Safety and Health Management Chapter Seventeen Safety and Health Management

Learning Objectives Give several reasons why organizations are actively involved in safety and health management Explain the major provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and describe the impact this law has had Describe some common accident-prevention methods

Learning Objectives (cont’d) List some physical and environmental hazards commonly associated with occupational disease Describe the purpose of an employee assistance program Characterize an effectively managed safety and health program Describe some of the motivations associated with internal-organizational violence

The Concern for Employee Safety and Health Social and Humanitarian Responsibility The extent to which an organization demonstrates social responsibility is part of the firm’s public image, and a positive safety record can contribute to positive public relations. Genuine humanitarian concerns are reflected in a commitment to employee health and safety as well. Public Awareness Tends to result in pressure on organizations to develop more effective health and safety programs.

The Concern for Employee Safety and Health (cont’d) Legal Obligations Workers’ Compensation Labor Laws Supreme Court Criminal and Civil Penalties Influence of Labor Unions Cost

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Purpose was to establish and enforce safety and health standards to reduce the incidence of occupational injury, illness, and death. Administration (through U.S. Department of Labor) Employer Responsibilities and Rights Employers have a lengthy set of responsibilities along with a number of right Employee Responsibilities and Rights

Occupational Accidents Variables related to accident rates Size of Organization Work Schedules Type of Occupation Worker Behavior

Figure 17.1 Death rates due to occupational injury, by industry, United States, 1999

Occupational Accidents (cont’d) Accident prevention requires: Safety Training and Communications Protective Equipment Work Teams Emergency Plans

Occupational Disease Common Health Hazards Minimizing Health Risks Sick Buildings Minimizing Health Risks

Other Health Problems Substance Abuse Stress AIDS The Drug-Free Workplace Act Drug Testing Stress AIDS

Managing Safety and Health Programs Elements of Sound Safety and Health Programs Employee Assistance Programs Peer-to-Peer Programs Wellness Programs Role of Supervisors Specialists and Organizational Structure

Role of the HR Department Assume leadership in the development and maintenance of a corporate culture that supports an effective health and safety program. Interprete the needs of the safety, health, and employee assistance programs to top management. Keep employees, supervisors, and all other members of management informed of and involved in the status of ongoing programs

Key Terms Employee assistance program (EAP) Peer-to-peer counseling Occupational safety and health act (OSHA) Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) Compliance officer Inspection tour Occupation disease Stress Prolonged stress Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) Employee assistance program (EAP) Peer-to-peer counseling Wellness programs Safety director Safety engineer Safety inspector Health and industrial hygienists