Human Resource Management Lecture32 Occupational health safety refers

Human Resource Management Lecture-32

Occupational health & safety refers to the physiological-physical and psychological conditions of a workforce that result from the work environment provided by the organization.

Reduced Absenteeism Reduced Turnover Minimize Employee Health Problems Reduced Medical Costs Increased Productivity Reduced Litigation Competitive Advantage

What Causes Accidents? l Chance occurrences l Unsafe working conditions l Unsafe acts by employees

l Unsafe conditions – Physical conditions • defective equipment • inadequate machine guards • lack of protective equipment – Environmental conditions • Noise • dust, fumes • stress l Unsafe behaviors

Causes of Accidents l Human – Overwhelming majority – Carelessness – Intoxication – Daydreaming – Inability to do the job – Other human deficiency

Safety Hazards

l. Aspects of the work environment that have the potential of causing immediate and sometimes violent harm or even death l. Examples of safety hazards: –poorly maintained equipment –unsafe machinery –exposure to hazardous chemicals

Health Hazards

l. Aspects of the work environment that slowly and cumulatively lead to deterioration of health l. The person may: –develop a chronic or life threatening illness –become permanently disabled l. Typical causes are: –physical and biological hazards –toxic and carcinogenic dusts and chemicals –stressful working conditions

Organizational Stress l Four Ss: – Supervisor, Salary, Security, Safety l Organizational change l Work pacing l Physical environment l Stress-prone employees

The Costs of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

l. Medical and insurance l. Workers’ l. Lost compensation wages l. Damaged materials equipment and

l. Production delays l. Other workers’ time losses l. Selection and training costs for replacement workers l. Accident reporting

Steps to Take to Reduce Workplace Accidents

CReduce unsafe conditions. CReduce unsafe acts. CUse posters and other propaganda. CProvide safety training.

CUse positive reinforcement. CEmphasize topmanagement. CEmphasize safety. CEstablish a safety policy.

CSet specific loss control goals. CConduct safety and health inspections regularly. CMonitor work overload and stress. CSafety committees.

Violence Prevention Suggestions l Develop a plan l Review policies l Treat with respect and dignity l Problems occur – Disciplined too harshly – Laid off without reason

l Supervisor training l Employee assistance programs l Keep weapons out

Healthy Work Environment

l Sick buildings –Airborne pathogens –Indoor pollution –Smoking –Germs –Mold –Fungus

To Have A Healthy Work Environment l Fresh air l Avoid suspect building materials l Test new buildings l Keep air ducts clean and dry l Workers’ complaints l Smoking

Smoke-free Environment l Problems –Second-hand smoke –Health insurance –Productivity –Absence –Accidents –Breaks

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (repetitive stress injuries)

To Avoid CTDs

l Stretch 2 - 3 times per hour l Maintain good posture –Sit erect. –Feet flat on floor. –Bend elbows at a comfortable angle. –Sit about 18 -28 inches from the screen. –Place documents at the same height and angle as monitor.

Benefits of a Safe and Healthy Workforce

l. More productivity l. Increased efficiency and quality l. Reduced medical and insurance costs l. Lower workers’ compensation rates and payments l. Greater workforce flexibility

l Help employees should work safely. l Ensure that workers are doing their jobs safely. l Investigate accidents.

l. Ensure legal compliance. l. Alleviate l. Maintain worker stress. confidentiality of employee information.