Navigating OHS in the workplace

In today’s rapidly evolving work environments, the importance of occupational health and safety cannot be overstated. Safety in the workplace is a complex issue, and managing the safety function can be challenging.

Occupational safety and health is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the recognition, prevention and control of hazards in the workplace to promote workers’ health and well-being. One of the primary reasons why occupational health and safety is crucial is to protect workers from potential hazards and prevent work-related accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Implementing effective occupational health and safety measures in various workplace environments such as industries, infrastructure sites, hotels, hospitals, offices and warehouses, is vital to ensure the well-being of employees and contractors. This protects employees from harm and improves their overall job satisfaction and well-being. Failure to prioritise occupational health and safety can have serious consequences. Work-related injuries and diseases pose a significant burden on organisations and society.

Occupational hazards continue to pose a significant threat to worker well-being globally. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates a staggering 2.3 million workplace deaths and 340 million occupational accidents annually. These figures underscore the immense human cost of inadequate safety measures, translating into staggering economic losses valued at ~3.94 percent of the global GDP.