Unit 4 A Assignment
I am working as part of a team of government health and safety inspectors. My team leader has allocated my
team to visit a range of different science organisations, e.g., a pharmaceutical company, a company that
produces plastics, and a cosmetic company and report on the health and safety practices within these
organisations. I will need to select a suitable organisation to inspect. I will then inspect their factory where the
product is mass manufactured, and I will also inspect the research and development site for the organisation. I
have been asked to produce a report that provides information on how the two departments in my selected
organisation are following relevant health and safety legislation as well as describing the hazards present and
how health and safety is managed.
Organization name
Pfizer
What is Pfizer and what do they do?
In 1952, Pfizer established facilities in Folkestone, Kent, to transform base compounds into medications fit for
distribution to patients in the United Kingdom. Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company, well-known for its
pharmaceutical research, development, and production, which includes producing vaccines, prescription drugs,
and other healthcare products, to treat a variety of medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases,
cancer, infectious diseases, and more. Pfizer’s mission and aim is to find Breakthroughs That Change Patient’s
Lives.
Information about the Research department in Pfizer and what they do here?
In the Pfizer UK Research department staff work with health care professionals, learning how the various
medicines work, they also carry out different activities such as designing medicines and learning about the
different processes a medicine is needed to go through before being ready for use by patients. i.e., clinical
trials.
After a product is available for patients the work of the Pfizer research department team is not done as they
still have a lot of work to do such as researching the efficiency of the medicines, they also work hard with
outside companies to study the various uses for their existing products.
Main Activities which are carried out in the Research Department
Drug Discovery
Pfizer's research department works on identifying and designing potential drug candidates, which often
focusing on specific medical conditions or diseases. This involves significant amounts of laboratory work such
as synthesizing new compounds and conducting initial testing to determine whether they have the potential to
be developed further.
Preclinical Research
Before a New drug candidate can be tested in humans in clinical trials, extensive preclinical research is
conducted. This phase includes cell and animal lab-based studies to assess and evaluate the safety and efficacy
of potential drug candidates. These experiments are carefully designed and conducted by Pfizer's research
workers.
Clinical Trials / Research
The Pfizer UK Research department is often involved in the planning, development and conducting clinical trials
to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs in humans. This includes looking at various factors which
assess different aspects of a drug's performance and safety profile, such as patient demographics, and trial
protocols. The clinical trials are often carried out during the later stages of the drug development.
Data Analysis and Statistics
,Data from preclinical and clinical studies at Pfizer needs to be analysed and interpreted in order to draw
meaningful conclusions. This is carried out by the Pfizer's research department which use statistical methods
and data analysis tools to make evidence-based decisions about drug candidates.
Biological Research
In order to find possible drugs candidates for development, Pfizer researchers investigate the basic
mechanisms which cause disease, in order to predict the patient’s response to the drug, this is carrying out by
using high screening and genomics.
The potential hazards in the Research department at Pfizer
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic hazards include Prolonged computer use, and improper workstation setup, and sitting for extended
periods. This may result in musculoskeletal issues, including back problems and repetitive strain injury.
The regulations to minimise Ergonomic hazards in the Pfizer Research department.
In the United Kingdom, there are various health and safety regulations which are relevant to preventing
ergonomic hazards in an office research department, such as Pfizer, these include the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These regulations provide
a set of general requirements and responsibilities for which employers must carry out to ensure the health,
safety, and well-being of their employees.
Pfizer should ensure that all staff comply with these regulations, they should also conduct regular workstation
assessments and provide necessary training and support, in order to maintain a safe and sound work
environment to prevent ergonomic hazards in their office research department. Another way Pfizer can ensure
compliance and the wellbeing of employees is by consulting with health and safety professionals or ergonomic
experts to ask for advice and further info.
To prevent the risk of Ergonomic hazards the steps Pfizer can take are:
Pfizer should Provide a suitable workstation which meets ergonomic standards.
Pfizer should carry out workstation assessments in order to reduce and identify ergonomic risks.
Pfizer should ensure employees receive appropriate training and information on ergonomics and
workstation setup.
Offer staff in the Pfizer research lab regular breaks and changes of activity in order to reduce the risks
that are associated with using a screen for prolonged periods of time.
Pfizer should provide eyesight tests upon request.
Eye Strain
Extended screen time and poor lighting can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. Adequate lighting and
regular breaks from computer work are essential to reduce eye strain
The regulations to minimise the risk of eye strain in the Pfizer Research department:
The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 is relevant to addressing the ergonomic aspects of
workstations as this regulation can indirectly help prevent eye strain. This regulation tells us that employers are
responsible for ensuring that workstations, including computer screens, are all arranged and used to prevent
visual discomfort.
