First and foremost, let’s clarify the terms health and safety and more specifically what they stand for. Health is an individual’s state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Most nations’ legislations outline policies, adopt practices, and institute procedures within organizations designed to prevent avoidable harm to people at different situations such as working places, houses, public places, etc. The objective of these measures is to eliminate the instances of accidents, work related injuries and diseases, illness and promote greater health.
Key Aspects of Health and Safety:
WHS (Work Health and Safety)
The provision of protection for the employee so that they can work in a safe place free of hazards.
The coverage policy consists of training, provision of safety gear, and other safety procedures.
Illustration – Fire and safety technicians, ergonomic technicians, maintenance machinists
PH&S (Public Health and Safety)
Aim to protect the entire population of a certain community and to mitigate the risks that includes diseases pandemics, air and water pollution, and the risk of poor housing.
The coverage policy consists of immunizations, safe hygiene, and emergency strategies
PHS (Personal Health and Safety)
A self-care strategies that will be instructed to minimize everyday life risk factors.
Illustration – fitting seatbelts while driving, ergonomics while lifting heavy materials or even furniture, installation of alarms for detection of smoke/fires at home.
FES (Food and Environmental Safety)
Making sure that food products are grown, transported, or sold, and caterers and restaurants serve food in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination to food.
The coverage policy includes laws that make it obligatory for companies to curb the level of pollution they release into the air, soil or water.
HSR (Health and Safety Regulations)
Legislative and other regulatory authorities introduce and implement rules to protect the public and also the employees working in an organization.
Illustration :- Guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in us laws.
Health and Safety Summary:
Accident and illness prevention:
Using proactive approaches helps minimize potential risks and robs off diseases and injuries that can cause great resources and lives.
Improved output:
With safety and good health in the environment, an individual is able to concentrate and perform better.
Improved society:
Satisfactory health safety standards help in the transformation of sustainable and strong communities.
Compliance with the law:
A failure of an individual or an organization to adhere to safety policies and regulations can attract charges and risks.
Ethical Consideration:
It is every person’s obligation to take care of their health and ensure their safety and those around them.
If health and safety is exercised by self, organizations, and governments, people can be developed on all possible levels which are physical, mental and emotional.
