Health and safety at work refers to the policies, procedures, and practices that are implemented in the workplace to ensure the well-being and safety of employees. The purpose of these measures is to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses that may occur as a result of work-related activities.

Some common examples of health and safety measures include:

Providing proper training and equipment
Implementing proper ergonomics in the workplace
Conducting regular health and safety inspections
Maintaining a clean and organized work environment
Establishing clear emergency procedures
Implementing measures to reduce stress and promote mental well-being
Providing access to appropriate personal protective equipment
Following industry-specific safety regulations and standards

It is the responsibility of employers to create and maintain a safe work environment for their employees, and employees have a responsibility to follow safety procedures and report any hazards or concerns to their employer.

In most countries, there are laws and regulations that govern health and safety in the workplace. These laws outline the minimum standards that employers must meet to ensure a safe work environment for their employees. In some cases, employers may choose to exceed these minimum standards to provide an even safer work environment for their employees.

Over one million work-related deaths occur annually according to ILO estimates and hundreds of millions of workers suffer from workplace accidents and occupational exposure to hazardous substances worldwide

These deaths exceed the average annual deaths from road accidents (999,000), war (502,000), violence (563,000) and HIV/AIDS (312,000). Approximately one-quarter of those deaths result from exposure to hazardous substances which cause such disabling illnesses as cancer and cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous-system disorders.

In addition, by conservative estimates, workers suffer approximately 250 million occupational accidents and 160 million occupational diseases each year.

Health and safety at work is about sensible, proportionate actions that protect people.

Accidents and ill health at work can cost money and ruin lives. Good health and safety is good business – and it’s the law..