To prevent eye strain and promote eye health, employers, including Pfizer in the UK, should consider
implementing the following measures:
, Ensure that computer screens are positioned at the correct eye level and distance in order to reduce
the glare and minimize the reflections and promote a good posture.
Provide ergonomic chairs which are adjustable, and monitor stands to facilitate proper screen
placement.
Promote frequent breaks and changes to work tasks to minimise prolonged screen exposure.
Provide eye exams or tests, as required by the DSE Regulations, to workers who spend a lot of time on
computers.
Educate employees about the importance of eye health and practices to reduce eye strain.
Pfizer should also make sure the workspace is well – lit with appropriate lighting in order to reduce
eye strain.
Mental Health and Stress
Office environments can be stressful, particularly when working on complex projects or under tight deadlines.
High-stress levels can lead to mental health issues. Pfizer and similar organizations may often have employee
assistance programs and stress management resources in place to support employees who are facing any of
these problems.
The regulations to minimise the hazards in this department.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The legislation imposes a general obligation on employers to protect their workers' health, safety, and welfare
to the extent that it is reasonably practical. This involves taking action to address variables that may promote
stress at work and mental health problems.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Employers must evaluate risks to workers' health and safety, including mental health hazards, in accordance
with these regulations. It is required of employers to take proactive measures to prevent and minimise these
risks.
To prevent mental health issues and stress in an office research department, Pfizer can take the following steps:
Perform risk assessments and identify possible workplace stresses, such as an excessive workload, a
lack of control, insufficient assistance, and poor communication.
Create and put into action a comprehensive stress management plan that addresses mental health
issues, encourages work-life balance, and promotes a positive work environment.
Provide counselling services, employee assistance programmes, and access to mental health
resources.
Encourage public awareness and education on stress management and mental health.
Create an inclusive and supportive workplace environment which promotes mental well-being.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip, trip and fall hazards can be a result of dirty and cluttered walkways, damp flooring or poorly maintained
flooring. Accidents can be avoided by keeping the workspace neat and organized and by taking care of any
maintenance problems as soon as they arise.
The regulations to minimise the hazards in this department.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The is the primary legislation in the United Kingdom which imposes a broad obligation on employers, in order
to protect the health, safety, and welfare of workers and other individuals in the workplace. This includes
taking measures to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
I am working as part of a team of government health and safety inspectors. My team leader has allocated my
team to visit a range of different science organisations, e.g., a pharmaceutical company, a company that
produces plastics, and a cosmetic company and report on the health and safety practices within these
organisations. I will need to select a suitable organisation to inspect. I will then inspect their factory where the
product is mass manufactured, and I will also inspect the research and development site for the organisation. I
have been asked to produce a report that provides information on how the two departments in my selected
organisation are following relevant health and safety legislation as well as describing the hazards present and
how health and safety is managed.
Organization name
Pfizer
What is Pfizer and what do they do?
In 1952, Pfizer established facilities in Folkestone, Kent, to transform base compounds into medications fit for
distribution to patients in the United Kingdom. Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company, well-known for its
pharmaceutical research, development, and production, which includes producing vaccines, prescription drugs,
and other healthcare products, to treat a variety of medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases,
cancer, infectious diseases, and more. Pfizer’s mission and aim is to find Breakthroughs That Change Patient’s
Lives.
Information about the Research department in Pfizer and what they do here?
In the Pfizer UK Research department staff work with health care professionals, learning how the various
medicines work, they also carry out different activities such as designing medicines and learning about the
different processes a medicine is needed to go through before being ready for use by patients. i.e., clinical
trials.
After a product is available for patients the work of the Pfizer research department team is not done as they
still have a lot of work to do such as researching the efficiency of the medicines, they also work hard with
outside companies to study the various uses for their existing products.
Main Activities which are carried out in the Research Department
Drug Discovery
Pfizer's research department works on identifying and designing potential drug candidates, which often
focusing on specific medical conditions or diseases. This involves significant amounts of laboratory work such
as synthesizing new compounds and conducting initial testing to determine whether they have the potential to
be developed further.
Preclinical Research
Before a New drug candidate can be tested in humans in clinical trials, extensive preclinical research is
conducted. This phase includes cell and animal lab-based studies to assess and evaluate the safety and efficacy
of potential drug candidates. These experiments are carefully designed and conducted by Pfizer's research
workers.
Clinical Trials / Research
The Pfizer UK Research department is often involved in the planning, development and conducting clinical trials
to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs in humans. This includes looking at various factors which
assess different aspects of a drug's performance and safety profile, such as patient demographics, and trial
protocols. The clinical trials are often carried out during the later stages of the drug development.
