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Occupational Health and Safety: The Need and Importance Essay

Introduction.

Occupation Health and Safety (OHS) can be termed as the rules, legislation, policies, procedures and activities intended to care for the health, safety and welfare of the workers and all the individuals in an organization. It involves looking at the social, mental and physical well-being of workers (Lingard & Rowlinson, p. 124). Moreover, Occupational Health and Safety in an organization help uphold and sustain a high threshold of physical, mental and social well being of all the workers and their employer; protect worker from adverse health effects emanating from poor working conditions; shelter worker when carrying out their activities from risks emanating from factors unfavorable to their health and finally assist workers adopt physically and mentally to the working environment.

In the current world, many organizations tend to put more emphasis on occupational health issues than occupational safety issues as occupational health issues are trickier to tackle. However, when occupational health issues are addressed, safety in a workplace is promoted; this is because when a workplace is termed as a healthy workplace, it also means that the workplace is safe (Reese, p. 232).

It is important, therefore, to ensure that Occupational Health and Safety is observed as it reduces illness, death and injuries to the workers and other individuals that may arise from poor working conditions in a particular workplace. This is because, if the working conditions of an organization are poor, the health and safety of the workers is affected and this may reduce the output of the organization. Moreover, poor working conditions may affect the living environment of the worker and thus affect the workers family and the community at large. The occupational hazards caused by poor working conditions may affect the physical and mental health of the workers, his family and the community (Reese, pp. 235-37). For instance, in an agricultural organization, the chemicals that they use to spray the plants in the fields ends up in the near by water bodies especially when it rains. This contaminates the water which the community may be using for domestic purposes causing diseases like diarrhea and eventual death to them. Moreover, the chemicals may be blown by wind and be inhaled by the people living nearby causing serious health problems.

Occupational Health and Safety in an organization is important as it helps reduce the cost incurred when a worker has been injured, is sick or has died due to occupational diseases or injuries. When an occupational injury or disease occurs, the employer is faced with both direct and indirect expenses. For instance, compensation to the injured worker, repair of the broken machine, payment of unlabored work among others are some of direct cost while replacement of the injured worker, training of a worker to replace the injured, reduction in output are some of the indirect cost that an employer has to pay. For an organization to achieve the above the employer, workers and the unions should be committed to health and safety and thus ensure that workplace hazards are minimized, records of injuries, car accidents and deaths due to occupation diseases or injuries are well kept, risk assessments are carried out and finally ensure that there is an effective occupational health and safety committee that incorporate individuals from all sectors (Dudley, pp. 34-67).

Importance of Occupational Health and Safety professionals being a capable leader

When an organization is choosing an Occupational Health and Safety leader it must look at the current leadership qualities of the potential leaders. Although leadership qualities can be acquired through learning it is important to determine the existing leadership qualities so as to determine what other leadership qualities the leaders need. It is crucial for an Occupational health and Safety leader to be a capable leader and this he/ she can only achieve if he / she has the following qualities;

Vision; a good leader should have a vision for his/ her organization or department. He/ she should be able to evaluate where his/ her department is, future success and how to achieve it. This vision should be shared with all the individuals in the organization so that each and every worker can strive to achieve the future success. Occupational Health and Safety leaders should have a vision on how they will reduce occupational injuries, accidents and occupational diseases. This can only be achieved through improving the working conditions of a workplace, educating workers on safety, its importance and how to achieve it and training workers on occupational health and safety (Lindgard & Rowlinson, pp. 245-67). Moreover, OHS leaders should involve all the workers in all departments of the organization. This ensures that safety is observed in all departments of the organization. Furthermore, by having a vision, the OHS leader is able to set rules and regulation that will govern the behavior and activities of all the workers thus promoting safety in the workplace. However, the leader should be realistic and he should bear in mind the available resources, support by other leaders and support from the workers.

