This topic will provide an overview of occupational safety and health, including its importance, key concepts, historical background, and the role of regulatory agencies.
Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health
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Definition
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is the discipline concerned with protecting the safety, health, and welfare of people at work.
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Objectives
- Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, promote a safe working environment, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
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Key Stakeholders
- Employers (responsible for providing a safe workplace), employees (responsible for following safety procedures), and regulators (enforce OSH laws).
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Legal Framework
- Most countries have dedicated OSH legislation (e.g., Kenya's Occupational Safety and Health Act) requiring risk assessments, safety committees, and incident reporting.
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Cost of Poor Safety
- Workplace accidents lead to human suffering, lost productivity, compensation claims, and reputational damage to businesses.
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Modern Approach
- Shifted from reactive (responding to accidents) to proactive (identifying and eliminating hazards before they cause harm).