Definition
A safe work environment is about more than just preventing injuries or the spread of disease, it is about making employee well-being a priority. A safe workplace is one where employees feel secure and enjoy a safe space, company values, and a positive co-working environment that encourages respect for everyone.
Examples
In a work environment, employees can face numerous health risks, including those outlined in the following sections.
a) Biological Hazards
Biological hazards come from organisms, including people, animals and plants, and threaten human health. Examples of biological hazards include mold, sewage, blood and bodily fluids. These dangers can result in diseases and allergic reactions and limit employees’ ability to carry out their work.
b) Chemical Hazards
Chemicals can be toxic, corrosive, flammable and combustible. As such, they can pose health risks to workers and become hazards if workers inhale, ingest or absorb them through their skin. Chemical hazards can cause acute harm, such as burns, irritation and vomiting, or create chronic health issues, such as asthma, liver damage and cancer.
c) Physical Hazards
Physical hazards include activities or natural substances in a work environment that pose health risks. Extreme temperatures, poor air quality, excessive noise and radiation in the workplace can all harm workers, potentially causing respiratory problems, hearing loss and cancer, among other problems.
Effects
a) Individual: Employee are far more likely to experience a slew of mental and physical health problems including stress, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, hypertension and many other negative outcomes than come home feeling energized and happy.
b) Organisational: Reduced innovation, a negative employer brand, increased absenteeism, lower worker productivity, and more