eBusiness Weekly
Dr Omar
While at work, people face a variety of hazards almost as numerous as the different types of work, including adverse ergonomic conditions. Globally, there are 2.9 billion workers who are exposed to hazardous risks at their workplaces. The International Labour Organisation estimates that each year across the globe there are 337 million occupational accidents, around 2.3 million workers die because of occupational accidents and work-related diseases.
Fatal work-related diseases are around 1.95. million per year and 270 million suffer serious non-fatal injuries, another 160 million fall ill for shorter or longer periods from work-related causes. According to Zimstats (2017), NSSA has recorded a total of 205 197 accidents comprising of 11 669 deaths and 193 528 accidents from 2012 to 2015.
This represents an enormous toll of suffering for workers and their families.
As such, health and safety in the workplace has emerged to be a critical aspect of any organization. It ensures that employees are safe and healthy while working, and it also helps to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries. Poor performance in occupational health and safety (OHS) can take a heavy financial toll on any business, not to mention the human cost of work-related illness, injury, and fatality. ILO estimated that globally, 5 percent of the of the world’s GDP goes to waste as a result of costs associated with occupational injuries; medical bills and through worker’s compensation.
Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their staff, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences. Zimbabwe is regulated by numerous statutory obligations which include the Factories and Works Act and its ancillary regulations; NSSA Act; Mining (management and safety) regulations; Pneumoconiosis Act; Municipality By-laws; OHS policy amongst others. Furthermore, there are external regulations that the nations subscribe to such as ILO regulations.
There are several aspects to consider when it comes to health and safety in the workplace. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Risk assessments: Employers should conduct regular risk assessments to identify any potential hazards in the workplace. This includes identifying risks from machinery, chemicals, manual handling, and other potential hazards. Once identified, employers should take steps to eliminate or reduce these risks as much as possible.
- Training: Employers should provide their employees with adequate training on how to operate equipment and machinery safely, as well as on how to handle hazardous materials and chemicals.
This training should be ongoing and should be regularly reviewed to ensure that all employees are up to date with the latest safety procedures.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Employers should provide their employees with appropriate PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and helmets, to protect them from potential hazards.
It is also essential to ensure that employees know how to use PPE correctly and that it is regularly maintained and replaced when necessary.
- Workplace ergonomics: Employers should take steps to ensure that the workplace is ergonomically designed to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
This includes providing adjustable workstations, ergonomic chairs, and regular breaks to prevent employees from developing back pain or other injuries.
- Health promotion: Employers should promote good health in the workplace by encouraging employees to take breaks, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
This can help to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which can have a significant impact on employee health and productivity.
- Mental health: Employers should also prioritise the mental health of their employees. This includes providing support for mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as promoting a positive work-life balance to prevent burnout.
In conclusion, health and safety in the workplace is essential for both employees and employers.
Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences. By conducting regular risk assessments, providing training, PPE, and promoting good health and mental wellbeing, employers can ensure that their employees are safe.
Having Medlico Research and Training Centre gives businesses access to our experienced trainers in health and safety. As an organisation we believe learning/training is a continuous management process which must constantly be improved upon through research, which we provide.
◆ Article prepared by Dr Linda Haj Omar, Founder & CEO of Medlico Research & Training Centre.
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