national preventive safety
and health culture that includes information, consultation and training.
• The policy should include a plan for mobilizing the necessary institutional
and financial resources and coordination among all concerned institutions should
be fostered as an inherent element of the policy. The policy should encourage
voluntary compliance at enterprise level and reviewed regularly.
 13. Occupational Health and Safety Legislation in India
On the basis of these Directive Principles, the Government of India declares
its policies, priorities, strategies and purpose through the exercise of its power. It
is committed to regulate all economic activities among the states and with foreign
nations for the management of occupational safety and health risks and to provide
measures for the protection of national assets, for general welfare and to assure,
as far as possible, every working man and woman in the nation a safe and healthy
working condition to preserve human resources. Main objectives of OHS related
legislation are:
 Providing a statutory framework including the enactment of a general
enabling legislation on OHS in respect of all sectors of economic activities,
and designing suitable control systems of compliance, enforcement and
incentives for better compliance.
 Providing administrative and technical support services.
 Providing a system of incentives to employers and employees so that
they achieve higher health and safety standards.
 Establishing and developing research and development capabilities in
emerging areas of risk and effective control measures.
 Reducing the incidence of work-related injuries, fatalities and diseases.
 Reducing the cost of workplace injuries and diseases.
 Increasing community awareness regarding areas related to OHS
14. Need for Legislation to protect Forensic Scientists
Need is felt for a national OHS system comprising of all the infrastructures,
mechanisms and specialized human resources, defined by the national policy and
national OHS programmes for employees in the field of crime scene investigation
and forensics.
The legislations should formulate rules and guidelines to provide most optimal
working conditions and safety measures to Forensic Scientists considering the nature
of their work which exposes them to varied hazards including risk to life sometimes
due to the nature of crime being investigated.
Govt and private agencies utilising the services of Forensic scientists should strictly
abide by the guidelines and must create supportive environment for practice of
Occupational Health and provide opportunities for continuous learning and training in
Occupational Health. Employers must device ways to carry out periodic review of the
OHS measures to improve the standards of health and safety based on recent
incidents and feedbacks
 15. Practical Challenges and Future Outlook
The integration of forensic evidence within the Indian judicial system is not without its
hurdles. Practical challenges often stem from limitations in infrastructure, training,
and the intricate interplay between law and science. Nonetheless, the future holds
promise for the increased use and sophistication of forensic techniques.
a) Infrastructure and Resource Limitations
India's forensic infrastructure, while improving, still faces issues such as
understaffing, underfunding, and lack of modern equipment. This can
result in backlogs and delayed results, impeding the justice process.
b) Training and Expertise of Forensic Professionals
The accuracy of forensic evidence is only as good as the experts who analyze
it. There is a critical need for continuous professional development and
training in the latest forensic methodologies. Collaborations with international
bodies and institutions could bridge knowledge gaps and raise the standard of
forensic practice in India.
c) Standardization and Quality Control
Standard operating procedures and quality control are vital for ensuring the
reliability of forensic results. India is working toward standardized protocols,
akin to the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories, to enhance the credibility of forensic evidence.
d) Legal Understanding of Forensic Science
The complexity of forensic science often poses challenges for legal
professionals, including judges and lawyers, who may not have a scientific
background. Increased emphasis on forensic literacy in legal education and
the provision of scientific advisors to courts could alleviate
misinterpretations of forensic evidence.
e) Technological Advancements and Their Integration
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and
blockchain have the potential to transform forensic science. AI could assist in
pattern recognition in digital forensics, while blockchain offers a secure way to
maintain the chain of custody for digital evidence. Integrating
technologies requires updating legal frameworks and training law enforcement
and judicial personnel.
f) International Cooperation in Forensic Investigations
As crime crosses borders, international cooperation becomes essential,
particularly in cybercrime. India has sought to strengthen ties with other
nations and international organizations to benefit from shared expertise and
expedite cross-border forensic investigations.
 g) Public Perception and Media Influence
The portrayal of forensic science in media, often dramatized, can affect public
perception and create unrealistic expectations — a phenomenon known as
the "CSI Effect." Educating the public about the realities of forensic work is
crucial to maintaining the integrity of the legal process.
16. Conclusion
As the criminal justice system increasingly utilizes forensic evidence collection and
scientific analyses in support of investigations and prosecutions, there has been a
concurrent rise in the demands placed on forensic scientists and crime laboratories.
There is, however, evidence that laboratories are understaffed and have limited
budgets for training, equipment, and personnel.
These factors slow the processing of evidence and reduce scientist productivity,
leading to case backlogs and potentially strained relationships with police and
prosecutors. The negative working conditions produced by such an environment may
directly affect the experiences of scientists by decreasing productivity and job
satisfaction while increasing worker stress and fatigue.
There has been generally little research exploring the occupational experiences of
forensic scientists, limiting our knowledge of the sources of stress within the field and
their general influence on employee productivity.
Occupational health should aim at the promotion and maintenance of the highest
degree of physical, mental and social well-being of Forensic Scientists CSI, in
particular new recruits, need to be instructed in the safety aspects of their work and
kept under close supervision to ensure that they have fully understood the dangers
and how to avoid them. This instruction must be supported by effective materials and
practical training methods. Specific training materials should be developed to assist
action in poorly protected sectors, and emphasis should be placed on the training of
trainers.
Supervisors and managers in order to identify the sources of stress within their
agency and develop policies and guidelines that reduce their influence on
employees. Concurrently, a robust national policy to implement high standards of
OHS for Forensic Scientists needs to be formulated to safeguard the interests of the
scientists for the over-all cause of public service and crime control.
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1. Fundamental Principles of Occupational Health and Safety by Benjamin O.

Alli.
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Productivity and Occupational Stress by Thomas J. Holt and Kristie R. Blevins,
School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
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Wendy S. Becker and W. Mark Dale.
7. Handbook of Forensic Services: Crime Scene Safety, U.S. Department of
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