So, what really is all this hype about?
First, all businesses or workplaces present a potential risk of accident or damage to health of workers and even visitors. Therefore, Workplace safety and health is relevant to all branches of industry, business and commerce including traditional industries, information technology companies, hospitals, care homes, schools, universities, leisure facilities, and offices. Employees are exposed to a myriad of hazards ranging from falling from heights, toxic substances, workstation issues such as the visual display unit (computer monitor), and even slips, trips and falls. Certain health emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, may also occur at the workplace and though they may not be directly caused by the environment, there should be first responders in the workplace who are equipped to handle such cases.
Second, it is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), workers should be protected from sickness, disease and injury arising from their employment1.
Does this hold true for many? Sadly, the answer is “No.” Worldwide, there are 317 million accidents occurring on the job annually and the world loses approximately 6,300 people every day (2.3 million per year) due to occupational accidents or work related diseases. This has a very vast human cost and high economic burden.
Third, not just is it socially responsible, but there are vast benefits for both the employers and employees (as it is also the responsibility of both parties to act) in the development and practice of excellent health and safety measures in the workplace.
What are the benefits of Workplace Wellness, Health and Safety?
The benefits of effective management of workplace health and safety include:
- Employee well-being – improved health and morale, job satisfaction and better ability to cope with stress.
- Enhancing the image and culture of businesses – fewer injuries lead to less turn over, increased retention and recruitment, achievement of high-performance teams,
- Financial benefits to business – less absenteeism and presenteeism, increased productivity and profit.
So, what is Workplace Health and Safety, and what does it entail?
Workplace health is a comprehensive and integrated approach to health which focuses on the general population at a workplace and the organization as a whole. It addresses a broad range of health issues including physical and psycho-social, environment, health practices, personal resources, etc. through programs, policies and practices2.
It entails:
- Occupational Health and Safety – which focuses on preventing injuries or illness, and eliminating hazards
- Healthy choices – including health promotion activities at work, which encourage overall health and wellness (e.g. Heart health, nutrition and stress management.
- Organizational culture – management practices and strategies that focus on culture, values and relationships within the organization
What does this mean?
Employers are responsible for providing safe and healthy workplace conditions as well as the right systems and methods for safe activities. Nevertheless, employees also have a vital part to play in the equation. They need the right knowledge and the right attitude, which demands proper training in the basics of health and safety, as well as specific training for individual tasks.
Photo Courtesy: http://www.autotraining.net.au
References
- International Labour Standards on Occupational Safety and Health http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/subjects-covered-by-international-labour-standards/occupational-safety-and-health/lang–en/index.htm
- What is Workplace Health and why is it important? http://www.ccohs.ca/healthyworkplaces/employers/why.html
Dr. Sally cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any pages on linked websites.