occupational health and safety
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is the practice of confirming the safety, health, welfare, and well-being of people in the workplace. Providing a safe working situation for staff is a legal responsibility for businesses in the UK, and OSH requires both the prevention and treatment of any health problems that employees may develop during or in connection with their work.
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What is the purpose of OSH?
OSH regulations ensure that all workers in the UK can perform their duties in a safe and risk-free environment.
OSH must also ensure that people with disabilities or impairments are not unreasonably excluded from employment and that work processes are adapted to ensure that people with specific health conditions can work safely.
In 2020, 142 workers died as a result of an accident at work. The latest HSE figures for 2019 show that 65,427 serious injuries occurred, although this is a significant figure and an 80% reduction since the Health and Safety at Work Act came into force in 1974. This is largely due to good health and safety practices adopted by employers. Since 2021, these figures have been gradually declining, helping to maintain worker health and safety and having a confident impact on productivity and efficiency.
History of Health and Safety at Work
The Health and Morality of Apprentices Act (1802) aimed to improve the working conditions of young workers in factories and mills. Since then, health and safety regulations in the UK have changed. The Factories Act of 1833 and its subsequent 20th-century amendments, the concept of a “duty of care” was developed in 1837, and the Employers’ Liability Act (which allows workers to claim compensation for injuries sustained at effort due to negligence) of 1880. However, most laws and reforms remained sector-specific for almost a century.
It wasn’t until 1974 that the Health and Safety at Work Act was passed. It was the first legislation to cover all sectors and employers, making both employers and employees accountable for ensuring workplace safety and health for all.
The impact of the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 was enormous, with a 90% reduction in the number of workplace fatalities between 1974 and 2019. This act remains the basis for modern health and safety legislation.
Health and Safety Legislation
The current health and safety regulation in the United Kingdom consists of three main elements:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999
Workplaces (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This legislation plays a fundamental role in health and safety in the United Kingdom. It sets out the tasks of employers, employees, and self-employed workers, both to themselves and to each other.
Workplaces must provide:
Appropriate training to ensure understanding of and compliance with health and safety procedures;
Appropriate welfare provisions;
A safe working environment, properly maintained and in which work is carried out safely;
Sufficient information, appropriate instructions, and supervision;
In workplaces with five or more employees, employers must keep a written highest of their health and safety policy and access with employees (or their representatives) about the relevant policy and related health and safety measures.
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 1992
The Safety, Health and Wellbeing at Work Regulations 1992 were enacted on 1 January 1993 and brought the United Kingdom into compliance with the EU (European Commission) Directive on minimum health and safety requirements at work. These regulations do not apply to building sites. Specific legislation for construction was subsequently introduced with the Construction, Design and Maintenance Regulations (2015).
The regulations cover:
Ventilation and windows;
Comfortable temperature;
Lighting;
Equipment maintenance;
Waste disposal and cleaning;
Accessible space;
Rest and work areas;
Building access;
Bathrooms and kitchens.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 were created to complement the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, establishing specific obligations for both proprietors and employees to ensure a safe workplace. While the 1974 Act established the general principles of risk assessment, the most significant change was the introduction of a legal responsibility for employers to conduct risk assessments to keep the health, safety, and welfare of workers, the public, and visitors. Every business with five or more employees must record any significant findings from their assessments. A separate risk assessment is required for persons under 18, young persons, and pregnant women.
Following a risk assessment, appropriate health and safety measures must be implemented to control or manage the identified risks. Procedures must also be in place to deal with major emergencies, such as fires, that may require evacuation.
Types of Occupational Health Problems
The range of occupational health risks varies by industry. Below are some of the most common occupational health problems that employers should be aware of today.
Falls
For workers working at height, falls are a serious occupational health problem, but many deaths and injuries could be avoided with better training and the provision of proper equipment. It is important to remember that falls can occur both aboveground and underground.
In other industries, slips, trips, and falls are extremely common non-fatal injuries. Many of these could be prevented if employers paid attention to seemingly minor workplace hazards (such as improperly laid mats or overhead wires) during inspections or risk assessments.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Poor posture and prolonged use of computers or other machines increase the incidence of repetitive strain injuries, which can lead to chronic health problems such as eyestrain and back pain.
