Managers face a tough task when trying to manage and monitor the activities of their employees who are working in various sites. That is why a competent occupational health and management system is effective in reducing cases of injuries, improve management control and manage workplace hazards.
What is occupational health and safety?
This is a multidisciplinary field that is concerned with the welfare, health, and safety of workers. In every workplace, workers are exposed to occupational hazards which can affect them in one way or another. Therefore, occupational health and safety programs are meant to provide a safe workplace for all. Workers should be informed of the risks so that they inclusively participate in makiñg the workplace a safe environment.
The first element of achieving this is self-protection. OHS recommends that workers working in the industrial field or building and construct among other fields should have protective gear to help them stay safe from occupational hazards. Without these special gear, a worker is susceptible to injuries which can endanger their lives. Additionally, training is part of the program to ensure every worker is aware of the risks associated with a specific workplace and how to stay safe in such an environment.
The training should be carried out on recruitment or during transfers. The training should be done periodically based on the fact that there are new technology materials that are being introduced into the workplace. That is why the workers need to be trained on how to handle various machines responsibly. OHS also recommends labour inspection go ensure every workplace is inspected yo ensure that are in accordance with occupational health and safety. This ensures the workers are exposed to a safe working environment.
Why is Occupational Health and Safety important?
Occupational health and safety are important because it ensures there are continuous regulatory compliance and health and safety improvements. Here are some other ways in which OHS is important:
- It formalizes employee participation incorporate health and safety implementation
- It ensures evolving risks are identified and control through established risk assessments.
- It improves the organizational structure to ensure workers enjoy a safer work environment.
- It reduces the occurrence and severity of accidents
- It creates public awareness of workplace hazards.
Therefore to achieve substantial benefits there is a need for policy management, corrective action, implementation, and proper planning. By adhering to such elements you will have ensures long term sustainability and control of occupational health and safety management.
What qualification Do you require to be health and safety officer?
Health and safety officer is a lucrative career that can be challenging but rewarding. Health and safety officers will be required to use knowledge and skills to prevent health problems and to reduce injuries in the workplace. Therefore to become qualified most firms to require a degree level qualification and it will be an added advantage if you have ever had previous experience in manufacturing, engineering, and construction. Therefore to become fully qualified you might require to take additional short courses on advanced health and safety alongside OSH management and safety.
What is the difference between OHS and WHS?
Work health and safety and occupational health and safety are important safety and health regulations for any workplace. WHS involves the assessment and mitigation of risks that might negatively impact the workplace. This includes the health and safety of suppliers, volunteers, contractors, and employees.
The following are commonly practiced of WHS:
- Having insurance and workers compensation insurance covers
- Providing a safe working place
- Assessing workplace layout and providing safe work systems
On the other hand, OHS Consultant ensures that there is an evaluation of procedures and standards to provide safe workplaces. It is also a platform that integrates health and safety management systems into corporate operations. Therefore, the successful implementation of OHS depends on addressing and recognizing inherent psychosocial dynamics.
However, WHS laws were termly known as OHS laws but in 2012 the government came up with an agreement to model laws that promote safety in the workplace. It was suggested that work should be used rather than occupation because it has a broader perspective so that the regulations can accommodate even the temporary workers and contractors.
Therefore, it is now clear that every word should be made safer to enhance the productivity and safety of the workers. There are challenges in the workplace that should not be ignored so that workers have access to a safe environment. Every institution should uphold these regulations to ensure everyone in the workplace is safe.