In the workplace, employees encounter numerous safety and health risks. Examples of such hazards include toxic chemicals, cold or heat stress, mechanical dangers, excessive noise, and unsanitary working conditions. In the past, employers did not take enough measures to protect employees against these risks.
There was a high workplace injury and death rate in the United States. The country relies on mass production, which involves the use of heavy machinery. These machines caused bodily harm to workers since there was barely any safety regulation. For instance, some workers lost their fingers due to the use of outdated equipment. Employers felt it was cheaper to replace injured or dead employees rather than institute proper measures to protect employees in the workplace.
In the 1970s, there was widespread enactment of safety regulation laws all over the globe. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was instituted in 1971. The purpose of OSHA is to ensure safe working conditions. It does this by providing education, outreach, training, and assistance, as well as enforcing safety and health standards. Workplaces are legally mandated to abide by OSHA guidelines. Employers must ensure that their employees work in safe and healthful conditions.
Consequently, due to this regulation, the injuries and deaths associated with the workplace have declined significantly. Human resource managers have a responsibility to communicate the responsibility of employers in ensuring a safe workplace. However, they also explain to employees that they have a role to play in maintaining safety at work. They are also in charge of ensuring that occupational health and safety programs are well-understood by everyone in the organization. Maintaining health and safety is an undertaking that requires collective responsibility.