Employee Health and Safety

Introduction 

 The term "health" refers to a feeling of well-being. It encompasses not only physical but also mental and emotional well-being. Every employer has a responsibility to provide a healthy working environment for his employees. If he is cautious about their health, he may be able to avoid the costs of disability payments and the replacement of employees who are injured or killed. The company can improve the emotional and physical well-being of its employees by implementing employee safety and health programs.

 

Current Context

In recent years, the industry has seen a rapid increase in the use of sophisticated machinery and plants. While technological advancements in industry have enabled the elimination of certain physically demanding jobs, they have also increased the risk of working in the industry. As a result, worker safety has become increasingly important in recent years.

There is no doubt that proper precautionary measures, in combination with the instillation of safety consciousness among workers, can go a long way toward preventing industrial accidents that result in loss of life and property. Employees' ability and motivation to work can be harmed by an unsafe or unhealthy work environment.

Ways to manage Safe and Healthy environment in organization

To cope with physical hazards and other hazards such as stress, unsafe behavior, and poor health habits, employers often design comprehensive safety and health programs. Among these are safety programs, employee assistance programs, and wellness programs.
a. Safety Programs
A safe working environment does not just happen; it has to be created. The organizations with the best reputations for safety have developed well-planned and thorough safety programs.
b. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
EAPs are programs designed to help employees whose job performance is suffering because of physical, mental, or emotional problems.
c. Wellness Programs
As health care costs have skyrocketed over the last two decades, organizations have become more interested in preventative programs. A complete wellness program has three components:

·         It helps employees identify potential health risks through screening and testing.

·         It educates employees about health risks such as high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and stress.

·         It encourages employees to change their lifestyles through exercise, good nutrition, and health monitoring.

 

References

Buchan, J., 2004. What difference does ("good") HRM make?. Human Resource for Health.

Department of Health Services , 2003. Annual Health Bulletin.

Lowe, G., 2012. Creating Healthy Organizations: How Vibrant Workplaces Inspire Employees to Achieve Sustainable Success. 2nd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.