Workplace Health, Safety, and Security

Study Notes

Workplace accidents, illnesses, and disputes result in costs to the organization and the injured individual and their family.
Employees must take responsibility for their own health and safety, not relying solely on the safety officer or management.

Health is the state of physical, mental, and social well-being of an employee.
It is necessary to ensure that employees do not suffer from any illnesses and are efficient and motivated to work.
Factors contributing to health include:
- Cleanliness at the workplace, with daily cleaning before work hours.
- Proper air conditioning, providing clean and cool air.
- Water filter facilities and a fresh food cafeteria, maintaining nutritional well-being.
- Clean washroom facilities in good condition.

Security refers to freedom from potential harm, ensuring the safety of people working in the organization.
A security department is responsible for personal safety, computer system safety, electrical safety, transport safety, and other equipment safety.
The effect of proper security practices reduces liabilities, insurance, and compensation for the organization, increasing business revenue and reducing operational charges.

A written statement by an employer, committing to the protection of employee health, safety, and security, as well as the public.
An endorsed commitment by management to its employees regarding their health, safety, and security.
The policy contains HSaS elements of an organization and objectives that make its implementation and protection possible.
Company laws of the Government of India (GoI) state the minimum requirements to be followed in the HSaS program, which must be followed by employers.
Each company should establish a HSaS committee to determine hazards at the workplace and rectify them with the HSaS policy.

Indicates the company's commitment towards employee health and safety.
Shows that business performance and safety performance are compatible.
States that the company does not only exist for profits but also cares about its stakeholders.
Outlines the accountability of everyone working for the company.
Allows the company to comply with the National Policy on Occupation Health and Safety (OH&S) of GoI.
Prevents injuries and illnesses of employees.

Provide adequate resources to ensure continual improvement in OH&S performance.
Comply with relevant OH&S legal and other relevant requirements applicable, and drive for 'beyond compliance' leadership.
Set appropriate OH&S objectives and targets.
Conduct periodic performance reviews against said targets.
Adopt measures and processes that focus on the prevention of occupation-related accidents, injuries, illnesses, and near-misses, and strive to improve them.
Ensure OH&S awareness and build competency at all levels to handle OH&S responsibilities.

Hazard refers to a danger or risk associated with something.
Something can be a hazard if it acts as a trigger for causing the presence of another hazard.
Pose potential harm to people at work, work environment, and anything else, resulting in adverse health effects, losses of property and equipment.

Risks arising from the physical working environment.
Includes risks due to machinery and electricity-operated machines.
Industries where there is exposure to electricity, radiation, extreme pressures, and other hazards.