Motivation; a good leader should know what motivates the workers and what activities de-motivate them. An occupational Health and Safety leader should formulate favorable conditions where the employees will feel enthusiastic to work hard and achieve the OHS set goals. This is so because, for an organization to attain the set performance objectives the workers must be capable, work hard and their leaders must support them (Dudley, pp. 80-90). Therefore, an occupational health and safety leader should ensure that all areas are equipped with qualified personnel who are well supported by the leaders and are motivated to work well. This ensures that the set Occupational Health and Safety goals are met. It is important therefore, for OHS leaders to be motivational as this boosts the workers desires to achieve the set Occupational Health and Safety goals. Moreover, the OHS leader should ensure that his OHS goals are realistic and achievable as if they are not the worker will feel de-motivated to work to attain goals that are not attainable. However, when the leader uses rewards as a form of motivation he/ she should evaluate the perception of the workers on the reward as this may bring conflict and strains in the workplace.

Emotional and Intelligence; leaders should be sensitive about the feelings of their workers / those they lead. However, they should be clever as to identify genuine and fake feelings portrayed by the workers. Occupational Health and Safety leaders should be sensitive about the safety and well being of the workers, workers family and the community in which the organization or the firm is in, for instance, when the firm pollutes the a water body that is used by the surrounding communities, the leader should listen to them and offer reasonable solutions (Reese, pp. 245-67) The Occupational Health and Safety leader is liable to creating a working environment that promotes the safety and health of the worker. Moreover, he/ she should value and reply to the needs of the workers and listen to them all the time. This is important because it facilitate workers participation in decision making.

Communication; a good capable leader should be able to communicate to his worker and his juniors in a polite manner. Effective communication is important for the success of an organization. An occupational Health and Safety leader should have good communication skills that will enable him/ her to acquire and transfer information freely from the workers and to the worker respectively. This leadership quality is important because it helps the Occupational Health and Safety leader to gather information from the worker and transfer it to other leaders on matters concerning health and safety of the workers and helps him transfer important information from the seniors to the workers (Dudley, pp. 99- 112). Occupational Health and Safety leaders should ensure that they use the right channel of communication; for instance, they can use written channels like hanging the information on the notice board when they are passing information that does not need immediate answer. But for the information that requires immediate answers an oral channel will be used where the leader may hold meeting with workers and inform them.

Trustworthy; a good leader should be trusted by the workers and his/ her seniors. A leader who can be trusted by the employee or the people who he/ she is leading, more information relating to the organization will be passed to him/ her easily. Moreover, the organization/ firm will have a good reputation in the public. When the employees/ workers feel that they can trust their leaders, they can talk openly about their feeling concerning a newly installed Occupational Health and Safety program and they can be able to contribute freely in decision making meeting and health and safety meetings (Lingard & Rolinson, pp. 134-44).

Assertiveness; a leader should not beat around the bush about something he/she want to be done and how it should be done. He/ she should state clearly what he/ she expects from the worker. An occupational Health and Safety leader should ensure that he/ she go straight to the point when it comes to matter concerning health and safety in the workplace. His/ her statement should clearly state what he/ she expect from the workers and the leader in promoting occupational health and safety and avoiding injuries and occupational diseases (Reese, pp. 287-98). Moreover, he/ she should ensure that the health and safety rules and their penalties are clearly stated with no misunderstanding. This ensures that the workers have no excuse when they break the rules and are liable to punishment with no exception. This is important because it ensures that all people practice safety in their activities and thus more less expenses to the organization.

Dedication; a good leader should be dedicated to his/ her work, for instance striving had to edge a step closer to the vision. An Occupational Health and Safety leader should be dedicate to ensuring that safety is observed in all departments of the organizations. Moreover, he should be dedicated to ensuring that workers are in good health and that the workplace is in good condition. A dedicated leader in Occupational Health and Safety ensures records of all health and safety issues are well kept so as to keep abreast on the trend of safety in the organization (Dudley, pp. 134-65). The health and safety records assist the organization in determining how safe the workplace and help in decision making concerning then health and safety matters. Dedication helps in giving an example to the workers on how to achieve and maintain health and safety in a workplace.

Magnanimity; this is where a leader gives a credit for a job well done. A good leader should ensure that all leaders give tribute to workers when they have done a good job. Moreover, a good leader should also account for failures and accept them as his/ her mistake. This help the worker feel proud about them selves and are motivated to work ever harder and adhere to the set rules and regulation. An Occupational Health and Safety leader should ensure that all efforts by the worker to achieve the set occupational health and safety goals do not go unrecognized. This motivates the workers who feel proud of his/ her achievement and will continue striving hard to achieve the goal. This quality of a leader promotes healthy relationship between the workers and the leaders and arose in the worker a feeling of belonging/ attachment to the organization or firm (Reese, pp. 267-90). Thus he/ she will do work with one heart ensuring that he / she observe the set health and safety rules and regulations.

