World Day for Safety and Health at Work
During this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) looks at the effects of climate change on the safety and health of workers worldwide. Many people work under extreme conditions of excessive heat, extreme weather, and other adverse working conditions. However, since most have to continue working, they are the most affected. Under the theme “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate”, ILO underscores the need for all stakeholders to come together and raise awareness of how to make workspaces safe and healthy. What better way to do this than to consider our current situation with the heavy rainfall in the country. The present flooding and heavy rain damage necessitates that you place safety in everyone’s hands. We all have a role to play to ensure proactive measures are taken to identify and mitigate hazards in our working environments.
Each of us must be responsible for preventing and stopping deaths and injuries at work. This concept emphasises the importance of individual responsibility in ensuring workplace safety. It means that every employer and employee, regardless of their role or position, has a role to play in preventing workplace accidents and injuries. Here are several impacts on occupational safety and health to look out for during this heavy rain period:
Be careful of slippery surfaces, which increase the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace. As most workplaces experience poor drainage issues and uneven surfaces, it is important to put proper signage and demarcations on affected areas, provide an alternative walkway, or make repairs to the damages caused by the rain.
Ensure all electrical equipment is properly insulated and protected from water exposure. This reduces the chance of electrical hazards, such as short circuits and electric shocks.
The recent heavy rains have flooded several office spaces. Failure to mitigate such flooding can result in waterborne diseases and infections. Therefore, it is important to ensure the workplace has plenty of clean water for drinking and sanitation.
To ensure transport safety for your employees while commuting to and from work, it is important to encourage safe driving practices and, where possible, provide your workers with alternative transportation options.
Heavy rains may damage buildings and structures, posing a risk to workers. To ensure the safety of employees and everyone within your organisation, have your office premises inspected regularly and address any structural issues.
These heavy rains have been known to disrupt work schedules and operations, which could lead to delays and productivity losses. The best way to handle this is to ensure your organisation has a contingency plan to mitigate the impact of severe weather on your work as you serve your community.
Negative mental health triggers vary. However, remember extreme weather can lead to stress and anxiety among your team, especially those directly affected by the weather. Where necessary, a support system and resources should be provided for employees facing challenges during this period.
By prompting the concept that each of us is responsible for preventing and stopping deaths and injuries at our places of work, your organisations can create a culture of safety where employees are empowered to take ownership of their safety and the safety of their colleagues. This leads to a safer work environment, fewer accidents and injuries and improved overall productivity and morale.
