Workplace Health & Safety: Key Responsibilities & Risks

Employer Responsibilities

Duties of the Employer

• Protect workers from harm.
• Inform, consult, and involve workers in preventive measures.
• Provide theoretical and practical safety training to all workers.
• Establish emergency measures and manage serious risks.
• Periodically monitor the health of workers.
• Develop and maintain documentation, such as risk assessments and monitoring results.
• Coordinate with other companies when multiple employers share a worksite.
• Provide special protection for vulnerable workers, such as minors and pregnant women.

Employee Responsibilities and Rights

Employee Obligations

• Use safety devices and equipment correctly.
• Immediately report any safety concerns to a supervisor or designated prevention staff.
• Contribute to the fulfillment of established safety obligations.
• Cooperate with the employer to ensure a safe working environment.

Employee Rights

• To be informed, consulted, and participate in all safety measures.
• To be provided with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
• To receive proper education and training on workplace safety.
• To interrupt work and leave the worksite in case of imminent and serious risk.
• To receive periodic health monitoring relevant to job risks.
• To receive specific protection if sensitive to certain risks.
• Protection for maternity and minor workers.
• Protection for temporary and agency workers.

Common Workplace Hazards and Risk Factors

Risks from Safety Conditions

Structural Hazards

• Related to workspaces, transit surfaces, scales, and building installations.

Equipment Handling Hazards

• Includes tools, vehicle operation, and mobile equipment.
• Potential injuries: falls, burns, fires, explosions, shocks, and cuts.

Risks from Environmental Conditions

Physical Agents

• Noise, humidity, extreme temperatures, vibrations, etc.

Chemical Agents

• Polluting, irritating, or hazardous chemical substances and preparations.

Biological Agents

• Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• Potential health effects: deafness, heat stroke, dizziness, vomiting, and skin diseases.

Risks from Work Organization

• Night work, shift work, certain work incentives, and monotonous or repetitive tasks.
• Potential effects: fatigue, stress, and loss of attention.

Risks from Workload

Physical and Mental Load

• Physical: Poor posture, excessive effort, and manual handling.
• Mental: Overwork and lack of motivation.

Psychosocial Factors

• Job conditions, type of employment, pay, and the social environment.
• Potential effects: fatigue, dizziness, stress, depression, anxiety, and aggressiveness.

Risks from the Human Factor

Worker's Personal Condition

• Age, health status, and level of training or education.

Unsafe Actions

• Negligence and imprudence.
• Potential causes: worker's lack of adaptation to the task, distractions, and reckless behavior.