Creativity; this is where the leader has the ability to think beyond the available solution and tend to look for alternative solutions for a problem. The leader sees thing the other people / workers cannot see, for instance, he/ she can see consequences of a certain decision made by a committee. An Occupational Health and Safety leader should ask him self questions like “what if…” thus ensuring he/ she do not look only at the positive and negative side but also at the possibilities and alternatives of issue (Lingard & Rowlinson, pp. 156-89). He/ she should also ensure that he/ she has alternative for every decision that is made concerning the health and safety of the workers. This is important because it eliminates the possibilities of failures in programs and training in Occupational Health and Safety as there are set solutions for any problem that may arise.

Occupational Health and Occupational Safety are two important issues that should be addressed in all organizations and firms. Occupational Health and Safety leaders should ensure that the workplace is suitable for workers to work on. This means that the workplace has the required conditions to guarantee safety of the workers. Moreover, an organization should ensure that safety to the community is adhered to, i.e. ensure that the surrounding communities’ health is not endangered by the activities of the firm/ organization. For an organization to achieve this, leader must have the required quality so as to deriver the best and reorient people in achieving the set occupational health and safety goals. These leadership qualities assist the leader lead the workers and other leaders in achieving the occupational health and safety goals. Furthermore, training offered to the worker during occupational health and safety workshop and training programs help the worker realize their role in ensuring safety and avoiding occupational diseases.

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Understanding Occupational Health And Safety (OHS): What You Need to Know to Keep Yourself and Your Employees Healthy

by Afnan Tajuddin

Table of Contents

What is Occupational Health?

Occupational health is concerned with promoting and maintaining the highest level of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations.

The occupational health and safety (OHS) is a term that has been used for many years to describe the work-related health and safety. OHS is the set of policies, processes, and practices that are designed to protect workers from occupational hazards.

Occupational health and safety is a way to protect the health of employees. It is a responsibility that every employer has towards their employees. Employers are required by law to provide a safe workplace for their employees.

Therefore, this duty lies with the organization to provide for as well as look after employee’s health and well-being, whether it regards physical or mental health. In most cases, the mental health side is neglected, and employers should address it by providing and conducting Mental Health First Aid Training .

The International Labour Office , together with the World Health Organization Committee, defined the subject in 1950 as:

“The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations; the prevention amongst workers of departures from health caused by their working conditions; the protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting from factors adverse to health; the placing and maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his physiological and psychological equipment; in short, the adaptation of work to man and of each man to his job”

The ILO Occupational Health Services Convention C161 further defines occupational health services as:

“Services entrusted with essentially preventive functions and responsible for advising the employer, the workers and their representatives in the undertaking on:

(i) the requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to work;

(ii) the adaptation of work to the capabilities of workers in the light of their state of physical and mental health.”

Key Information:

The type of occupational health service an employer provides depends on the risk profile of the workplace, specific legal requirements, and available resources.
An occupational health service includes the services of physicians, nurses, technicians, and hygienists, as well as specialists in specific areas, such as audiometrists.
Typical services provided by the occupational health include pre-employment screening, health surveillance, return-to-work rehabilitation programmes, sick leave management, counselling, risk assessment (general and personal), health education and promotion campaigns, treatment services, and administration of first aid and immunisation programmes.
There are minimum standards for the qualification and registration of occupational health physicians and nurses, as well as specialists such as audiometricians.
General health assessment evaluates a person’s fitness to perform general or specific job-related tasks.
Health surveillance involves monitoring a person’s health to ensure that he or she is fit for a job that exposes him or her to a specific type of health hazard and to track his or her health over time while working with that hazard.
Following health surveillance, health records must be maintained. These records contain personal information about the individual and his or her work, and may include a physician’s conclusions after a test or evaluation. These records generally must be kept for as long as the worker in question is under health surveillance; national regulations may specify a specific period
Occupational health services often collect data on illness and absenteeism to develop occupational health strategies and goals.

