Definitions

Definition - What does Occupational Health & Safety mean?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a construct that applies to the practice of recognizing legitimate health and safety hazards that exist across different business sectors where individuals may be at risk of workplace accidents/injuries and exposure to harmful substances. The workplace can often involve exposure to biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, and psychological hazards, serving as incidental factors associated with atmospheric conditions, essential job tasks, and manufacturing byproducts.

SureHire explains Occupational Health & Safety

The overarching goal of occupational health and safety measures relies on identifying and reducing or eliminating hazards from the workplace, dovetailing off the desire to lower injury/illness statistics. In Canada, OHS-based standards are generally restricted to provincial/territorial jurisdictions, apart from federal government and companies operating between international borders (i.e., airlines, banks), covering industry-specific workforces in terms of enforcing regulations. Several aspects contribute to fostering a climate that upholds occupational health and safety values, for example, consistent training methods, regular inspections, proper maintenance of equipment, and updated safety protocol measures.

A cost-to-benefits ratio in managing occupational health and safety procedures hinges on following uniform work practices to deter hazardous scenarios. Hence, employees should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling toxic materials, designate areas with placard labels for authorized personnel, and instill habits such as good posture and proper lifting techniques. Employers who maximize an occupational health and safety framework can help buffer future liabilities against musculoskeletal injuries, among other work-related conditions that can pose economic setbacks with increased absenteeism, productivity loss, and worker’s compensation claims.