Comprehensive Report on OSH Management and Risk Assessment

This report delves into the critical importance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) within the workplace, emphasizing its impact on business success and employee well-being. It explores the establishment of OSH through legal regulations, company policies, and employee involvement, highlighting the roles of various stakeholders. The report outlines the reasons for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, including productivity, human rights, and cost savings, while also addressing the consequences of neglecting OSH practices. It further discusses risk assessment, hazard control, and the practical implementation of OSH management systems, referencing the OSH Act 1994 and the Four Point Workplace Program. The report covers key elements such as policy, organization, planning, implementation, evaluation, and action for improvement, providing a comprehensive overview of effective OSH management strategies.

TABLE OF CONTENT
1) INTRODUCTION
1.1) THE IMPORTANT OF OSH IN WORKPLACE
• WHO ESTABLISH WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY?
• REASONS FOR MAINTAINING WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
• WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT?
• EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESOURCE
• COMMITMENT AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
• WORKSITE ANALYSIS
1.2) OSH RISK IN THE WORKPLACE IN ORDER TO TAKE ACTION EFFECTIVELY
AND EFFICIENTLY
• HOW CAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH BE MANAGED?
• POLICY - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY
• WORKER PARTICIPATION
• ORGANIZING – ORGANIZING
• COMPETENCE AND TRAINING
• OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION
• COMMUNICATION
• PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION - INITIAL REVIEW
• SYSTEM PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
• OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH OBJECTIVES
• HAZARD PREVENTION - PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES
• MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE
• EMERGENCY PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
• PROCUREMENT – CONTRACTING
• EVALUATION - PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
• INVESTIGATION OF WORK-RELATED INJURIES, ILL HEALTH, DISEASES AND INCIDENTS, AND
THEIR IMPACT ON SAFETY AND HEALTH PERFORMANCE
• AUDIT
• ACTION FOR IMPROVEMENT PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION
• PROVIDING SUPERVISION
1.3) INFORMATION FROM OSH ACT 1994 IN WORKPLACE

1.4 OSH RISK MANAGEMENT
• WHAT IS A RISK ASSESSMENT?
• HOW DO YOU PLAN FOR A RISK ASSESSMENT?
• HOW ARE THE HAZARDS IDENTIFIED?
• HOW ARE RISKS RANKED OR PRIORITIZED?
• WHAT ARE METHODS OF HAZARD CONTROL?
• WHAT DOCUMENTATION SHOULD BE DONE FOR A RISK ASSESSMENT
CONCLUSION

THE IMPORTANT OF OSH IN WORKPLACE
INTRODUCTION
Human resources are one of the most important features of many
business’ success relies heavily on the effectiveness to which this resour
Policies and practices used by the firm, set out the standards to which th
aspire. They are designed to govern the operation of the business; espec
economy where there is such a rise in service This topic is of importance
it has proven to be a neglected field in today’s corporate world; especiall
In this regard, this paper seeks to highlight the importance of Workplace
safety to the business, to develop an understanding of how its effective m
can affect the performance of a business, outline how this can be effectiv
out with the interest of the company in mind.
It is often said that, “the health of a nation is the wealth of a nation” (Fra
same concept applies to business. The health and safety of a com
resource is an enormous contributor to the success of that business. Hum
account for a large proportion of many company’s’ costs; it is the people
drive a business.
WHO ESTABLISH WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY?
The health and safety of a workplace is established through different sou
on a national level occupational health and safety is instituted in accorda
regulations that were created by legislative decisions and is enforced and
by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (
On a national and/or on a company level there are also instances of regu
by a safety representative. This can be self-requested or legally mandate
to ensure that companies follow the stipulated guidelines that are set to
safety and health of the workplace. Also, from a corporate standpoint, the
safety standards of the company can be established by the declaration o
Company’s general worker manual and/or in the separate manual set asi
laying out, the standards by which the company seek to keep its work en
and the people that use it safe and healthy. A more informal, but still an
method is employee observation. This is simply employees reporting haz
unnoticed to the inspection representative and/or management.
These options are in place to ensure accordance of a company to monito
the health and safety of the workplace, and to maintain it. In-adherence o