Major areas of occupational health & Safety (OHS)

In general, occupational health and safety refers to the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. It includes efforts to identify and eliminate hazards in the workplace, to train employees in safe practices, and to provide medical and other support when injuries or illnesses occur.

Some of the major areas of occupational health and safety include:

Hazard identification and assessment
Hazard control and prevention
First aid and CPR
Work-related injury and illness prevention
Work-related safety and health management
Occupational health and safety training

What are the hazards / Risks of occupational health

There are many risks associated with occupational health and safety. Some of these risks include exposure to hazardous materials, repetitive motion injuries, and slips, trips and falls etc.

Exposure to hazardous materials: Exposure to hazardous materials can occur when working with or around chemicals, fumes, dusts or other harmful substances. This exposure can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin diseases and cancer.
Repetitive motion injuries: Repetitive motion injuries can occur when workers perform the same task over and over again. These injuries can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the affected body part.
Slips, trips and falls: Slips, trips and falls are another common type of occupational injury. These accidents can occur due to wet floors, cluttered work areas or loose carpeting. Workers who suffer a slip, trip or fall can sustain serious injuries, such as broken bones or concussions.
Manual handling : Lifting or carrying heavy objects can lead to back injuries if not done properly.
Musculoskeletal disorders: These can be caused by sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time.
Eye strain: This can be caused by looking at a computer screen for long periods of time.
Any many more

The Importance and benefits of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)

Occupational health and safety (OSH) is a way to protect workers from harm while they are performing their job. The benefits of occupational health and safety are numerous and include reducing millions of injuries each year, protecting workers from serious injury, and improving workplace productivity. There are a number of different benefits to consider when designing and implementing an occupational health and safety program, including:

Reducing injuries

Occupational health and safety can help to reduce the number of injuries caused by the workplace. By understanding the types of injuries and how to prevent them, employers can create an environment that is conducive to safe work.

Improved Employee Safety

An effective OSH program can also improve employee safety By teaching employees how to safely perform their jobs, companies can reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.

Reduced Costs

An effective OSH program can also reduce costs. By preventing injuries and accidents, businesses can avoid expensive damage and repairs.

Improved Productivity

An effective OSH program can also improve productivity. By helping to prevent accidents, workers can stay on the job longer and produce more products.

However, there are some general benefits that may arise from using a service, such as: Compliance with national health and safety and equal opportunities legislation.

Reduction in absenteeism and the number of days lost due to sickness and associated costs.
Improved management of rehabilitation and returnto-work processes.
Early detection of work-related health hazards, enabling better identification, assessment and control.
Improved management of work-related illnesses, enabling earlier and better treatment and consequently better recovery and minimisation of illness duration.
Reduction in compensation claims for work-related ill health.
Better pre-employment screening to match personal characteristics with job requirements.
Improved morale.

How is occupational health & Safety (OHS) measured

Occupational health & Safety (OHS) is measured in a variety of ways, depending on the specific needs of the occupation and the research available. In general, occupational health metrics can include:

Absenteeism rates
Injuries and illnesses
Death rates
Complaints and grievances
Hazardous materials exposures

Each of these metrics can provide a unique perspective on the health and safety of workers in an occupation.

Types of Occupational Health Service

Occupational health services can be categorised as:

A full occupational health service staffed by a full-time doctor with a supporting nurses (who may work on a shift basis). A workplace health centre may also offer specialised treatments. This type of service may be found in a large company if the company’s risk profile requires comprehensive care or if the company can afford to offer such care as an employment benefit.
An occupational health service staffed by one or more occupational health nurses (perhaps on shift duty) with regular visits by a doctor and clinics (perhaps weekly). The doctor combines his duties with other activities (e.g. GP or other occupational health activities). This type of service could be found in a smaller organisation or a large organisation that does not have a risk profile that requires comprehensive care.
An outsourced occupational health service provided by a private provider of occupational health services. This could include weekly visits by an occupational health professional and/or doctor, or the provision of advice and services on request. This type of service could be used by a small to medium sized employer with a low risk profile.

The nature of the service, the composition of the staff providing the service and their functions must be determined by the employer. Some of the specialised functions of an occupational health service are described below:

Occupational Health Physician
Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Technician
Occupational Hygienist

Functions of an Occupational Health Service

Work environment monitoring – based on the information from the orientation exercise, a walk-through of the workplace is conducted together with interviews with staff. Surveillance and spot checks will be carried out if necessary.
Informing employers, management and workers about work-related health hazards – communication with those responsible for implementing prevention and control measures and those affected.
Health risk assessment – information obtained during surveillance and from other sources, such as exposure limit values, epidemiological information and exposure data, should be taken into account to identify the potential risks to workers.
Worker health surveillance – this includes pre-employment and periodic health examinations, return-to-work examinations after absence, and health examinations when leaving the enterprise.
Prevention and control initiatives – this includes the use of a team to develop effective controls to reduce the risk of illness.
First aid services and emergency preparedness – although first aid treatment is traditionally the responsibility of an occupational health service, it can also be provided in cooperation with workers.
Occupational health care, general preventive and curative services – this section covers the provision of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation services to workers affected by work-related injuries or diseases.
Adapting the work to the worker – it may be possible to modify the workplace, equipment and working environment so that the worker can do their job more effectively and with less risk of injury.
Information, education and training – occupational health services should provide relevant information, education and training to workers.
Health promotion activities – these can be integrated into the tasks of occupational health services to improve workers’ health.
Data collection and retention – data on all activities must be properly and securely stored and retained.

Develop and Implement an Alcohol/Drugs Policy

A written policy should be developed in collaboration with the workforce. Consultation with medical personnel is also recommended. This may be part of the company’s health and safety policy or a separate document. The fundamental elements are a statement of goals and objectives, responsibilities (who does what), and a description of the arrangements (the rules). Measures to reduce alcohol/drug-related problems could include:

Alcohol and drug use are prohibited or restricted on the property (for example, alcohol cannot be brought onto the property). Alternative soft drinks are also made accessible.
Improved conditions at work (poor conditions can contribute to such problems).
Proper administration and monitoring (not promoting actions that encourage drug or alcohol abuse).
Education programmes (information, education, training), which include:
Outlining the effects of alcohol and other drugs on health.
Training for managers and supervisors in the detection, counselling, and confidential referral of people with alcohol and drug problems.
Rules to be obeyed and penalties for breaking them.
Identification, evaluation, and referral of people with alcohol and drug problems. Individuals may also be subjected to drug and/or alcohol testing, especially in industries that require a high level of safety. This topic needs to be handled gently because it is an emotional one with implications for moral, legal, and ethical behaviour.
Rules guiding behaviour and punitive actions for breaking them (including dismissal). Employees who engage in drug or alcohol

10 Tips to maintain occupational health & Safety (OHS) at Work Site

The following are 10 tips that can be taken to maintain occupational health & Safety (OHS):

Have a written safety & Alcohol/Drug
Recognize the hazards of your work.
Identify and correct risks.
Plan and implement safe work practices.
Make sure your workplace is safe and free from hazards.
Maintain records of occupational health and safety incidents.
System for reporting safety risks to the supervisor and a rewards programme for reporters
Train employees.
Make sure employees are informed about their health and safety rights.
Encourage employees to take safety precautions, such as wearing safety gear and using safety equipment etc.

OSHA Standards to Protect Against Occupational Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Act ( OSHA ) provides guidelines on how employers should maintain a safe work environment. The Act defines safety standards that must be met in order to prevent injuries or illnesses among workers.

There are many OSHA standards in place to protect workers against occupational hazards. Some of these standards are specific to certain industries, while others are more general. Here are a few examples of OSHA standards that help protect workers:

OSHA Standard 1910.134: This standard requires employers to provide their employees with respiratory protection if they are exposed to airborne hazards.
OSHA Standard 1926.451: This standard establishes requirements for scaffolding, which is often used in construction and other industries.
OSHA Standard 1910.1020: This standard requires employers to maintain records of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
OSHA Standard 1915.1000: This standard covers the use of lasers in the workplace.

These are just a few examples of the many OSHA standards in place to protect workers. For more information, visit the OSHA website .

