Social Issues in The Design & Manufacture of Products (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Safe working conditions

Social issues

• Social issues are problems that affect lots of people in society

• In design and manufacturing, they refer to problems relating to:

  • Safety

  • Environmental impact

  • Working conditions

  • Material choices

Safe working conditions

• Safe working conditions are workplaces in design and manufacture which consider how to protect employees from harm, injury or the development of poor health now and in the future

• Safe working conditions include:

  • Safe machines, equipment, tools and the materials which an employee will be exposed to should be safe

  • Appropriate training for all employees

  • The provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes items such as gloves, aprons, visors and ear defenders

  • Clear and safe conditions to work in

  • Working suitable hours to avoid injury or harm

  • The safe handling and disposal of anything dangerous

Reducing oceanic and atmospheric pollution

• Society can reduce oceanic and atmospheric pollution in the following ways:

  • Reducing the use of fossil fuels for travel, instead using renewable sources of energy

  • Effective treatment and storage of waste to avoid it entering the water system

  • Designing and making products which have fewer carbon emissions

  • Using natural or biodegradable materials in products that might end up in the ocean

  • More recycling and less use of landfills to deal with material and product waste

  • Reducing the emissions of transportation of products, materials and people around the Earth

Impact on people

• Society can reduce the detrimental impact on people in the following ways:

  • Introducing legislation or laws which provide safe workplaces for everyone

  • Maintaining fair pay and ethical working conditions for all employees

  • Preventing all releases of toxic and harmful substances into the environment

  • Reducing all types of pollution, including noise, water, and air

  • Developing ethical practices for sourcing materials, manufacturing, and distribution of products to customers