workplace Health and Safety (WHS), also known as Occupational Health and Safety

(OH&S), is one such institution responsible for assessing the potential risks capable
enough to hinder the health and welfare of the workforce
purpose
The WHS Act aims to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces through
the elimination or minimisation of risks, so as to provide workers and others with the
highest level of protection from hazards and risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Benefits of a Safe and Healthy Work Environment

 It goes without saying that the safer the work environment, the more productive it
is. Productive employees are an asset to all companies. For instance, effective
employees can produce more output less time, reducing operational costs for a
company.
 Workplace safety promotes the wellness of employees and employers alike.
Better protection equates to better health. Healthier employees do tasks more
efficiently, and they are happier in general.
 There are very few accidents in a safe working environment. This results in less
downtime for safety investigations and reduces costs for worker’s compensation.
This also reduces the time needed for employees to heal from injuries.
 Damage to industrial equipment creates costs for replacement and repair.
Avoiding workplace injuries and damage to industrial equipment will incur fewer
expenses and increase profit.
 If employers are concerned about the safety of their employees, the employees
are more confident and comfortable in general. Also, absenteeism rates drop,
and employees are more focused on doing their tasks.

Ways to Create a Healthy and Safe Working

1. Be Aware and Identify workplace Hazards

Before creating a safe working environment, you need to be aware of the health and

safety issues first. Otherwise, addressing them would be difficult.

Workplace safety hazards can include mechanical issues, dangerous chemicals,

hazardous electrical equipment, etc.

Also, working with heavy equipment is very risky and can cause accidents.

If employees need to work with chemicals, they have to be very cautious. Dangerous

chemicals can burn or poison employees. Inhaling or ingesting them can even cause

death.

Also, working with electronic equipment can have risks as well. Faulty electrical

equipment can electrocute employees, causing severe problems.

Employees should be aware of the types of equipment and know the hazards in their

workplace. This enables them to stay clear of such dangers and unfortunate situations.

Therefore, establishing potential risk areas should be a key motive, and working with

your employees to minimize those hazards will do the trick. Also, employers should train

employees in the proper operation of machinery and equipment.

2. Implement Workplace Safety Programs

The first step in building a safety program is to get all employees to commit to workplace

safety. One way to do this is to include workplace health and safety in the company’s

mission statement. It should be the duty of every employee to carry out the safety

policies.

Employers should investigate all accidents in the workplace. They should encourage

employees to follow all safety procedures.

Moreover, the hazards of not following them should be clearly stated in writing. This

reduces the chances of mistakes.

3. Provide Proper Safety Training to Employees

accidents. Research shows that new employees have a higher risk of workplace

accidents. The lack of knowledge of workplace hazards and proper work techniques

cause this more significant risk.

Employers should provide employees with the necessary training to reduce workplace

accidents. Employees should operate all equipment and machinery safely and

adequately.

For instance, the operation of heavy machinery should be properly taught to employees.

Only trained or certified employees should operate such types of equipment. This is why

it is vital to provide safety training to employees by experts.

4. Use Protective Safety Equipment

The usage of equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace

injuries is critical. Not doing so can cause injury or even death.

Employees may have to work with chemicals, machines, electronics, and other potential

work hazards. Employers must provide such employees with personal protective

equipment (P.P.E).

P.P.E should be safely designed, constructed, and fit comfortably. Examples of P.P.E

are gloves, protective eyewear, clothing, earplugs, hard hats, etc.

5. Report Unsafe Working Conditions

Employees must inform any kind of safety hazard or work risks to the management.

Employers are legally obligated to ensure safe working environments for their
employees. They must end workplace safety hazards and promote safety in the

workplace.

6. Practice Correct Posture

Bad posture is one of the main reasons for back pain. It is imperative to practice good

and correct posture to reduce the risk of getting hurt.

For example, if you have to sit for long hours, use specially designed chairs. Also,

always sit upright.

7. Reduce Workplace Stress

Workplace stress can cause many health problems like anxiety, depression, etc.

Job insecurity, workplace bullying, high workload, etc., cause workplace stress.

Learn how to combat workplace stress and avoid its adverse effects. Workplace stress

can have drastic effects on workplace productivity and employee health.

8. Promote Regular Breaks

Employers should encourage employees to take regular breaks. Taking frequent breaks

will prevent tiredness and fatigue. This will further prevent injuries or illnesses. Breaks

help employees stay fresh and focused.

9. Stay Sober and Alert

One of the significant reasons for workplace fatalities is substance abuse. Substance

abuse causes around 40% of all industrial workplace fatalities.

ability, coordination, concentration, and motor control get compromised. This creates

risks for workplace injury and fatalities.

10. Give Easy Access to Exits in Case of Emergencies

If there is an emergency, there should be easy access to emergency exits. Easy access

to emergency exits will reduce injuries and casualties.

So, the slightest hint you get of something going wrong, and you can make the staff take

down those exits.

Also, it is essential to have quick ways to shut down equipment in case of emergencies.

11. Use Mechanical Aids

An industrial job may need employees to work with heavy equipment. There are many

injury risks involved in trying to lift and move heavy objects.

Therefore, you should provide your employees with a conveyor belt, forklift, or

wheelbarrow instead of lifting manually.