Occupational Health Resources for Employers

As an employer, it is important to be aware of the many occupational health resources that are available to help you keep your employees safe and healthy. Here are some of the most important occupational health resources for employers:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for employees. Employers can find a wealth of information on OSHA’s website, including resources on how to prevent and respond to workplace hazards.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a research agency that provides employers with information and resources on how to create a safe and healthful workplace.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency that protects public health and promotes human well-being by providing leadership and direction for disease control and prevention. The CDC website includes resources on a variety of occupational health topics, including workplace safety and health.
Professional organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) offer resources on occupational health and safety.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to a worker’s safety. Occupational health and safety should be taken seriously and each company should have a plan tailored to their unique needs. If your company does not have an OHS plan in place, this could lead to a catastrophic event for your employees, customers and the company as a whole.

This article has given you just some of the many occupational health and safety topics that you should be considering in order to protect your business and employees. Remember, that with better planning and education, you can come up with a more comprehensive plan for your

Occupational Health (OH): Definition, Benefits and Objectives

Occupational Health (OH) is a vital branch of public health dedicated to ensuring the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers across all occupations. By focusing on the prevention, management, and improvement of workplace-related health issues, OH aims to create environments where employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.

This comprehensive approach not only safeguards employees but also enhances overall organizational productivity and morale.

What is Occupational Health (OH)?

Occupational Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a component of public health that focuses on all aspects of health and safety in the workplace. It emphasizes the primary prevention of hazards and addresses various determinants of worker health, including workplace risks that can lead to diseases such as cancer, respiratory issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health challenges. Additionally, OH considers factors like working hours, salary, maternity leave policies, and health promotion activities that influence overall employee health.

Historical Context and Evolution

The focus on Occupational Health has evolved significantly over time. In the late 19th century, the rise of industrialization brought attention to the hazardous conditions faced by factory workers. Reports from that era highlighted numerous workplace injuries and fatalities, leading to the establishment of regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. Since then, Occupational Health has expanded to encompass a wide range of industries and health issues, continuously adapting to new workplace challenges and technological advancements.

Importance of Occupational Health (OH)

Occupational Health is crucial for several reasons:

Legal Compliance: Many countries mandate workplace safety and health standards. For instance, the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 requires organizations to assess risks, provide competent health and safety advice, and engage in preventive measures.
Economic Benefits: Workplace injuries and illnesses cost employers billions annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, and workers’ compensation claims. Effective OH programs can significantly reduce these costs.
Employee Well-being: Prioritizing OH boosts employee morale, enhances job satisfaction, and reduces turnover rates. A safe and healthy workplace fosters a positive organizational culture.
Reputation and Goodwill: Companies that invest in Occupational Health are viewed more favorably by employees, customers, and the public, enhancing their reputation and goodwill.

Objectives of Occupational Health (OH)

The primary objectives of Occupational Health are multifaceted, aiming to promote and maintain the highest degree of health and working capacity among employees. These objectives include:

Maintenance and Promotion of Health: Ensuring that workers maintain their health and working capacity through preventive measures and health promotion activities.
Improvement of Working Conditions: Enhancing the working environment to make it safe and conducive to health, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and occupational diseases.
Development of Work Organization and Culture: Establishing work practices and organizational cultures that reflect essential value systems, including effective managerial systems, personnel policies, and quality-related management practices that prioritize occupational safety and health.

Key Components of Occupational Health (OH)

A robust Occupational Health program typically encompasses several core components aimed at identifying, controlling, and preventing workplace health hazards:

Hazard Identification and Control: Systematically identifying potential workplace hazards and implementing measures to control or eliminate them at the source.
Pre-Placement Screening: Conducting medical screenings before employment to ensure that candidates are fit for their roles and to identify any conditions that may require special accommodations.
Preventive Vaccines and Training: Providing vaccinations and training programs to enhance immune resistance and educate workers on safety practices.
Medical Surveillance: Regular health screenings to detect early signs of work-related conditions or exposures to hazards.
Acute Injury/Illness Management: Promptly addressing workplace injuries or illnesses and recognizing sentinel health events that indicate systemic workplace hazards.
Work Restriction Management: Implementing job modifications or temporary removal from work to accommodate injured or ill workers.
Confidential Record Management: Maintaining the confidentiality of occupational health records and medical information to protect workers’ privacy.

