WORKPLACE HEALTH SCI5034

Workplace Health SCI5034

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion1

Organizational Response towards Workplace Health2

Management Commitment3

Hazard Control5

Workplace Violence6

Workplace Interventions7

Occupational and Environmental Health Nurses9

Occupational Medicine Physicians9

Industrial Hygienists9

Benefits to Workers10

Benefits to Employers10

Innovation11

Teamwork11

Employee Retention11

Nations12

Conclusion12

References13

Workplace Health SCI5034

Introduction

The health and safety of the workers is the responsibility of the employer. This is one of his prime responsibilities and basic rights of the workers. In order to ensure that the environment provided for the workers and employees are free from risks and hazards, the employer should not only make specific safety measures and guidelines but also monitor and maintain health and safety on a continual basis. In other words, there is a need to remain focuses on achieving workplace safety excellence (Petr & Walter 2005: pp. 251-267). Workplace safety excellence is a rather novel concept and involves ensuring a secure environment for the employees of the organization. In this context, it is imperative to lay down the constituent characteristics of a safe environment. A work environment that is free from injuries and ill health, avoids incidents such as loss events, has high-performance standards and prevents damage to property may be considered as a safe workplace (Manela & Moxley 2002: pp. 1-24).

Discussion

The health and safety of workers in the United Kingdom is enforced and administered by Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is a regulatory body which is working independently as a watchdog for safety, illness and work-related health issues. Every workplace in the Great Britain is monitored by the organization for work related injuries and death instances. The organization has tailored different plans for the purpose. One of these plans is The Health and Safety of Great Britain. This is one of the programs that relate the core principles of HSE to the public. Under the UK Act of health requirements, all employers are required to provide their employees with a workplace environment which is free from risks and hazards of injuries and accidents and comply with the national code of conduct for employers pertaining to safety (Lessin 1998: pp. 61-73). Different employment situations are regulated by different health and safety standards. Superior organizational safety can only be achieved where the management of the organization is committed to the purpose, and employs hazard control and inspection programs for maximum safety.

Organizational Response towards Workplace Health

Studies of biophilia, ergonomics and exercise have been conducted; however, studies of such specific health factors implemented and incentivized in small US workplaces as well as employer and employee values and personal opinions associated with such factors have not been explored in depth (Lavigna 2002: pp. 369-384). Research on biophilia supports the idea that interaction with other species can be healing, ergonomic body-conscious furniture and equipment increase productivity and limit body aches and pains and health costs, and exercise stimulates the mind and body, increasing productivity (Krupa 2007: pp. 339-345).

This research uncovered workplaces in North America that offer such amenities and related incentives. Pixar, IBM, PepsiCo, Chase, Johnson and Johnson, Glaxo-Smithkline, Wheeler Interests, IBM, Coors Brewing ...