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What is health and safety at work?


What is health and safety at work? 

Health and safety at work isn't just a box to check off—it's a vital part of creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. This means that a best in class health and safety plan goes beyond compliance, it lays the foundation for a positive work environment where employees feel valued and protected.
 
Whether you’re running a bustling restaurant or managing a busy warehouse, every business can benefit from an engaged workforce. While each company comes with its own unique challenges, the principles of health and safety remain the same.  So, let’s explore how prioritizing these topics in the workplace can enhance your business operations and employee well-being.
 

What is the purpose of health and safety at work? 

In a nutshell, the key objective of health and safety at work is to protect employees from harm, ensuring a safe, clean, and healthy environment to do their jobs. This is such an important matter than in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA Act) was established to assure such conditions for working individuals. [1]
 
The OSHA Act requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, comply with OSHA standards, and ensure that employees have the proper training and equipment to perform their jobs safely.
 
It outlines employers' duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their business activities. This entails providing safe working conditions, proper training, and necessary safety equipment. That includes performing risk assessments to spot and reduce hazards in the workplace.
 

Why are health and safety measures good for your business? 

Prioritizing health and safety brings big benefits to your company, from boosting the well-being and performance of your employees to making your operations and costs more efficient. Let’s break them down.
 

Increased workforce productivity 

When employees are healthy and safe they’re more engaged and capable of delivering their best work. Research from the former Surgeon General of the United States shows that employees who are in good physical, mental, and emotional health are more likely to deliver optimal performance in the workplace than employees who are not. [2]
 
Additionally, a healthy and safe workplace leads to reduced chances of illness and a lower risk of being injured. Fewer disruptions and reduced accidents mean employees can work more efficiently and your business can run smoothly.
 

Stronger employee well-being and morale 

Implementing health and safety practices makes it more likely for your employees to feel safe and cared for, which boosts morale and overall well-being. This can go as far as lowering any anxiety related to contracting infections at work and transferring them to their family. [3] 
 
When a company truly prioritizes health and safety, it shows employees that their well-being matters, building trust in the organization. This sense of care and protection tends to lead to stronger loyalty and a deeper commitment from your teams.
 

Enhanced business reputation 

Dedication to health and safety can boost your business’s reputation by demonstrating commitment to people’s well-being. This can in turn lead to attracting and retaining top talent in your company... a win-win for all!
 

Cost effectiveness 

Prioritizing health and safety in the workplace can reduce staff illness throughout the year, meaning your workforce becomes more productive. This can mean increased profits for companies — such as yours — as they don't need to spend as much on extra labor costs. [4] 
 
On the other hand, fewer accidents usually also mean reduced insurance costs and minimal legal expenses, stretching your business’s budget. 
 

How to implement an efficient health and safety procedure in your workplace 

Every workplace will have individual needs depending on the industry you operate in, the type of equipment you use, and the nature of the tasks taking place at your facility. Nonetheless, there are some common basic steps anyone can take to ensure an overall healthy and safe working environment. 
 

Choose the right hygiene & cleaning products 

Hygiene and cleaning products play a unique role in reducing the spread of germs, a cornerstone of health and safety. So, adding high-quality hygiene products throughout your facility and making them easily accessible is a key step toward an optimal work environment. That being said, consider stocking up on:
  • Hand soap dispensers: they are essential in areas like restrooms, kitchens, and even some break rooms. Tork dispensers are up to the task, designed for ease of use and effortless refilling. Plus, their dose control feature helps prevent overuse and reduce waste, making them both cost-effective and more sustainable. 
  • Hand soap:  we provide eco-certified hand soaps that can help keep hands healthy and smooth. Not only that, but Tork easy soap refills are dermatologically tested and only take 10 seconds to refill. You can use them in various settings, from kitchens to healthcare environments.
  • Hand sanitisers:  these are not only a great complement to handwashing for extra hygiene, but also ideal for areas where washing hands isn't always possible, such as entrances, meeting rooms, and shared workspaces. By placing  Tork hygiene stands  equipped with hand sanitizer throughout your workplace, employees and visitors can easily disinfect their hands, minimizing germs and thus, reducing the spread of infections.
  • Paper hand towels:  as germs are more likely to spread through wet skin, drying hands is just as important as washing them. With this in mind, it’s worth making sure that paper hand towels are easily accessible to complete the process of proper hand hygiene. You may want to consider  Tork PeakServe  for this task. It is the highest capacity dispenser on the market, giving access to hygiene solutions to more people.
  • Paper wipers  and  microfiber cloths:  these are ideal for cleaning surfaces and handling spills, making them essential to maintain a tidy and hygienic work environment. Tork wipers are designed to be durable and effective, helping your employees take care of equipment and clean up messes while reducing the need for multiple products. Additionally, you can use  Everwipe™  by Tork disinfectant wipes to easily limit the spread of germs on high-touch areas.  
Incorporating these products into your workplace can improve hand hygiene, promote cleanliness, and create a healthier, more productive environment for everyone. You can even step up your facility’s sustainability by choosing products that not only have people’s wellbeing in mind but also the planet’s, such as Tork. 90% of our packaging is made from renewable materials like paper and cardboard and we offer sustainable product options like biobased cleaning cloths, coreless toilet paper, and washing foam made from natural ingredients. Essentially, we’re here to support your business as well as the environment.
 

