Is your company looking after you?

As an employee, the company you work for has a duty of care to prevent workplace injuries and generally consider the health and wellbeing of their employees. Is your company looking after you and your fellow colleagues?

It is also important to understand that employees have a duty of care, too. Employees should read any information supplied to them such as health and safety policies and adhere to company policies. They should also report any practices they see that concerns them, whether that is fellow employees to abiding by health and safety requirements, or whether the company is not providing satisfactory systems, rules and equipment, as appropriate.

And please don’t think such regulation applies just to roles that include manual labour. It applies to all employees whatever their role. For example, if you have an admin role, have you had a workstation assessment to ensure you have the right chair etc.

This article will focus on the role of regular occupational health assessments (OHS) to give you an idea of what you should expect from your employer. Apart from explaining the processes, it will also explain the benefits for both employee and employer. And if you feel that your employer is not looking after you, you should report your concerns to your line manager, ensuing you have the appropriate knowledge of what they should be doing to hand, as well as the benefits to the company of embracing better practices.

Read to find out if your company is looking after you and your colleagues properly.

The Importance of Regular OHS Assessments

Workplace injuries can have significant impacts on both employees and businesses. One of the most effective ways to prevent these injuries is through regular Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments. These assessments identify potential hazards, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and promote a culture of safety within the organisation.

1. Hazard Identification

Regular assessments help in identifying physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards that might be overlooked in daily operations.

Details:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Regular assessments involve thorough evaluations of the workplace to uncover hidden dangers.
• Variety of Hazards: They identify a range of hazards, including physical (tripping hazards, faulty equipment), chemical (exposure to harmful substances), and ergonomic (improper workstation setups).
• Preventive Actions: By spotting these hazards early, preventive measures can be implemented to avoid accidents.

Example:

• In an office setting, an ergonomic assessment might reveal that employees are using chairs without proper lumbar support, leading to potential back injuries. Correcting this can prevent future health issues.

2. Compliance

They ensure that the workplace complies with local and national safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and fines.

Details:

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensures that the company meets all local, state, and federal safety regulations, avoiding legal penalties.
• Updated Standards: Regular assessments keep the company updated with any changes in safety standards and regulations.
• Certification: Maintaining compliance may also be necessary for certain industry certifications, enhancing the company’s credibility.

Example:

• A manufacturing plant might need to comply with specific safety standards for machinery. Regular assessments ensure that all equipment meets these standards, protecting both workers and the company from legal repercussions.

3. Proactive Measures

By identifying risks early, companies can implement proactive measures to prevent accidents before they happen.

Details:

• Early Detection: Identifies potential issues before they escalate into serious problems.
• Action Plans: Develops action plans to address identified risks, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
• Continuous Improvement: Promotes a culture of continuous safety improvement, adapting to new challenges as they arise.

Example:

• If an assessment in a warehouse identifies areas with poor lighting, proactive measures like installing additional lighting can prevent accidents related to low visibility.

Key Components of an OHS Assessment

• Workplace Inspections: Thorough inspections to spot unsafe conditions and practices.
• Risk Assessments: Evaluating the likelihood and impact of potential hazards.
• Employee Training: Ensuring that all employees are trained in safe practices and emergency procedures.
• Review of Incident Reports: Analysing past incidents to prevent recurrence.

Benefits of Regular OHS Assessments

1. Reduced Injury Rates

Regular assessments and the subsequent implementation of safety measures significantly reduce the rate of workplace injuries.

Details:

• Immediate Response: Addressing hazards promptly leads to fewer workplace injuries.
• Risk Mitigation: Continuous monitoring and improvement of safety practices reduce overall risk.

Example:

• In a construction site, regular assessments and subsequent improvements can drastically reduce the number of falls, which are common in such environments.

2. Increased Productivity

A safe work environment boosts employee morale and productivity.

Details:

• Healthy Workforce: Employees are less likely to take sick leave due to work-related injuries, maintaining a stable workforce.
• Morale Boost: Workers feel valued and safe, leading to higher morale and productivity.

Example:

• An office with ergonomically optimised workstations sees fewer complaints of musculoskeletal issues, allowing employees to focus better on their tasks.

3. Cost Savings

Preventing injuries can save on medical costs, compensation claims, and lost workdays.

Details:

• Medical and Legal Costs: Fewer injuries mean lower medical expenses and reduced risk of legal action.
• Efficiency: Fewer disruptions due to accidents result in smoother operations and better efficiency.

Example:

• A retail store implementing regular safety assessments may see a decline in slip-and-fall incidents, saving money on workers’ compensation claims and medical expenses.

4. Enhanced Reputation

Demonstrating a commitment to safety enhances the company’s reputation among clients and potential hires.

Details:

• Attractive Workplace: A strong safety record attracts top talent and reassures clients and customers.
• Corporate Responsibility: Demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and corporate social responsibility.

Example:

• A tech company known for its safe and healthy work environment can attract skilled professionals looking for a secure workplace.

Implementing Regular OHS Assessments

1. Scheduled Inspections

Set a schedule for regular safety inspections and stick to it.

Details:

• Routine Checks: Establish a consistent schedule for safety inspections, ensuring no aspect of the workplace is overlooked.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of each inspection to track improvements and identify recurring issues.

2. Engage Employees

Involve employees in the safety process, encouraging them to report hazards and suggest improvements.

Details:

• Active Participation: Involve employees in identifying hazards and suggesting safety improvements.
• Feedback Mechanism: Create a system for employees to report safety concerns easily and anonymously if needed.

3. Continuous Improvement

Use the data from assessments to continuously improve safety measures.

Details:

• Data-Driven: Use data from assessments to refine and improve safety protocols continuously.
• Adaptive Strategies: Stay flexible and ready to update safety measures as new hazards or technologies emerge.

Safety and wellbeing in the workplace are considerations that should be made for employees wherever they are in the world. Much work needs doing in third world countries to improve working conditions, but most developed countries operate to very similar standards. This informative article on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments is provided by Corporate Work Health based in Australia.

By prioritising regular OHS assessments, businesses can create a safer work environment, protect their employees, and enhance overall organisational performance. Investing in safety not only meets regulatory requirements but also fosters a culture of care and responsibility.

So, what do you think? Is your company looking after you properly?

Source: healthylifeessex.co.uk