Chapter 15 Health and Safety Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chapter 15Chapter 15

Health and Safety

Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENTTempler • Cattaneo • De Cenzo • RobbinsTempler • Cattaneo • De Cenzo • Robbins

John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd

Occupational Health and Occupational Health and Safety LegislationSafety Legislation

• Falls under both federal and provincial jurisdictions

• Establishes comprehensive health standards

• Authorizes inspections

• Allows authorities to monitor compliance



Common Concepts in Common Concepts in Health and Safety StatutesHealth and Safety Statutes

• Share responsibility

• Workers’ rights

• Health and safety duties



Workers’ Rights Under Health Workers’ Rights Under Health and Safety Legislationand Safety Legislation

• Right to participate in resolving health and safety concerns

• Right to know about potential hazards

• Right to refuse work that might be dangerous to their own health and safety or that of another worker

• As members of joint health and safety committees, the right to stop work if they determine that it is dangerous



Enforcing OccupationalEnforcing OccupationalHealth and Safety LegislationHealth and Safety Legislation

• Government officers may enter workplace at any time, without notification, to monitor compliance with legislation

• Employers, managers, and workers may, as a last resort, be prosecuted in courts



Cost of AccidentsCost of Accidents

• Workers’ Compensation premiums

• Time lost to injury

• Time to investigate accidents

• Damage to equipment and materials

• Work stoppages



Accident Accident Prevention MeasuresPrevention Measures

• Education

• Skill training

• Engineering

• Protection devices

• Regulation enforcement



Ensuring Job SafetyEnsuring Job Safety

• Management needs feedback

• Safety should be part of culture

• Safety committees empower employees to maintain safe environment



Dealing with Dealing with Workplace ViolenceWorkplace Violence

• Review policies and employee treatment

• Train managers to identify and deal with troubled employees

• Implement security mechanisms



Current Issues inCurrent Issues inWorkplace HealthWorkplace Health

• Sick building syndrome

• Smoke-free environments

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)



Keeping the Keeping the Workplace HealthyWorkplace Healthy

• Make sure workers get enough fresh air

• Avoid suspect building materials and furnishings

• Test new buildings for toxins

• Provide a smoke-free environment

• Keep air ducts clean and dry

• Pay attention to workers’ complaints



StressStress

• May be positive or negative• Symptoms can be

physiological, psychological, or behavioural



Chronic Stress: BurnoutChronic Stress: Burnout

• Emotional and/or physical exhaustion, with lowered job productivity

• Steps to combat burnout include:

1. Identification1. Identification

2. Prevention2. Prevention

3. Mediation3. Mediation

4. Remediation4. Remediation



Employee Assistance Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)Programs (EAPs)

• Extensions of alcohol-related counselling

• Now cover variety of personal issues

• Allow confidential visitors with off-site counsellors

• Help control rising health insurance costs

• Require atmosphere of trust



Wellness ProgramsWellness Programs

• Programs designed to keep employees healthy and cut health-related issues

• Include smoking cessation, physical fitness, weight control



International Health and SafetyInternational Health and Safety

• Cultural differences exist regarding safe working conditions

• Health certificates, first aid kits, and emergency plans help Canadian workers abroad

• DFAIT provides travel advisories regarding teorrorism, natural disasters, etc.

Chapter 15 Health and Safety Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Transcript of Chapter 15 Health and Safety Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved.