Managing Workplace Safety and Heath Hanoi University Managing Workplace Safety and Heath Human Resource Management Prepared by Thu G. Hoang Revised by Minh Hieu T. Nguyen

… OHS problems at a glance 5836 accidents 508 resulted in death 6047 injuries 573 people died 1262 seriously injured 181 accidents have already reported 198 billion dong directs cost and 197,480 days lost 6.34%

Lecture Outline OH&S - Management Legal Obligation Managing Contemporary Safety, Heath, and Behavioral Issues AIDS Violence in the workplace Smoking in the workplace Cumulative trauma disorders Fetal protection, hazardous chemicals and genetic testing Safety and Heath Programs Safety programs Employee assistance programs Wellness programs Rewarding good heath habits

What is OH & S Refers to physical, physiological & psychosocial conditions of an organization’s workforce, related to aspects of work and the work context Relies on improving OHS conditions and preventing hazards by implementing comprehensive HRM and organizational strategies Encourages healthier lifestyle

Health OH&S places emphasis on the well-being of employees - Physiological – eg, stress, quality of working life, satisfaction, depression Physical – eg, arthritis, loss of limb, cardiovascular/lung disease, loss of life

Safety OH&S places emphasis on safety in work environment Focus on workplace procedures/practices - appropriate conduct in the workplace - safe and proper use of machinery - use of safety equipment (eg., safety goggles, ear plugs) - adequate and appropriate training

Poor occupational Health and Safety is: Costly to industry: lost production, lower moral, sickness and absenteeism, compensation Costly to individuals and families: financially, personally and socially Costly to society: Healthcare, disability, lost production

Management Legal Obligations It is important to have laws to regulate workplace safety Workers’ compensation laws Occupational safety and heath act (OSHA) – US Labor Law – Chapter IX – Vietnam Laws which include basic provision on OHS Laws which include provision relating to OHS Under-law legal documents on OHS issues Internal decision on OHS of branches and localities units www.molisa.gov.vn; ilo.org, ohsnet.com “Quy dinh ve an toan lao dong, ve sinh lao dong”, Nha xuat ban chinh tri Quoc gia, 2006

Management Legal Obligations Workers’ compensation laws Purposes Provide prompt medical care Provide income to victims and their dependants Provide a “no-fault” system Encourage employers to invest in safety Promote research on workplace safety Benefit of workers’ compensation (next slide)

Management Legal Obligations Benefit of workers’ compensations Total disability benefits Impairment benefits Survivor benefits Medical expense benefits Rehabilitation benefits Cost of workers’ compensation 43 billions paid out in 1993 These costs is leaving off

Management Legal Obligations The occupational safety and heath act (OSHA) and Vietnam Labor Code (art. 95 – 108) Obligations for employers To provide a safe and heath work environment To comply with specific occupational health and safety standards To keep record of occupational injuries and illnesses

Management Legal Obligations Obligations for employees Comply with the relevant health and safety standards Report all hazardous conditions, injuries or work-related illnesses to their employer Rights of employees File health or safety grievances and complaints to the government Participate in OSHA or LC inspection Request information on OHS hazards without fear of discrimination or retaliation by their employer

Employees’ Unsafe Acts Basic Causes of Accidents What Causes Accidents? Chance Occurrences Employees’ Unsafe Acts Basic Causes of Accidents Unsafe Conditions

What Causes Accidents? (cont’d) Improperly Guarded Equipment Defective Equipment Improper Ventilation Improper Illumination Hazardous Procedures Unsafe Storage Unsafe Conditions

Contemporary Issues AIDS Workplace Hazardous Violence Materials Smoking Cumulative Trauma/ DVT/RSI Stress

Contemporary Issues in Vietnam Open for research on Vietnam contemporary issues in OSH (www.molisa.gov.vn and other related sources)

Health and Safety Programs Effective safety programs have the following features: A safety committee Participation by all A communication strategy Training of employees Rewards for safety Enforcement of safety rules Regular workplace inspection

Health and Safety Programs Employees Assistance Programs (EAPs) Wellness Programs: Programs focus on preventing health problems. A complete program has three components: It helps identify potential health risks It educates employees about health risks It encourage employees to change their lifestyles

Dealing with Substance Abuse When an Employee Tests Positive In-house Counseling Referral to an Outside Agency Discharge Disciplining

Quality of life Broader approach now gaining wider acceptance Awareness of need for stress and time management skills, ergonomics, alcohol balance Physical and psychological balance – eg gym membership, dietary advice OH&S committees at workplace have responsibility for raising awareness of these

Effective strategies Proactive approach necessary Create culture of awareness and responsibility – look out for yourself and others Strategies to prevent work-related accidents and diseases Health and safety performance indicators – incidence, severity and frequency rates Accident control - physical environment eg., handrails, warning lights, automatic shut-offs - employee acceptance and use important Ergonomics – comfort, design, layout

The End