Essential Human Resources Functions and Workplace Safety

Main Functions and Activities of the Human Resources Department

The Human Resources Department plays a crucial role in an organization, encompassing various key functions:

• Organizational and Personnel Planning

  This involves planning templates based on the company's organizational structure, designing jobs, and defining roles and responsibilities.

• Recruitment and Selection

  This process includes:

  • Determining the exact profile of the ideal candidate for a new job.
  • Recruiting applicants through internal selection or external job advertisements.
  • Selecting the most suitable person by reviewing curricula vitae and conducting personal interviews.
  • Choosing the final candidate and completing the hiring process.

• Personnel Administration

  Key activities include:

  • Managing the selection and awarding of contracts.
  • Processing payroll and social security contributions.
  • Controlling employee rights and duties, such as vacation and maternity leave.

• Human Resources Development

  Worker training enables company staff to adapt to societal changes and technological advancements.

• Industrial Relations

  These activities involve the company's interactions with workers through their representatives.

• Workforce Control

  This involves monitoring aspects such as employee absence from their job, staffing levels, and overtime.

• Knowledge Management

  Recognized as a primary asset for any modern organization, it serves as a fundamental management tool.

Effective Staff Recruitment Process

During the recruitment phase, a company should consider the following steps:

1. Determine the exact profile of the ideal candidate to fill the vacancy or new job.
2. Recruit candidates through internal selection or external channels.
3. Conduct the selection process for the individual. This involves reviewing their curriculum vitae, performing personal interviews, and other assessments.
4. Choose the person who has demonstrated the most appropriate skills and fit for the job being offered.
5. Finalize the hiring of the person, especially if they have met all expectations during a trial period.

Workplace Health and Safety: Roles and Responsibilities

The prevention of occupational hazards is an activity aimed at promoting improved working conditions to increase the level of health protection and safety for workers. This involves several key stakeholders:

• Employer: Must assess potential risks, strive to avoid them, and plan preventive measures.
• Worker: Must properly use machines and tools, and adhere to preventive measures.
• Manufacturers: Must accurately report the correct use of products and work tools.
• Public Administrations: Should implement a series of actions intended to prevent occupational accidents and diseases.