Occupational Health and Safety
Figure 01: (Edet, 2021)
Human resources are regarded as an organization’s most significant asset. As a result, safeguarding workplace health and safety is a critical responsibility of the HR manager. A healthy workforce is a necessary condition for a productive and long-term industry. Many organizations continue to struggle with issues of safety and physical health. Workplace accidents could incur medical fees, hospitalization expenses, increased insurance premium costs, lower productivity, expenses required to acquire and train new personnel, management time, and compensation paid directly in connection with the accident. All of these could be incurred as a result of workplace accidents. Hence, it is the responsibility of the personnel who are managing people to ensure that the workforce is healthy-physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational health refers to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of employees both in and out of the workplace. Employees working in an environment free of hazards and risks could lead to accidents and occupational diseases. An injury or accident can occur as a result of different job dangers and risks.
Factors that affect Health and Safety at Work
Every job comes with its own set of dangers and risks. To keep accidents, injuries, and work-related diseases to a bare minimum, it’s critical to recognize these health risks and reduce their risk.
· Physical: Heat, cold, light, noise, vibration, pressure, radiation
· Chemical: Gasses, fumes, solids or liquids, dusts
· Biological: Bacteria, virus, fungi parasites, insects
· Psycho-social: Work stress, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, frustration
· Ergonomics: Anatomical, anthropometrical, psychological mismatches
Personnel Protective Equipment
Personnel protective equipment is equipment that is used to reduce risk ad protect people from injury.
E.g. Goggles, gloves, face masks, safety helmets, safety belts, ear studs/mufflers, over coats
Figure 02: (Worker with Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Icons)
Causation of Accidents
Figure 03: Caution of Accidents
How to reduce Accidents?
· Check for and remove unsafe conditions.
· Try to screen out employees who might be accident-prone for the jb in question.
· Establish a safety policy.
· Set specific loss control goals.
· Encourage and train employees to be safety conscious.
· Enforce safety rules.
Conclusion
Human resource professionals are expected to make a significant contribution to improving employee health and safety. Employee health and safety are crucial issues that must be addressed in order for the organization and its people to thrive and develop effectively.
References
Edet, U. (2021, March 29). Health and Safety Articles. Retrieved from HSEWatch Website: http://www.hsewatch.com
Worker with Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Icons. (n.d.). Retrieved from ShutterStock Website: http://www.shutterstock.com









