Workplace Safety & Health: Responsibilities and Management

Understanding Occupational Safety & Health

Costs Associated with Workplace Incidents

• Medical expenses
• Benefit allowances
• Disruption of production
• Material costs
• Cost of days not worked
• Corporate responsibility

Techniques for Preventing Work-Related Damage

Prevention techniques can be broadly categorized into two areas:

• Acting on Health: Involves medical techniques.
• Acting on the Work Environment: Involves non-medical prevention techniques.

Preventive Medical Techniques

• Preventive medical examinations
• Preventive medical treatments
• Professional aptitude assessments (choice of profession)
• Health education

Non-Medical Prevention Techniques

• Job security measures
• Workplace hygiene
• Ergonomics
• Psychosociology
• Education and training
• Social policy initiatives

Employer and Employee Responsibilities in the Workplace

Employer's Liability and Obligations

• Risk assessment
• Organization of human resources
• Worker information and training
• Worker surveillance (health monitoring)
• Documentation maintenance
• Worker protection measures
• Adaptation of work equipment
• Protection for pregnant women
• Protection of minors
• Consideration of temporary employment relationships

Worker's Rights

• Right to leave a job post if their life or health is at risk.
• Right to visit their representatives at work and even to the inspection authorities.

Employee Obligations

• Properly use machines and equipment.
• Utilize all provided safety teams and equipment.
• Use appropriate safety devices.
• Alert management to any perceived risks.
• Accept and comply with safety procedures.

Key Organizations in Occupational Health & Safety

World Health Organization (WHO) Definition

The WHO defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Labor Management Bodies

Focuses on the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, whose functions generally involve regular or special requirements related to preventive effects.

Types of Bodies:

• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health at Work (INSHT)
• Labor and Social Security Inspection
• The National Commission on Safety and Health at Work

Health Administration Bodies

Focuses on the Ministry of Health, with competence in health aspects of occupational risk prevention.

Types of Agencies:

• The National Institute of Medicine and Safety at Work, whose function is based on existing research on identification methods.
• The National School of Medicine at Work, established for health professionals.

Industry Management Bodies

Responsible for industrial safety, dealing with the development of regulations and monitoring their compliance.

Types of Institutions:

• The Board of Industrial Security Coordination
• AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification)

International Labour Organization (ILO)

The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, comprising government representatives, employers, and workers.

The European Union's Role

The European Union plays a significant role in occupational safety and health through various agencies with specific roles and powers.

Key Bodies:

• The European Economic and Social Committee
• The European Agency for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound)
• The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
• The Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH)