There is an old adage that says: “prevention is better than cure.” Before one allows something adverse to occur, it is wise if one can take the necessary steps to avoid its occurrence in the first place. Public Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as: “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society.”
Within the Public Health school of thought, it is accepted that public health focuses on activities that strengthen the capacities and services within the public health sector, with the primary aim of providing conditions under which people can maintain a healthy lifestyle, improve their health and wellbeing, and/or prevent the deterioration of their health. The WHO succinctly states that public health focuses on the entire spectrum of health and wellbeing, not only the eradication of particular diseases.
The correlation between safety and wellness
There is a critical connection between safety and wellness. However, there is the tendency of some organisations to treat them as separate initiatives. The separation of safety programmes from wellness programmes in the workplace need not be a reality. Some tend to argue that because these two fields approach their objectives from different assumptions, priorities and methods, this coordination may pose a significant challenge. However, within the workplace, wellness and safety go hand-in-hand. A safe worker not only is an employee who follows the safety rules for compliance, but one who is healthy, safe, and attentive. Health and wellness does more than improve the general well-being and morale of a company’s employees. It also could lead to a more productive workplace, where the prevention of injuries can ultimately result in a safer work environment.
Establishing safe work spaces
In the workplace, health and safety regulations are paramount to the well-being of the employees and the employer. Many hazards are present in today’s workplace environment, and it is the employer’s job to keep their employees safe at all times.
Health and safety procedures in the workplace help to greatly reduce illnesses and injuries among employees. These procedures can help both employees and employers understand the potential hazards in the work environment. Training in health and safety procedures is important and effective, as it will educate employees on proper workplace procedures, practices, and behavior to prevent possible injuries and illness or contamination from improper hygiene. Honestly, paying for work-related injuries and illnesses can negatively affect the bottom line of any business, which is a big reason why implementation of health and safety procedures is absolutely necessary.
Potential hazards are present in almost every work environment. Equipment, chemicals, certain behaviors and activities, and even furniture can potentially cause injury or harm to workers. Health hazards can range from contamination of food due to unsafe handling or preparation practices, to an infectious disease outbreak caused by improper hygiene and personal care. If a business deals with certain dangerous chemicals or gases, there is always the risk of improper handling, maintenance, or storage, which could lead to dangerous exposure for workers. In these cases, it is strongly advised that ALL workers must follow specific hazardous material handling guidelines.
Simple ways to remain safe at work
This column cannot provide adequate space to comprehensively explore the many ways employers can create safe work spaces for their employees. However, we will attempt a cursory glance at some very basic steps that can be followed to ensure that employees function in a safe and healthy work environment.
Eliminate potential hazards
Keep the workplace free from recognised physical and chemical hazards and make sure it is in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards, rules, and regulations. Through constant education and internal communication within the workplace, these strategies can serve to remind employees about proper body mechanics, forklift safety, necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as identify ways they can avoid slips, trips, and falls. Employees must be properly trained to identify and report potential problems and safety violations and take immediate steps to have those issues resolved.
Make sure all workers are properly trained
It cannot be overemphasised that organisations and businesses must provide all their workers with safety training using language they can understand. This training should be given to all new workers as part of their induction process, with refresher courses offered to (or required for) existing workers or when workers change jobs (within the same company).
Ensure workers have the proper equipment
Employees must have use of safe tools and equipment at all times. These equipment and tools must also be properly maintained. Workplace signage is an effective tool for reinforcing injury prevention. If Personal Protective Equipment are required for a particular job, then employees MUST wear them at ALL times.
Provide visual safety aids and messages
Use color codes, posters, labels and/or signs to warn employees of potential hazards. Additionally, place occupational health and safety posters in all work and recreational areas – and use additional signage to reinforce safety information.
Simple ways to prevent the spread of infections and viruses in the workplace
There are some very simple but effective things a person can do to prevent the spread of infections and viruses in the workplace. Here are a few guidelines that you should follow:
* Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. This is according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
* Stay home if you are sick (so you do not spread the illness to other people).
* Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. Turn away from other people.
* Use single-use tissues. Dispose of the tissue immediately and appropriately after use.
* Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or using tissues.
* If working with children, have them play with hard surface toys that can be easily cleaned.
* Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth (viruses can transfer from your hands and into the body).
* Do not share cups, glasses, dishes or cutlery.
Workplaces can help by:
* Having an infection control plan.
* Providing clean hand-washing facilities.
* Offering alcohol-based hand sanitisers when regular facilities are not available.
* Providing disinfectant sprays for cleaning door knobs, handles and other hand-held devices.
* Providing boxes of tissues and encourage their use.
* Reminding staff not to share cups, glasses, dishes and cutlery. Be sure dishes are washed with soap and water after use.
* Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (such as tea rooms and kitchens).
* Making sure ventilation systems are working properly.
Preserve your health and wellbeing at all times. Be sure to know all the occupational health and safety procedures of your respective workplaces and follow them carefully.
Your health and safety is your business and your responsibility.
