‘Being safe and healthy is a must at work’

A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and a right at work. It is the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment that is free from hazards, and it is the right of employees to work in a safe environment.

Importance of a Safe and Healthy Working Environment:

Physical Well-being: A safe and healthy working environment is essential for the physical well-being of employees. Hazards such as un­safe equipment, hazardous materi­als, and poor air quality can cause injuries and illnesses. A safe working environment can reduce the risk of accidents and illnesses and promote overall physical well-being.

Mental Health: A safe and healthy working environment can also have a positive impact on em­ployees’ mental health. When em­ployees feel safe and secure in their work environment, it can reduce stress and anxiety. A healthy work­ing environment can also improve morale and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity.

Legal Obligations: Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Failure to do so can result in legal action, fines, and damage to the company’s reputa­tion. Employers who prioritize work­place safety are not only fulfilling their legal obligations but are also demonstrating their commitment to their employees’ well-being.

Measures to Achieve a Safe and Healthy Working Environment:

Risk Assessment: Employers should conduct regular risk assess­ments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This can include hazards such as unsafe equipment, hazardous materials, and poor air quality. Once hazards are identified, steps should be taken to control or eliminate them. This can include implementing engineering controls, such as installing barriers or ven­tilation systems, or administrative controls, such as implementing safety procedures or limiting access to hazardous areas.

Training and Education: Employ­ers should provide training and edu­cation to their employees on how to identify and mitigate hazards in the workplace. This can include training on the use of personal protective equipment, handling hazardous materials, and responding to emer­gencies. Regular training sessions should be conducted to reinforce safety procedures and keep employ­ees up to date with the latest safety protocols.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers should provide appropriate PPE to employees to protect them from hazards in the workplace. PPE such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and respi­rators can help protect employees from injuries and illnesses. Em­ployers should ensure that PPE is in good condition and is being used correctly.

Health and Wellness Pro­grammes: Employers can promote a healthy work environment by implementing health and wellness programs. This can include pro­grams that encourage employees to exercise, eat healthy, and man­age stress. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, employers can improve employee morale, reduce absentee­ism, and increase productivity.

Reporting and Investigating Incidents: Employers should en­courage employees to report any incidents, accidents, or near misses in the workplace. Employers should investigate incidents to determine the cause and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By creating a culture of reporting, employers can identify hazards and improve workplace safety.

Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of equipment and ma­chinery can help prevent accidents in the workplace. Employers should ensure that equipment is inspected regularly and repaired or replaced as needed. By maintaining equip­ment, employers can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

In conclusion, a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamen­tal principle and a right at work. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environ­ment, and employees have a right to work in a safe environment. By implementing measures such as risk assessment, training and education, personal protective equipment, health and wellness programs, re­porting and investigating incidents, and regular maintenance, employ­ers can create a safe and healthy working environment. By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can im­prove employee morale.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, EN­SURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND

REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood

pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd./Mobissel

(dressel@healthessentialsgh. com)

*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness

nutrition and corrective ex­ercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The

Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week : “The rains have a message for us; step up water and food hygiene and

make hand washing with soap and water a routine. Together, let us prevent cholera and other

diseases associated with poor personal hygiene.”

By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel