WORKPLACE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A safety and health management system, or safety program, can help to focus the efforts at improving the work environment. An effective plan describes what the people in the organization do to prevent injuries and illnesses at the workplace. Working conditions and the nature of employment tend to have major repercussions on the health of a workman. The concept of ‘Occupational health’ has evolved from work-related ailments. Occupational health broadly means any injury, impairment or disease affecting a worker or employee during his course of employment. Further, it not only deals with work-related disorders but also encompasses all factors that affect community health within it. The inadequate surveillance of employees is the most important reason for increased prevalence of work related and other non-communicable life style diseases at work place. Since seventy-five percent of the global workforce lives in the third world countries, more than 125 million workers are victims of occupational accidents and diseases every year. With the changing job patterns, working relationships, the rise in self-employment, outsourcing of work, etc. there has been a problem in the management of occupational safety and health risks. Nevertheless particular attention needs to be paid to the health and safety of workers in ‘hazardous occupations’ and especially the migrant workers and other vulnerable persons. Prevention is an integral part of economic activities as high safety and health standard at work is as important as good business performance for new as well as existing industries