Regularly assess & manage hazards 

Workplace hazards refer to anything in the working environment that can cause injury, illness, or death to a person or damage to equipment. Being aware of these risks and managing them properly is crucial to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. That’s why it’s worth prioritizing routine assessments that help you monitor and prevent new and existing hazards.
 
These types of threats are broken down into categories, including: [5]
 

Physical hazards

Agents such as excessive noise, unsafe working temperatures, and physical obstructions that can cause slips, trips, and falls.

Biological hazards

Bacteria, viruses, and bodily fluids that can cause chronic infection or the spread of disease.

Chemical hazards

Dangerous chemicals that release toxic fumes or vapors or are combustible/flammable.

Air contaminants

Solid particles that travel in the air, such as fibers and dust.

Ergonomic hazards

Tasks that involve repetitive and demanding movement over long periods of time can impact the body in many ways, making them ergonomic hazards. For example, injuries from operating heavy machinery.
 

Train your employees 

Health and safety at work are big topics, so the more your employees know about them, the better. With this in consideration, ensure everyone working at your facility is well-informed about procedures such as fire evacuation, first aid, and the correct handling of equipment. Also, try not to underestimate the impact of training them on basic health practices like proper hand hygiene in the workplace. 
 
You can communicate health and safety information via videos or posters around your building, as well as through interactive training sessions. If it’s hard to decide what the appropriate education format may be for your company, you could ask your employees what they would prefer. This makes it more likely for them to engage and retain the learnings. 
 

Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace? 

Keeping the workplace safe and healthy is a team effort, so it’s important to know who’s responsible for what. When everyone understands their role, it’s easier to maintain a secure work environment for all. Here’s a rundown of who should be involved and the part they play in health and safety measures:
 

Employers

Employers have a key responsibility when it comes to health and safety in the workplace. They must create a safe working environment by taking action to minimize any risks identified by an industrial hygienist. This includes providing the necessary training, equipment, and resources to ensure employees can perform their jobs safely. Employers should also promote good practices, such as proper hand hygiene and safe handling of materials, and make sure safety protocols are clear and easy to follow. 
 
They also need to stay up-to-date with health and safety regulations to ensure full compliance and continuously review and improve workplace safety measures.
 

Employees

Employees' responsibilities include following established safety procedures, using equipment correctly to avoid accidents, and proactively reporting any unsafe conditions or hazards they notice. By staying aware of their surroundings and cooperating with safety guidelines, employees help create a healthier and more secure work environment for everyone. 
 
Taking personal responsibility for safety and health not only protects themselves but also contributes to the well-being of their coworkers.
 

Managers and supervisors 

Managers and supervisors serve as the employee's first point of contact for any safety concerns, making sure issues are resolved promptly and effectively. Their responsibilities include overseeing daily operations to ensure they run smoothly, enforcing safety protocols and hygiene practices to protect employees, and quickly addressing any potential hazards that may arise. 
 
By staying alert to risks and encouraging a culture of safety, managers help prevent accidents and create a workplace where employees can feel secure.
 

Health and safety representatives 

Acting as a bridge between employees and management, health and safety representatives communicate any concerns, suggestions, or issues related to workplace safety. By working closely with both teams, they ensure that protocols are clear, effective, and followed, creating a collaborative approach to maintaining a healthy and secure environment for all.
They help develop and implement safety measures, ensuring that proper precautions are in place to protect everyone. 
 
Prioritizing health, safety, and hygiene in the workplace is key to protecting your employees, boosting productivity, and building a strong company reputation. Not to mention that a work environment where people feel confident that their well-being is taken care of can help create a sense of trust and commitment. By regularly reviewing and enhancing your hygiene and safety practices, you can foster a positive workplace culture that benefits both your workforce and your company. 
 
 
Want to learn more ways to boost your business? Read our guides on personal hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace and discover why hand hygiene is important.