How Important Is Workplace Safety?
Many people spend a third of their lives in the workplace. To stay motivated and to be productive, it's crucial that their environment---whether it's an office, field or factory---be safe, clean, healthy and free of hazards that could potentially put them at risk for accidents, long-term illnesses or even death. The development, implementation and enforcement of health safety standards should be the top priority of business owners and management as well as an ongoing component of workplace training programs.
History
Prior to the creation of federal and state agencies to impose mandates impacting occupational safety and health issues, injured workers were left to fend for themselves financially. In the absence of workers compensation insurance, disability pensions or rehabilitation and return-to-work programs, employees who lost limbs or eyesight, developed life-threatening infections or were exposed to particles that jeopardized their respiratory systems were often unable to remain employed. This, in turn, affected their ability to support themselves and their families.
Significance
One of the most devastating accidents in American history that drew attention to the lack of occupational safety standards was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York in 1911. Nearly 150 sweatshop workers either burned to death when they were unable to get out of their locked working quarters or jumped from the upper floors and were killed on impact with the ground. Although the exact cause was never determined, the combination of overheated sewing machines, flammable fabrics, faulty wiring, lack of ventilation, a broken elevator and a worthless fire escape made the building an instant death trap. Among the street-level witnesses was Frances Perkins, who used her future job as Roosevelt's Labor Secretary to push for aggressive safety and compensation laws.
Types
Occupational safety and health practices address multiple areas in the workplace. These include the routine maintenance and replacement of tools, equipment and service vehicles; the issuing of goggles, gloves, work boots and protective clothing; regular inspections of electrical, plumbing and ventilation systems; maintaining a sanitary environment; and ensuring easy access to first aid kits, fire extinguishers and building alarms. A comprehensive safety program is one that also reviews whether employees are engaged in activities such as heavy lifting, twisting or repetitive motion; determines the appropriateness of ergonomic furniture; and ensures that there are scheduled break times to prevent fatigue. Employee safety further extends to violence in the workplace and the implementation of security measures to limit facility access.
Considerations
When an employee becomes sick or injured on the job as a result of working conditions, it's not just the individual who is affected. To prevent delays or production stoppage, his or her assignments need to be given to fellow workers for the time period that the injured worker is off work. If the worker is unable to return to the job at all, time has to then be put toward recruitment and training of a replacement. This, in turn, affects employee morale, increases company insurance costs and ultimately drives up the price of products and services that become passed on to consumers. Last but not least is the injured worker's sense of self-esteem and the stress of trying to deal with medical bills and living expenses.
Prevention/Solution
For workplace health and safety programs to work and reduce the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities, it's incumbent upon management to deliver clear instructions and training to their employees on staying alert to hazardous situations; reporting problems such as frayed cords, loose carpeting, mold and spills; properly storing chemicals; keeping aisles uncluttered; and participating in regular emergency drills.
History
Prior to the creation of federal and state agencies to impose mandates impacting occupational safety and health issues, injured workers were left to fend for themselves financially. In the absence of workers compensation insurance, disability pensions or rehabilitation and return-to-work programs, employees who lost limbs or eyesight, developed life-threatening infections or were exposed to particles that jeopardized their respiratory systems were often unable to remain employed. This, in turn, affected their ability to support themselves and their families.
Significance
One of the most devastating accidents in American history that drew attention to the lack of occupational safety standards was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York in 1911. Nearly 150 sweatshop workers either burned to death when they were unable to get out of their locked working quarters or jumped from the upper floors and were killed on impact with the ground. Although the exact cause was never determined, the combination of overheated sewing machines, flammable fabrics, faulty wiring, lack of ventilation, a broken elevator and a worthless fire escape made the building an instant death trap. Among the street-level witnesses was Frances Perkins, who used her future job as Roosevelt's Labor Secretary to push for aggressive safety and compensation laws.
Types
Occupational safety and health practices address multiple areas in the workplace. These include the routine maintenance and replacement of tools, equipment and service vehicles; the issuing of goggles, gloves, work boots and protective clothing; regular inspections of electrical, plumbing and ventilation systems; maintaining a sanitary environment; and ensuring easy access to first aid kits, fire extinguishers and building alarms. A comprehensive safety program is one that also reviews whether employees are engaged in activities such as heavy lifting, twisting or repetitive motion; determines the appropriateness of ergonomic furniture; and ensures that there are scheduled break times to prevent fatigue. Employee safety further extends to violence in the workplace and the implementation of security measures to limit facility access.
Considerations
When an employee becomes sick or injured on the job as a result of working conditions, it's not just the individual who is affected. To prevent delays or production stoppage, his or her assignments need to be given to fellow workers for the time period that the injured worker is off work. If the worker is unable to return to the job at all, time has to then be put toward recruitment and training of a replacement. This, in turn, affects employee morale, increases company insurance costs and ultimately drives up the price of products and services that become passed on to consumers. Last but not least is the injured worker's sense of self-esteem and the stress of trying to deal with medical bills and living expenses.
Prevention/Solution
For workplace health and safety programs to work and reduce the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities, it's incumbent upon management to deliver clear instructions and training to their employees on staying alert to hazardous situations; reporting problems such as frayed cords, loose carpeting, mold and spills; properly storing chemicals; keeping aisles uncluttered; and participating in regular emergency drills.
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