Occupational health and safety – OHS – is one of the fundamental and indispensable pillars of every workplace. Following the basic rules of workplace safety is not just an obligation, but also an ethical and legal commitment shared by all employers and employees. The main goal of OHS is to minimise the risk of workplace injuries of all kinds, keeping the company running smoothly and employees healthy.
The basic rules of workplace safety cover many different aspects, from making protective equipment available to proper training and education of employees. Here we look at the most important rules that should be followed as part of good health and safety management.
The ten basic rules:
- Protective equipment: suitable protective equipment and tools must be available in the workplace, such as fire extinguishers, helmets, gloves, safety glasses and more. They serve to minimise injuries and protect employees’ health.
- Handling chemicals: handling chemicals in the workplace can be dangerous. Employees should be familiar with safe procedures for storing, handling and disposing of chemicals.
- Handling heavy loads: employees should be trained in safe procedures for lifting and handling heavy loads. Incorrect handling can cause back and muscle injuries.
- Risk analysis and assessment: a key element is the risk analysis itself, which helps identify potential hazards and allows the company to take appropriate measures to minimise them.
- Storing materials: organising and arranging materials and tools in the workplace is essential. Clutter and inappropriate storage can cause accidents, so keeping the workplace clean and tidy is important.
- Checks and maintenance of equipment: regular inspections and checks of machinery and equipment in the workplace ensure that they are in good condition and safe to use all year round.
- Fire protection: every workplace should have working firefighting equipment and evacuation plans in case of fire. Properly set up fire protection and all the related documentation, such as firefighting documentation (DZP), plays one of the most important roles in health and safety.
- Communication and supervision: open communication between employees and supervisors on safety issues is key. Supervision and regular checks can help detect potential risks in time.
- Reporting accidents: employees should be encouraged to report any accidents, incidents or potential safety problems. This allows a quick response and the prevention of future problems.
- Training and education: employees should regularly complete training in safety procedures, such as OHS training, fire safety training, first aid training and more. Well-informed workers are less prone to mistakes and accidents.
Higher productivity
Protecting employees’ health should not be seen merely as an obligation, but as a priority for every employer. Workers feel better in a safe environment and are usually more productive and less prone to workplace injuries and illness. Health protection also includes preventing work-related stress and burnout, which can be a longer-term problem affecting employees’ overall quality of life.
Economic importance
Consistently following safety rules is also economically important for an organisation. Workplace injuries and illnesses can lead to high costs for compensation, treatment and lost productivity. That is why investing in workplace health and safety pays off and is beneficial in the long term.
Following the basic rules of workplace safety is not just a commitment, but an investment in the health and future of employees and the company as a whole. Well-designed health and safety processes are a step towards a better quality of working life and better functioning companies in every respect.
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Published: 9/2023
