What you need to know about health risk assessments in the workplace
Health risk assessments (HRAs) are, according to the National Institute of Occupational Health, ‘a careful examination of what could cause harm in the workplace, so that you can decide whether you have taken enough precautions or need to do more to prevent occupational illnesses.’?
HRAs are necessary to bring workplaces up to the occupational health standards required by law in South Africa. Employers are required to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act [no. 85 of 1993] and Mine Health and Safety Act [no 29 of 1996] to ensure that they provide workers with a safe and healthy work environment.
Failure to implement adequate occupational health protocols could result in serious illness among employees. This could put an employee out of work for the short-term or indefinitely, seriously impacting their quality of life. From a business perspective, non-adherence to occupational health requirements could impact productivity (and therefore your bottom line) as well as your reputation as an employer, potentially leading to decreased staff retention.??
Early identification of health hazards is therefore critical. Health risk assessments are one way to identify potential risks and ultimately prevent adverse health events related to occupational health exposures.?
Life Health Solutions is here to help you?
Life Health Solutions (LHS) is a well-known leader in providing occupational health risk programmes. Since 1997, LHS has completed health risk assessments for a wide range of industries, including automotive, chemical, transport, logistics, construction, fast-moving consumable goods, consumer services, retail distribution centres, banking, agriculture, telecommunications and many more.?
The health risk assessments carried out by our team of experienced occupational health practitioners are key to identifying potential hazards and making recommendations so that health risks within the workplace can be managed. LHS health risk assessments also ensure legal compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, specifically concerning noise-induced hearing loss, hazardous chemical and biological agents, ergonomics, lead regulations, as well as meeting fitness for work requirements (for example, construction and driven machinery regulations).?
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What exactly does a health risk assessment consist of??
The experienced occupational health practitioners from LHS will compile a detailed report of your workplace’s health risks. This process includes:??
Identified health risks are reviewed and prioritised, and control measures to mitigate risks are recommended. In addition, a risk-based medical surveillance matrix will be proposed. The purpose of this matrix is to ensure workers' health outcomes are monitored appropriately based on their unique workplace exposures.
When are HRAs done??
Ready to identify and mitigate occupational health risks in your organisation? Get in touch with Life Health Solutions today to find out how we can help you. Visit our website or email us at [email protected].