Workplace Safety - Introduction
The origin of the concept of workplace safety can be traced back to labor movement during the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 18th century. During this revolution, unions of workers were formed to work towards the welfare of workers. Workers began to demand better working conditions. Authorities gradually acceded to the demands of the workers and put in place several regulatory measures to this effect.
What is Workplace Safety?
Workplace safety is a composite field related to safety, health and welfare of people at work. It narrates the strategy and methods in place to ensure health and safety of employees within a workplace.
Workplace safety includes employee awareness related to the knowledge of basic safety, workplace hazards, risks relating to hazards, implementation of hazard preventions, and putting into practice necessary safer methods, techniques, process, and safety culture in the workplace.
It also includes safety rules and regulations designed mostly on the basis of existing government policies. Every organization puts in place a number of safety rules and regulations for its people. Safety training and education for employees is imparted periodically with a view to making them aware about and updating them with latest safety measures.
Workplace safety is about putting a stop to injury and sickness to employees in the workplace. Therefore, it is about safeguarding assets and health and life of the employees. It also features in cutting down the cost of lost-work hours, time spent in putting short-term help and the schedule and services that may fall off due to less of service providers, pressure on those providers who are selecting the absent employees portion or poor case, having to shut out or shut down a program due to lack of providers.
Need for Workplace Safety
Before analyzing various aspects of workplace safety, it is pertinent to know the reasons for ensuring safety in life. We attach top priority to safety and security in places we live, stay, visit or work in.
To Say no to Accidents − Accidents are fallouts of recklessness and lack of responsibility. When we don’t follow required safety norms we end up in getting injured or even in ending our valuable lives. It is true with regard to our home and workplace alike.
To Stay Healthy and Energetic − We should have a healthy food habit, which is itself a safety measure, to keep us healthy and lively for work at home and in workplaces.
To have Longevity in Life − We should take care of ourselves everywhere we are and of others for leading a safe and meaningful life.
To create Public Awareness − Promotion of safety norms everywhere creates public awareness and discipline. It is true of workplaces and motivates new employees to take up safety measures necessary for their safety.
To avoid loss of Property and Life − The basic aim of safety measures is to prevent the occurrences of mishaps and hazards that sometimes cause heavy loss of life and property.
To Devise Planning for Safety − Need for safety paves the way for devising an effective planning for all-round safety of employees in an organization.
Basic Objectives of Workplace Safety
The basic objectives of workplace safety are as follows −
Preservation of and assistance for employees’ or workers’ health and well-being
Enhancing workability of employees by ensuring a safe and congenial work environment
Growth of the organization that remains free from prospective hazards and mishaps
Encouraging a favorable social climate in the organization that motivates the employees to work efficiently towards organizational progress and prosperity
Secure the health and safety of workers and workplace by eliminating or minimizing risks
Achieve higher productivity among the employees by providing a safe and secure environment
Focus on employees’ safety and health arising from chemicals and hazardous elements used at workplaces.
