Step Up Your Safety Game: Occupational Health & Safety

Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by

Safety at work should be a top priority for everyone. As an employer or employee, it is essential to maintain safety standards in your workplace, and this is where Occupational Health and Safety practices come into play. OHS practices ensure that employees have a safe working environment and are not prone to work-related hazards or injuries. These practices are designed to protect individuals at work, and in turn, provide benefits to the business too. In this article, we will delve into what exactly Occupational Health & Safety is, why it is important, and how you can implement these practices in your workplace. We will also discuss the role of employees in ensuring safety and the resources available to help you step up your safety game.

What is Occupational Health & Safety?

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) refers to the measures that organizations take to keep their employees safe while they are on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act to regulate health and safety in private industries. Workplace hazards pose a range of threats, including falls, fire risks, and poor air quality. Recognizing and controlling chemical hazards is critical in preventing accidents and health issues.

In addition, OSHA and other organizations offer resources such as a Workplace Health and Safety Policy template and Total Worker Health approach that encourage employee well-being. It is important for organizations to prioritize occupational health and safety measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.

Benefits of OHS Practices

Occupational Health & Safety practices are the key to creating a safe and healthy workplace. Besides reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, implementing OHS practices can improve employee morale, reduce costs, and increase productivity. OHS studies workplace health and safety to identify and mitigate risks and hazards for workers. Therefore, investing time and resources into OHS programs is crucial to effectively manage workplace safety.

An employer’s responsibility is to ensure that their employees can carry out their work as safely as possible. This involves regular risk assessments, proper training, and implementing safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. Cal/OSHA is an organization that supports employers in fulfilling their duties by providing free assistance, including on-site visits, partnerships, education, and more. By implementing OHS practices, employers can create a safe and healthy workplace that benefits both themselves and their employees.

How to Implement OHS Practices in Your Workplace

Safety should be one of the top priorities for every employer. Implementing Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) practices in the workplace reduces the costs associated with injuries and illnesses while improving productivity. Every employer must take responsibility for mitigating risks and hazards workers face on the job. Getting guidance on implementing and maintaining an effective OHS program is crucial. Employers must clearly define and assign OHS responsibilities throughout the organizational structure with established methods of accountability. It is pertinent to continuously update and ensure that the OHS program keeps pace with changes in the workplace, industry guidelines, applicable legislation, codes, or standards. A safe workplace promotes a positive work environment, and as an employer, this should not be overlooked.

The Role of Employees in OHS

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) is a crucial aspect of any business or organization. Its primary role is to protect employees from accidents, injuries, and exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. It’s important to keep in mind that employees play a significant role in achieving OHS objectives. They are responsible for identifying potential hazards and keeping up with any changes that might happen.

OHS is a branch of public health aimed at improving workplace safety standards. However, it’s essential to understand that OHS needs and focuses vary between different countries and regions. Prioritizing OHS has several benefits for any business or organization, such as a reduced number of accidents, increased efficiency, and lower costs. Hence, promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment is the responsibility of both employers and employees.

Resources for Improving OHS

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) is a critical aspect of any workplace. Employers who prioritize OHS can improve efficiency, productivity, and employee relations, while reducing costs associated with accidents or injuries. OSHA offers programs like the Strategic Partnership Program and Susan B. Harwood grants to help employers avoid, prevent, and recognize safety and health hazards in the workplace. Developing countries face increased costs due to work-related illnesses and accidents, as a result of a lack of resources for OSH. Every industry has safety hazards, so it is important for all employers to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of incidents and maintain a safe working environment. Ignoring OHS can cost lives or incur $287K in penalties following the death of two workers due to a lack of oxygen exposure as proposed by OSHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common workplace hazards and how can they be avoided?

Common workplace hazards include physical, chemical, and biological risks that can pose a danger to workers. To mitigate these risks, personal protective equipment can be worn, and working hours should be kept reasonable to avoid fatigue-related accidents.

Occupational health and safety specialists can also be a valuable resource for identifying, preventing, and controlling workplace hazards. Ultimately, employers have a responsibility to ensure safe workplaces and take steps to prevent hazards from occurring in the first place.

What is the role of an occupational health and safety program in a workplace?

An occupational health and safety program plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees in a workplace. This may be regulated by OSHA, which sets safety and health conditions for most private industries. Workplace hazards can include physical, chemical, ergonomic, and safety risks.

Employers have a general duty to provide a workplace that is free of recognized hazards. Additional resources for occupational health and safety can be found through the US Dept. of Labor. A tailored Workplace Health and Safety Policy can also help establish employment policies for OHS. Overall, an effective OHS program can help create a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.

What are some common injuries that occur in the workplace and how can they be prevented?

Workplace hazards can pose a risk to employees’ health and safety from chemicals, physical factors, and psychosocial risk factors. Occupational health and safety specialists can identify and control hazards such as chemical and biological exposure, lack of ergonomic equipment, and dangerous workflow processes.

Preventative actions like risk assessments, safety precautions, and protective gear can help avoid workplace injuries. Healthcare workers face common hazards such as musculoskeletal injuries, illness from long hours, changing shifts, physical demands, violence, and harmful substances.

In 2011, U.S. hospitals reported 253,700 work-related injuries and illnesses, with higher rates than traditionally hazardous industries like construction and manufacturing. Employers can take measures to prevent accidents and promote wellness in the workplace.

Adequate safety measures looks different depending on the working environment you are in. For ways a power plant might create and maintain a strong environment of safety, please see the resource below.