Understanding OHS: A holistic approach to employee health and safety

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is crucial for creating a safe and healthy workplace for employees in manufacturing roles. It involves identifying, assessing and controlling risks to prevent workplace incidents and illnesses.

But OHS extends beyond just the well-being of employees. It is also vital for your business, boosting productivity, lowering costs and protecting your reputation. A commitment to OHS can ensure a manufacturing facility is a productive environment where growth and organizational excellence are driven by the safety and well-being of its workforce.

Importance of OHS

Prevents incidents: One of the primary benefits of implementing robust OHS measures is reducing the occurrence and severity of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. By identifying, assessing and eliminating potential hazards, companies can create safer work environments.

Boosts productivity: Healthy workers are more productive and efficient. Employees who feel safe at work can focus better on their tasks, leading to higher productivity. A safe work environment also means fewer disruptions due to incidents or health-related absences, which hinder workflow and productivity.

Reduces costs: Lowering medical expenses and workers’ compensation board claims is another crucial benefit of OHS. Workplace injuries and illnesses can lead to significant financial burdens for companies, including direct costs like medical expenses, legal fees, equipment repair or replacement, and indirect costs such as lost productivity, training and recruitment, and reputation damage. By investing in OHS, employers can significantly reduce these costs.

Ensures compliance: Adherence to safety regulations and standards is a fundamental aspect of OHS. Compliance with these regulations prevents legal penalties and demonstrates a company’s commitment to maintaining a safe workplace. This compliance helps build trust with employees, customers and stakeholders.

Common workplace hazards

A holistic approach to OHS encompasses all workplace hazards, including those that can’t be seen.

• Physical: These are substances, conditions or activities in a work environment that threaten physical safety. These hazards can include very hot or cold temperatures, indoor air quality (e.g., mould, fungi) and noise—one of the most common workplace hazards in manufacturing environments, which is crucial to address through a hearing conservation program. ??
• Safety: These hazards can arise from machinery, materials, work processes or environmental conditions. Safety hazards cause slips, trips and falls, as well as incidents involving tools and equipment. It’s important to address safety hazards through proper workplace design, safe work procedures and robust training programs.
• Chemical: Exposure to hazardous substances can cause severe health issues. Implementing safety measures to handle chemicals properly is essential to prevent incidents and long-term health problems.
• Biological: Infections, bacteria and viruses pose significant risks to employee health. Ensuring proper hygiene practices and health monitoring can mitigate these risks.
• Ergonomic: Repetitive work activities, awkward postures and poor workstation design can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Engaging a certified ergonomist to provide ergonomic solutions and enforcing regular breaks for workers—especially those who perform repetitive tasks in a manufacturing facility—can help alleviate these issues.
• Psychosocial: Stress, harassment and workplace violence negatively impact mental health and overall well-being. Creating a supportive and inclusive work culture—with input from a qualified mental health professional—is vital to address these productivity and wellness killers.

Preventive measures

Health resources: Providing onsite healthcare resources ensures a quick response to an injury or illness, reducing the risk of more serious health issues. Onsite nurses or paramedics ensure all workers have quick access to the healthcare they need at the manufacturing facility. This reduces the number of trips to the emergency room, saves public resources and reduces the escalation of minor health issues into major ones.

Risk assessment: Regularly assessing and identifying potential hazards is the first step in preventing incidents. This process involves evaluating the workplace for risks and implementing measures to control them.

Training and education: Providing comprehensive safety training for all employees ensures they are aware of potential hazards and know how to respond appropriately. Continuous education helps keep safety protocols fresh in employees’ minds.

Proper equipment: Ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting employees from hazards. Employers must provide the necessary PPE and ensure its proper use.

Safe work procedures: Developing and enforcing safe work practices is critical. Clear guidelines and protocols help standardize safety measures and ensure consistency across the workplace.

Emergency preparedness: Having a plan for emergencies and conducting regular drills ensures employees know how to respond during crises. This preparedness can save lives and minimize damage.

Benefits of a safe and healthy working environment

• Employee well-being: Promoting physical and mental health through a safe work environment enhances overall employee well-being. This leads to a happier and more engaged workforce.
• Lower absenteeism: Reducing sick days and absenteeism is a direct result of a safe workplace. Healthy employees are more likely to attend work regularly, improving overall productivity.
• Improved morale: Boosting employee morale and job satisfaction is a natural outcome of a safe work environment. When employees feel valued and protected, their motivation and loyalty increase.
• Enhanced reputation: Building a positive company image is another benefit of adhering to OHS regulations. A strong reputation for safety can attract top talent and loyal customers, driving business success.

Investing in a holistic approach to occupational health and safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a foundation for a thriving, productive workplace. By protecting their most valuable assets—employees—companies can drive growth, enhance organizational excellence and foster a safe, supportive work environment.

With over 20 years of experience delivering health services to diverse industries, including manufacturing, we understand the needs and challenges of your sector. Click here to discover how Calian OHS programs can be tailored to meet your needs and ensure the safety and well-being of your workforce.