set by the above regulatory bodies can result in an employer being fined
to jail time.
REASONS FOR MAINTAINING WORKPLACE HEALTH AND
There are reasons why a business should maintain a safe and healthy wo
purges the environment of possible risks to everyone that uses the
organization’s productivity is directly related to the health and safety of i
Therefore,proper health and safety practicessafeguard the productivity
employees. When the workforce is unhealthy it affects productivity;
quality. Proper practices maintain the health of the workers and it protec
rights; the human right to a safe and healthy environment and the huma
safe and healthy workplace.
A major reason for maintaining health and safety in the workplace is that
so cost too much. The consequences of not up keeping proper hea
practices can range from having expensive monetary pay-outs, to death
workplace). Other repercussions are
Lower productivity levels – sick or injured worker do not produce the sam
quantity as do health workers.
Poor quality products and services – the direct relation between quality o
and quality of products or service they produce.
High levels of complaints from customers – lower quality of produc
delivered to customers would make them unhappy.
Loss of customers and subsequently lower revenues – if the quality of the
isn’t addressed it can result in a loss in the customer base and later loss
because of lower sales.
Higher costs – this increase in cost can come from different sources inclu
of insurance claims for damages, cost of substitution for sick or inj
(training and wages), and benefits for sick or injured workers.
Higher staff turnover – as persons get sick or injured on the job they tend
the health and safety practices of the workplace are dreadful employees
stay therefore higher turnover.
Poor industrial relations – poor health and safety practices would attract a
unions who fight for the rights of employees.

Thus, addressing safety and health issues in the workplace saves the em
and adds value to the business (OSHA). When workers remain safe and h
direct cost-savings to businesses include:
• lower workers’ compensation insurance costs
• reduced medical expenditures
• smaller expenditures for return-to-work programs
• fewer faulty products
• lower costs for job accommodations for injured workers
• less money spent for overtime benefits
Safety and health also result in substantial decreases in indirect cost (OS
This is as a result of:
• increased productivity
• higher quality products
• increased morale
• better labour/management relations
• reduced turnover
• better use of human resources
Employees and their families benefit from safety and health because (OS
• their incomes are protected; no financial shock because of illness o
• their family lives are not hampered by injury; no loss of income des
because of illness and injury
• they have less stress; because of a com
Workplace health and safety extend way beyond the boundaries of the w
families of workers and other users of the worksite can also be impacted
safety in the workplace (OSHA).
It is of a misconception that health and safety in the workplace only enta
that there aren’t any hazards on the worksite however it should be noted
hazard can be the employees themselves. Employees who are sick (comm
communicable), who have a drug or alcohol problem, who have ps
problems can also pose great threat to the health and safety of others in
Violent employees can also be classified as a hazard. In this regar
individual together with the worksite is necessary; drug.

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT?
The health and safety of a workplace should be part of the business’ HR s
should be an initiative that is deeply rooted into the culture of a business
person should be responsible for it. Given this, all employees, supervisors
managers should undergo training in this area to suit their position. Mana
especially should possess an attitude that support good health and safety
because it is usually mirrored by employees; if the manager care about h
safety, the employees will do too (OSHA)
Both the employer and the employee are responsible for ensuring that th
is healthy and safe for all users. Employers are legally obligated to maint
provide a working environment that is conducive for comfortable operatio
also have to provide safe systems of work and facilities that would sustai
of its employees. They are also responsible for providing employees with
information, instruction, training and/or supervision that is needed to ens
workers are safe during operations no matter the job. As a result of this r
to ensure employees are safe at work, an employer may institute regulat
policies that would call for the attention from and compliance of employe
Employees are also expected to play a part in ensuring proper health and
the workplace. They are to make certain their own personal health and sa
that of other persons in the workplace; whether colleague, customer, sup
Importantly, workers are expected to adhere to the directions given by m
to guarantee health and safety. If workers are to ignore these directives i
hazard in the workplace not only for themselves but also for others.
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESOURCE
Each workplace is different and dynamic. Therefore, the strategy used to
manage the human resource should also be different and dynamic. This s
should include clear and concise plans for the addressing the types of acc
and exposing the health and safety hazards that could occur at the works
An effective plan, as based upon the safety and health program managem
guidelines given by OSHA in January 1989 is the Four Point workplace Pro
The Four Point Workplace Program as its name suggests, it is a program
contains four elements in approaching optimum effective health and safe
standards. These elements

COMMITMENT AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
The manager or management team leads the way, by setting policy, assi
supporting responsibility, setting an example and involving employees.
WORKSITE ANALYSIS
The worksite is continually analysed to identify all existing and potential
• Hazard Prevention and Control
• Methods to prevent or control existing or potential hazards are put
maintained.
• Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers
• Managers, supervisors and employees are trained to understand an
worksite hazards.
HOW CAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH BE MAN
Managing safety and health is an integral part of managing a business. Businesses need to do a ris
assessment to find out about the hazards and risks in their workplace(s) and put measures in place
effectively control them to ensure these hazards and risks cannot cause harm to worke
Occupational safety and health, including compliance with the OSH
pursuant to national laws and regulations, is the responsibility and
employer. The employer should show strong leadership and commit
activities in the organization,and make appropriate arrangementsfor t
establishment of an OSH management system. The system should contai
elements of policy, organizing, planning and implementation, evaluation

for improvement, as shown in figure
Figure 1. Main elements of the OSH management system
This section provides information on what employersneed to consider wh
managing health and safety and assessing the risks in their workplace. It
they can follow the continual improvement approach as shown above.
In this section:
• Policy
• Organizing
• Planning and implementation
• Evaluation
• Action for Improvement
• Controlling the risks
• Accidents and Investigations
• Multi-employer workspaces
• Deciding who can help employers with their duties
• Consulting workers