Types of Occupational Health (OH) Services

Occupational Health services are diverse and tailored to meet the specific needs of different workplaces. Key services include:

On-site Clinics: Providing accessible healthcare services, including behavioral health specialists and telehealth options.
Health Screenings: Conducting screenings for behavioral health, addiction, and other health risks associated with specific occupations.
Absence and Disability Management: Managing sick leaves and disabilities through fitness-for-duty evaluations and support systems.
Digital Mental Health Tools: Offering digital resources like cognitive behavioral therapy, coaching, and short-term counseling to support mental well-being.
Worker’s Compensation Management: Developing treatment plans for injured workers and coordinating care between physicians and psychologists.

Benefits of Maintaining Occupational Health (OH)

Implementing a strong Occupational Health program offers numerous benefits:

Reduced Expenses: Minimizing workplace injuries and illnesses lowers direct and indirect costs related to medical treatments, compensation claims, and lost productivity.
Enhanced Safety: Proactive safety measures and preventive programs reduce the likelihood of accidents and occupational hazards.
Prevention of Health Issues: Regular health screenings and wellness programs help in early detection and prevention of potential health problems.
Improved Morale and Retention: A focus on employee health fosters a supportive work environment, increasing job satisfaction and loyalty.
Unlocking Opportunities: Engaged employees are more likely to contribute ideas for improving workplace safety and efficiency, driving organizational success.

Risks and Common Workplace Injuries

Despite advancements in Occupational Health, workplace injuries remain a significant concern. Common types of workplace injuries include:

Overexertion: Leading to musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and strains, often caused by lifting or repetitive motions.
Contact with Objects or Equipment: Resulting in cuts, lacerations, or more severe injuries from machinery or falling objects.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Causing injuries ranging from minor sprains to serious fractures or head injuries.

Certain industries, such as public service, transportation, manufacturing, construction, and maintenance, are particularly prone to higher occupational health risks. However, all workplaces, regardless of industry, must address potential health hazards to ensure employee safety.

Setting Up for Success

A successful Occupational Health program begins even before an employee’s first day on the job. Pre-placement physical exams and drug screenings ensure that new hires are physically and mentally fit for their roles. Ongoing preventative measures, such as regular health screenings, vaccinations, medical surveillance, and mental health support, are essential in maintaining a healthy workforce.

Employers should also foster a culture of safety by encouraging safe work practices, providing ergonomic solutions, and promoting mental health awareness. By proactively addressing potential risks and supporting employee well-being, organizations can create a resilient and productive workforce.

Occupational Health is a cornerstone of a thriving and sustainable workplace. By prioritizing the health and safety of employees, organizations not only comply with legal standards but also enhance their operational efficiency and reputation. Investing in comprehensive Occupational Health programs is a strategic decision that benefits both employees and employers, fostering a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for all.

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Home / News / Why is Occupational Health and Safety Important?

Why is Occupational Health and Safety Important?

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by Health and Safety (H&S) in the workplace? You’re probably not the only one. Although it may seem confusing to begin with, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is extremely valuable and is rightly being incorporated into more and more workplaces around the world.

For that reason, it’s important to break it down and begin to understand exactly what Occupational Health and Safety is, and why it’s so important. In today’s article, we’ll explain exactly what EH&S is, how everybody can benefit from it, and why some of the safety courses offered by our Safety & Access team can be beneficial to all.

What is Occupational Health and Safety?

Let’s keep it simple. Occupational Health and Safety is designed to create a safe, healthy work environment. It can generally be considered as two separate entities.

Occupational Safety covers the risk factor in your workplace, and potential safety hazards that could possibly cause injury. Occupational Health, on the other hand, looks at potential health concerns and wellbeing. Think of Safety as an employee’s physical well-being, and Health as everything else, including mental health.

Whether you’re stacking shelves, studying a PhD, working from an office, or using heavy machinery, there are health and safety risks. That being the case, your employer has a responsibility to minimize those risks and reduce the likelihood of any workplace accident or mistreatment. And, as we’re about to explain, it’s in more than just their legal interest to look after you.

Why Occupational Health and Safety is Important

Mental health and well-being.

Your employer must consider the conditions you work in. OH&S puts a care of duty upon every employer to make sure that their staff work in reasonable conditions, and that their mental health is a top priority.

Long hours, few breaks, little recognition, and impossible demands will quickly leave staff fatigued, stressed, and suffering from poor mental health. At best, workers will suffer slight mental health problems and only require a break from work. At worst, this could lead to life-changing and long-term mental health problems.