Investing in ergonomics and training can help reduce repetitive strain.
Heat/Humidity
Workers who spend long periods outside, such as gardeners or construction workers, are at risk of sun-related health problems in the summer months (sunburn, dehydration, heatstroke, etc.) or hypothermia in the winter. Measures should be taken to protect against extreme heat and cold, and it may be necessary to reduce the period workers spend in extreme weather conditions.
Sedentary Workday
Since many jobs involve screens, workers spend a lot of time sitting. This is especially true with the rise of teleworking during the pandemic. Lack of travel and leisure time can also lead to increased inactivity, which can seriously affect health and fitness. There are a variety of ways to combat these risks to staff well-being, from health initiatives, events, and training to encouraging regular breaks from screens.
Who is responsible for health and safety management?
Ultimately, responsibility for health and safety management rests with the employer. While the Health and Safety at Work Act places a legal responsibility on employers to ensure health and security in the workplace, workers must also comply with established safety measures and minimize workplace risks by:
taking reasonable precautions not to endanger others through their actions or inactions;
reporting accidents, illnesses, or injuries and cooperating in investigations into their causes;
only using equipment in accordance with the training received.
It is this sense of collective responsibility that allows us to manage and improve worker health and safety most effectively:
Employers comply with established requirements and ensure adherence to best practices, expectations, and processes;
Employees comprehend their roles and the importance of cooperation to ensure the required level of safety is maintained.
Conclusion
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is extra than just a legal obligation; it is a important component of a productive, respectful, and sustainable work environment. By identifying hazards, implementing preventative measures, and creating a culture of safety, employers protect not only the well-being of their employees but also the long-term success of their organization.
From proper training and personal protective equipment to mental health support and safety protocols, all efforts to ensure workplace safety reduce the risk of injuries, illnesses, and costly failures. Furthermore, empowering employees to actively participate in safety initiatives fosters trust, morale, and a sense of shared responsibility.
Ultimately, a strong commitment to health and safety is more than just a best practice; it is the cornerstone of ethical leadership and operational excellence in any industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is occupational health and safety (OHS)?
Occupational health and safety (OHS) are the policies, procedures, and practices designed to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The purpose of OHS is to create a safe and well work environment for all employees.
2. Why is OHS important?
Occupational health and safety is critical because it:
Protects workers from injuries and illnesses
Reduces absenteeism and employee turnover
Improves employee morale and productivity
Helps businesses comply with laws and regulations
Minimizes financial and legal risks
3. Who is responsible for OHS in the workplace?
Both employers and employees are responsible.
Employers must offer a safe work environment, training, and the necessary personal protective equipment.
Employees must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards.
4. What are some common hazards in the workplace? Common hazards include:
Physical hazards (noise, vibration, falls)
Chemical hazards (exposure to toxic substances)
Biological hazards (viruses, bacteria)
Ergonomic hazards (poor workstation design)
Psychosocial hazards (stress, harassment)
5. What is risk assessment and why is it important?
Risk assessment is the course of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to minimize them. It is essential for proactively managing safety and preventing accidents.
6. What role does health and safety training play?
Training ensures that employees:
Understand workplace hazards
Know how to perform tasks safely
Know emergency procedures
Are able to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE)
7. What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?
PPE includes gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and safety footwear designed to protect workers from injury and exposure to hazards. Proper use and care of PPE are vital to maintaining a safe workplace.
8. What should I do if I observe a safety hazard in the workplace?
Immediately report it to your manager, safety officer, or the HR department. Reporting it promptly can prevent injuries and allow for rapid corrective action.
9. Are employers required by law to comply with health and safety regulations?
Yes. Most countries have specific health and safety laws and regulatory bodies (e.g., OSHA in the US, HSE in the UK, ISO standards internationally). Employers are required to comply with these requirements.
10. How can a company improve its health and safety culture? A strong safety culture can be built by:
Encouraging open communication about safety
Involving employees in safety planning
Rewarding safe behavior
Conducting regular safety audits and training
Exercising leadership that demonstrates that safety is a top priority
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