Data Analysis and Statistics
,Data from preclinical and clinical studies at Pfizer needs to be analysed and interpreted in order to draw
meaningful conclusions. This is carried out by the Pfizer's research department which use statistical methods
and data analysis tools to make evidence-based decisions about drug candidates.
Biological Research
In order to find possible drugs candidates for development, Pfizer researchers investigate the basic
mechanisms which cause disease, in order to predict the patient’s response to the drug, this is carrying out by
using high screening and genomics.
The potential hazards in the Research department at Pfizer
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic hazards include Prolonged computer use, and improper workstation setup, and sitting for extended
periods. This may result in musculoskeletal issues, including back problems and repetitive strain injury.
The regulations to minimise Ergonomic hazards in the Pfizer Research department.
In the United Kingdom, there are various health and safety regulations which are relevant to preventing
ergonomic hazards in an office research department, such as Pfizer, these include the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These regulations provide
a set of general requirements and responsibilities for which employers must carry out to ensure the health,
safety, and well-being of their employees.
Pfizer should ensure that all staff comply with these regulations, they should also conduct regular workstation
assessments and provide necessary training and support, in order to maintain a safe and sound work
environment to prevent ergonomic hazards in their office research department. Another way Pfizer can ensure
compliance and the wellbeing of employees is by consulting with health and safety professionals or ergonomic
experts to ask for advice and further info.
To prevent the risk of Ergonomic hazards the steps Pfizer can take are:
Pfizer should Provide a suitable workstation which meets ergonomic standards.
Pfizer should carry out workstation assessments in order to reduce and identify ergonomic risks.
Pfizer should ensure employees receive appropriate training and information on ergonomics and
workstation setup.
Offer staff in the Pfizer research lab regular breaks and changes of activity in order to reduce the risks
that are associated with using a screen for prolonged periods of time.
Pfizer should provide eyesight tests upon request.
Eye Strain
Extended screen time and poor lighting can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. Adequate lighting and
regular breaks from computer work are essential to reduce eye strain
The regulations to minimise the risk of eye strain in the Pfizer Research department:
The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 is relevant to addressing the ergonomic aspects of
workstations as this regulation can indirectly help prevent eye strain. This regulation tells us that employers are
responsible for ensuring that workstations, including computer screens, are all arranged and used to prevent
visual discomfort.
To prevent eye strain and promote eye health, employers, including Pfizer in the UK, should consider
implementing the following measures:
, Ensure that computer screens are positioned at the correct eye level and distance in order to reduce
the glare and minimize the reflections and promote a good posture.
Provide ergonomic chairs which are adjustable, and monitor stands to facilitate proper screen
placement.
Promote frequent breaks and changes to work tasks to minimise prolonged screen exposure.
Provide eye exams or tests, as required by the DSE Regulations, to workers who spend a lot of time on
computers.
Educate employees about the importance of eye health and practices to reduce eye strain.
Pfizer should also make sure the workspace is well – lit with appropriate lighting in order to reduce
eye strain.
Mental Health and Stress
Office environments can be stressful, particularly when working on complex projects or under tight deadlines.
High-stress levels can lead to mental health issues. Pfizer and similar organizations may often have employee
assistance programs and stress management resources in place to support employees who are facing any of
these problems.
The regulations to minimise the hazards in this department.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The legislation imposes a general obligation on employers to protect their workers' health, safety, and welfare
to the extent that it is reasonably practical. This involves taking action to address variables that may promote
stress at work and mental health problems.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Employers must evaluate risks to workers' health and safety, including mental health hazards, in accordance
with these regulations. It is required of employers to take proactive measures to prevent and minimise these
risks.
To prevent mental health issues and stress in an office research department, Pfizer can take the following steps:
Perform risk assessments and identify possible workplace stresses, such as an excessive workload, a
lack of control, insufficient assistance, and poor communication.
Create and put into action a comprehensive stress management plan that addresses mental health
issues, encourages work-life balance, and promotes a positive work environment.
Provide counselling services, employee assistance programmes, and access to mental health
resources.
Encourage public awareness and education on stress management and mental health.
Create an inclusive and supportive workplace environment which promotes mental well-being.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip, trip and fall hazards can be a result of dirty and cluttered walkways, damp flooring or poorly maintained
flooring. Accidents can be avoided by keeping the workspace neat and organized and by taking care of any
maintenance problems as soon as they arise.
The regulations to minimise the hazards in this department.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The is the primary legislation in the United Kingdom which imposes a broad obligation on employers, in order
to protect the health, safety, and welfare of workers and other individuals in the workplace. This includes
taking measures to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