Companies want to make sure that their staff are mentally healthy and contributing to the business. OH&S makes sure that staff health is looked after.

Increased Awareness and Safe Working Culture

You don’t spend thousands upon thousands of pounds putting your staff on mandatory training courses just for the sake of it. OH&S training courses, all the way from Working at Height to Supply Chain Management, are all designed to create awareness of workplace surroundings and create a safe working culture.

This sounds good on paper, but it’s even better in practice. Once they’ve completed the relevant OH&S training courses, staff will work in a much safer way, and will understand how to minimise workplace risk. As they learn to avoid hazards and raise concerns about potentially dangerous tasks, workplace-related injuries will reduce.

This keeps workers safe and improves trust throughout industry.

Increase in Productivity

Healthy staff are productive staff. When OH&S is implemented correctly, staff should feel protected, and loyal to their work. They know that they’re being looked after while they’re at work, and that they won’t be putting their safety or their health at risk.

This is also significant because when staff speak up and raise concerns about a potentially hazardous task, they do so in the knowledge that their opinion will be listened to and considered. Colleagues trust one another and, with a positive mindset, will work efficiently. Fail to protect your staff with the appropriate OH&S measures, and you’ll only see your staff retention rate decrease.

Correct Training and Use of Tools

Particularly on some of our Scaffolding Training Courses, our experts explain that shortcuts will always create workplace risks. This is true in just about every industry, but when heavy machinery is involved, the risk is much more significant.

When OH&S training is carried out correctly, staff know how to use the tools that are required for their job. Injuries are less likely to occur, and the work will be carried out to a higher standard as well. You’ll have highly trained staff and a reduction in man-hours lost to injury and illness.

New Opportunities

OH&S will also create new opportunities in your workplace. Staff that have been trained can take on the responsibility of becoming mental health ambassadors, setting a good example and serving as a point-of-contact for their colleagues.

For others, OH&S also creates the opportunity to share success stories and examples of best practice. Staff can also be recognised for fine examples of OH&S in the workplace, and by highlighting examples of best practice, the culture of health and safety at work will only improve.

Occupational Health and Safety with Safety & Access

Ultimately, Occupational Health and Safety will look after both your employees and your profits. In the past, too many workers have suffered tragic losses – OH&S strives to make workplace accidents a thing of the past.

Our Safety & Access team are professional, patient, and fully certified OH&S training course leaders. They can explain exactly what OH&S involves, and why its benefits are so significant. We’re local to your area – contact our team today to find out how you can keep your staff productive and, most important of all, safe.

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Home / Essay Samples / Health / Health Care Policy / Understanding the Importance of Occupational Health and Safety

Understanding the Importance of Occupational Health and Safety

Category: Health
Topic: Health Care Policy , Medicare , Universal Health Care

Pages: 5 (2405 words)

Downloads: -->
Alhasan, M.R., & Partanen T.J. (2001). Occupational health and safety programs in the less developing countries – a serious case of negligence. Journal of Epidemiology 11, 74–80
Chetty L. A Study to Determine the Occupational Health and Safety Knowledge, Practices and Injury Patterns of Workers at a Specific Beverage Manufacturing Company. 2006 (Thesis).
Disease Control Priorities Project, (2007). Developing countries can reduce hazards http://www.dcp2.org/file/139/DCPP-OccupationalHealth.pdf (Accessed 26-03-2009).
Global Occupational Health: Current Challenges and the Need for Urgent Action, Roberto G. Lucchin & Leslie London, Ichan School of Medicine, 2014;80:251-256
Occupational Health Challenges and Success in Developing Countries: A South African Perspective by Darren Mark Jourbet, article in International journal of occupational and environmental health, April 2002, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11351539
Occupational Health and Safety: Key Issues and Concerns in Ghana by Kwesi Amponsah-Tawiah, January 2011, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280557400
Occupational Health Research in Developing Countries: A Partner for Social Justice by Iman A. Nuwayhid, 2004 November; 94(11): 1916–1921
Occupational Health and Safety In Industries in Developing World by Iftikhar Ahmad, Abdul Sattar, Allah Nawaz, December 2016, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314096118

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