Occupational health and safety (OH&S) relates to health, safety, and welfare issues in the workplace. OH&S includes the laws, standards, and programs that are aimed at making the workplace better for workers, along with co-workers, family members, patients, and other stakeholders. Occupational health and safety is concerned with addressing many types of workplace hazards, such as:
- Chemicals
- Physical hazards
- Biological agents
- Psychological fallout
- Ergonomic issues
- Accidents
Occupational health and safety standards are in place to mandate the removal, reduction, or replacement of job site hazards. OH&S programs should also include material that helps minimize the effects of the hazards.
Workplace safety is very important for each and everyone because all employees desire to work in a safe and protected atmosphere. Health and safety is the key factor for all industries in order to promote the wellness and well-being of both employees and employers. It is a duty and moral responsibility of the employer to look after the employee’s protection.
The human suffering and financial loss caused by accidents and illnesses at work each year in Saskatchewan is tremendous. Accident statistics and their financial costs are set out in Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) figures. Every statistic represents incalculable human suffering. The suffering of the injured is often intensified by the knowledge that most accidents are preventable.
OH&S involves more than simply correcting unsafe actions and conditions; it is about prevention, not blame and is not personal. The importance of an effective OH&S program should not be underestimated. It allows your workplace to systematically eliminate the possibility of accident, illness, injury or fatality caused by workplace hazards.
