Most people recognize the term, occupational health and safety, and have a vague idea what it encompasses. To keep it simple, it’s the field of study that looks at trends in injuries and illnesses in workers and finds ways to prevent them, whether they’re sweeping regulations or simpler, on-location changes. It’s an extremely broad field that considers toxic substances, workplace violence and even ergonomics, among other factors.
Once occupational health and safety focused solely on jobs that required manual labor, but it’s grown.
Today, all fields of work are covered under occupational health and safety. While it once was primarily focused on safety in the work environment to prevent injury, today it goes beyond that, considering other hazards, both long and short term, that can lead to both physical and/or mental issues immediately or in the future. The statistics are amazing. In the United States, almost three million people have a work related illness or injury every year. Another two million are exposed to hazards that might cause problems in the future. Claims for worker’s compensation are more than a billion dollars each week. Add to those numbers lost wages and indirect expenses, plus the toll it takes mentally and you can see the need for diligence.
When employees feel an employer really cares about their safety, there are huge benefits.
While statistics give us a picture of the problem based on numbers, that’s not all there’s too it if you’re an employer or employee. No matter who they are, every person wants to feel important and that their health and safety is a priority. That’s why a safe work environment inspires happier employees and focusing on safety gets higher productivity with less absenteeism.
Focusing on safety and going above required minimum for safety brings other benefits.
You’ll have a decrease of Worker Compensation claims, which also lowers the cost of premiums. A safe, more pleasant environment is also a draw for top notch employees and worker loyalty. The people that work for you are your most valuable asset. They determine the quality of your product, work or customer relations.
- Cleanliness is an important part of safety. It helps remove debris that can cause safety issues. Having higher standards and a clean work environment it also improves morale.
- Programs that use the input from employees to improve safety make workers feel they’re important and often look for ways to make the environment safer.
- If you work with others in a subcontracting situation, your company’s safety record is important. It shows not only less chance for disruption, but also a well organized and managed company.
- Showing concern for both the health and safety of employees improves the general public’s view of the company and can even improve business.
For more information, contact us today at FitForward