In recent times, governments around the world have implemented unprecedented measures to protect employees in their workplace from dangers unheard of before.
In Costa Rica, the application of pesticides is avoided during the highest temperatures of the day, and must only be done in the cool early hours of the morning, or in the late hours of the afternoon.
In Chile, the country’s Health Ministry declared that workers performing work in direct solar radiation between the months of September and March, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and those who perform regular functions under direct solar UV radiation with an UV index equal to or greater than 6, at any time of the year, are considered exposed to UV radiation.
In Uruguay, a special ruling against working in adverse weather conditions in rural areas, was developed in 2022 as a specific response to climate change.
And in Egypt, employers have been requested to carry out an analysis of the risk of natural disasters and prepare an emergency plan for the protection of workplaces and workers in the event of such a disaster, that additionally requires employees to receive training on the plan and practical drills.
It’s clear that from rising temperatures to natural disasters, external climate-based factors are influencing governments, and companies, to expand the scope of what is considered workplace safety.
This weekend, on Sunday, 28 April, the safety industry comes together to raise awareness about safety and health matters under the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Organised globally by the International Labour Organization, the day focuses on occupational health and safety and this year’s theme focuses on the impact of climate change on occupational health and safety.
While workplace safety is not a recent consideration, the official day recognises that the field is a changing one, and regular awareness and discussion needs to take place to prioritise workplace safety and ensure protective measures are updated and relevant to ensure that everyone is safe.
Taking Action for Workplace Safety
As we celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work, it’s crucial to take concrete actions to improve workplace safety and protect employees.
Here are some key steps that companies and individuals can take:
Implementing and Regularly Assess Safety Policies and Procedures: Organisations should develop and implement comprehensive safety policies and procedures tailored to their specific industry and workplace environment. This includes conducting risk assessments, providing safety training, and establishing protocols for handling emergencies. Importantly, these plans need to be reviewed annually to ensure they are relevant to the scope of work employees undertake, or aligned to external factors that may influence the workspace.
Promoting an Engaged Safety-Conscious Audience: Safety should be top of mind for all employees, and not just the safety officer. Fostering a culture of safety within the workplace is essential for creating an environment where employees feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns and actively participate in safety initiatives. This can be achieved through regular communication, employee engagement, and recognition of safety achievements.
Investing in Training and Education: Providing ongoing safety training and education to employees is critical for ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs safely. Training should cover topics such as hazard recognition, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures.
Maintaining Safe Work Environments: Employers must take proactive measures to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace. This includes maintaining equipment and machinery, ensuring proper ventilation and lighting, and implementing ergonomic measures to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Encouraging Reporting and Incident Investigation: Encouraging employees to report safety concerns and near misses is essential for identifying potential hazards and preventing accidents from occurring. Employers should establish clear reporting procedures and conduct thorough investigations into workplace incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Supporting Employee Well-being: Recognising the connection between physical and mental health, employers should prioritise the overall well-being of their employees. This includes providing access to resources and support services such as employee assistance programs, mental health initiatives, and ergonomic assessments.
Safety is a proactive exercise. SafetyCloud believes that by taking proactive measures to identify and address hazards, promoting a culture of safety, and investing in training and education, we can protect the health and well-being of workers around the world.
For information on safety courses, visit https://safetycloud.co.za/courses/, call +27 87 330 3790 or email info@safetycloud.co.za.
** Information reproduced in parts of this article was sourced from the official International Labour Organisation’s Global Day for material found here: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/lang–en/index.htm