• Providing training and information
• Providing supervision
• First aid
• Safety signs
POLICY
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY
The employer, in consultation with workers and their representatives, sho
writing an OSH policy to which they are committed and which is commun
workers.
WORKER PARTICIPATION
Worker participation is an essential element of the OSH manageme
the organization.
The employer should ensure that workers and their safety and health rep
are consulted, informed and trained on all aspects of OSH, includin
arrangements, associated with their wo
The employer should make arrangements for workers and their safe
representatives to have the time and resources to participate actively in
of organizing, planning and implementation, evaluation and action for im
of the OSH management syste
The employer should ensure, as appropriate,the establishmentand efficie
functioning of a safety and health committee and the recognition of work
and health representatives, in accordance with national laws and practice
ORGANIZING
RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The employer should have overall responsibility for the protection of wor
and health, and provide leadership for OSH activities in the organizat
The employer and senior management should allocate responsibility, acc
and authority for the development, implementation and performance

managementsystem and the achievementof the relevant OSH objectiv
COMPETENCE AND TRAINING
The necessary OSH competence (includes education, work experience an
a combination of these) requirements should be defined by the em
arrangements established and maintained to ensure that all persons, in p
and young workers have been trained and are competent to carry out the
health aspects of their duties and responsibilit
The employer should have, or should have access to, sufficient OSH comp
identify and eliminate or control work-related hazards and risks, and to im
OSH management syste
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SY
DOCUMENTATION
According to the size and nature of activity of the organization, the OSH m
system documentation should be established and provided to all m
organization so that management and workers fully comprehend the
duties and responsibilitiesand how OSH is managed in the organizat
COMMUNICATION
Arrangements and procedures should be established and maintained for:
receiving,documentingand responding appropriatelyto internal and exter
communications related to OSH;
ensuring the internal communication of OSH information between relevan
functions of the organization; and
ensuring that the concerns, ideas and inputs of workers and their represe
OSH matters are received, considered and responded to.
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
INITIAL REVIEW
The organization’s existing OSH management system and relevant ar
should be evaluated by an initial review, as appropriate. In the case wher

management system exists, or if the organization is newly establishe
review should serve as a basis for establishingan OSH managementsyste
SYSTEM PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATI
The purpose of planning should be to create an OSH management
supports:
• as the minimum, compliance with national laws and regulations;
• the elements of the organization’s OSH management system; and
• continual improvement in OSH performance.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH OBJECTIVES
Consistent with the OSH policy and based on the initial or subsequ
measurable OSH objectives should be established, which are:
• specific to the organization, and appropriate to and according to its
nature of activity;
• consistent with the relevant and applicable national laws and regul
the technical and business obligations of the organization with rega
• focused towards continually improving workers’ OSH protection to
best OSH performance;
• realistic and achievable;
• documented,and communicatedto all relevant functions and levels
the organization; and
• periodically evaluated and if necessary updated.
HAZARD PREVENTION
PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES
Hazards and risks to workers’ safety and health should be identified and
an ongoing basis. Preventive and protective measures should be impleme
following order of priority:
• eliminate the hazard/risk;
• control the hazard/risk at source, through the use of engineering co
organizational measures;
• minimize the hazard/risk by the design of safe work systems,
administrative control measures; and
• where residual hazards/risks cannot be controlled by collective mea
employer should provide for appropriate personalprotectiveequipme

including clothing, at no cost, and should implement measures to e
and maintenance.
MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE
The impact on OSH of internal changes (such as those in staffing
processes, working procedures, organizational structures or acquisitio
external changes (for example, as a result of amendments of natio
regulations,organizationalmergers,and developmentsin OSH knowledge a
technology) should be evaluated and appropriate preventive steps taken
introduction of chang
EMERGENCY PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Emergency prevention, preparednessand response arrangementsshould b
established and maintained. These arrangements should identify the
accidentsand emergencysituations,and address the preventionof OSH ris
associated with them. Quick and effective action may help to ease the sit
reduce the consequences. However, in emergencies people are more like
reliably if they:
• are well trained and competent;
• take part in regular and realistic practice;
• have clearly agreed, recorded and rehearsed plans, actions and res
The arrangements should be made according to the size and natur
the organization.
PROCUREMENT
Procedures should be established and maintained to ensure that:
compliance with safety and health requirements for the organization
evaluated and incorporated into purchasing and leasing specifications;
national laws and regulations and the organization’s own OSH requir
identified prior to the procurement of goods and services; and
arrangements are made to achieve conformance to the requirements prio