Safety and health rules assure that employees work in an environment that is free from recognized hazards. Although safety and health activities are usually MANAGEMENT- led, everyone in an organization shares responsibility for safety. Safety committees are often established within each department. These employee groups conduct safety inspections and search out unsafe conditions that could result in accidents or poor health. Safety committees also implement safety programs and assist in accident investigations. There are four primary sources of safety and health concerns in the workplace: physical, chemical, and biological conditions; and stress. Physical conditions include exposure to temperature changes involving heat or cold, loud noises, adequacy of ventilation, and sanitary conditions. Chemical conditions include exposure to dust, fumes, gases, and carcinogens (cancer-causing substances such as asbestos). Many of these conditions are associated with working in an industrial plant; however, smoking or otherwise using tobacco and leaving an office file-cabinet drawer open so that others may hit it are also two examples of unsafe physical conditions. Biological conditions include exposure to mold, fungi, and bacteria. An increasing health concern is stress in the employee’s personal and work life. In many states, stress caused by psychological factors as well as physical and chemical conditions in the workplace has been the basis of successful disability claims. Many companies go beyond efforts to minimize physical and environmental hazards and implement programs designed to increase the health and well-being of their employees. These programs encompass physical fitness, smoking cessation, weight reduction, and stress management. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMs are popular voluntary programs some companies offer their employers and close family members to help cope with emotional difficulties, alcohol and drug abuse, and family and marital problems; legal counseling may also be provided. Efforts like these and other programs help the company send the message that the business cares for its employees and gives it a reputation as a preferred place to work. The Occupational Safety and Health Act, a federal law, has many industry-specific safety regulations. But even when there are no specific guidelines, the act contains the General Duty Clause, which requires employers to conform to the intent of the law requiring safe and healthful working conditions.
See also OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.
John B. Abbott