L9 - OH&S

• Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSM)


  The function of ensuring safety, health and welfare of employees in an organisation
• OHSM


  • Concerns with the provision for a safe and healthy work environment
  • Aims to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as to improve the well-being and performance of workers
  • Involves identifying, assessing and controlling the hazards and risks that may arise from the work processes, equipment, materials, environment and human factors in an organization
  • Involves establishing policies, objectives, standards and procedures for managing health and safety, as well as monitoring, evaluating and improving the effectiveness of the OHSM system
• OHSM Benefits to Organisation


  • Protect the health and safety of workers and other stakeholders
  • Comply with legal and ethical obligations
  • Enhance the reputation and image of the organization
  • Reduce costs associated with accidents, injuries, illnesses and absenteeism
  • Increase productivity, quality and competitiveness
  • Foster a positive organizational culture and employee engagement
• OHSM Standards


  Documents that specify requirements or guidelines for establishing, implementing and maintaining an OHSM system
• OHSM Practices


  • Conducting regular risk assessments
  • Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Implementing emergency procedures and first aid facilities
  • Training workers on health and safety topics
  • Consulting with workers and their representatives
  • Reporting and investigating incidents, accidents and near misses
  • Conducting internal audits
  • Reviewing health and safety performance periodically
• Strategic Occupational Health and Safety Management


  Aligns OHS policies and activities with the organization's business goals, objectives, strategies and game plan
• Current OHS Issues


  • Visual Impairment
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Back Injuries
  • Mobile Phones
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Stress
• Stress


  The tension people experience when they are under considerable physical or psychological demands, which can be positive or negative
• Job Burnout


  Exhaustion experienced by employees as a result of their work efforts, with six main causes: work overload, lack of control, insufficient reward, conflicting values, absences of fairness, and breakdown of community
• Emotional Exhaustion


  Characterised by lack of energy and the distinct feeling that emotional resources have been fatigued, with frustration and tensions as common symptoms
• Depersonalisation (Dehumanization)


  Employees feeling like they have been treated like objects not humans, becoming emotionally detached and often cynical towards all organisational members
• Diminished Personal Accomplishment


  Employees lacking self-confidence and developing a negative opinion about themselves, with job competency and achievement declining, as does their interaction with others
• Mental Health and Wellbeing


  A state of overall wellbeing, influenced by culture, generally relating to enjoyment of life and the ability to cope with and 'bounce back from' stress and sadness
• OHS Tools and Programs/Policies


  • Safety Signs
  • Safety Clothing, Safety Shoes, Helmets, Gloves etc.
  • Safety Tools
  • Gyms
  • Exercise Programs
  • Compulsory Health Care Checks
  • Safety Notices and Instructions
• Workplace Stress and Health Problems


  The biggest cause of workplace stress and health problems
• Techniques to Decrease Employee Stress and Health Problems


  1. Provide a stress-free work environment

  2. Implement Health Care Programs and Policies

  3. Offer Flexible Arrangements

  4. Provide Autonomy and Freedom

  5. Ensure Good Leadership

  6. Engage in Healthy Living (Exercise, Rest, Yoga, Health Checks)
• Government Regulations of Occupational Health and Safety


  In Papua New Guinea, the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act regulates OHS, giving employers the obligation to ensure a safe work environment and employees the duty to follow safety measures
• Future of Occupational Health and Safety Management


  • Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Use of Meditation and Yoga
  • Adoption of Online OHS
  • Utilization of AI (ChatGPT) for various OHS functions