Ciey 2

What is the discipline/field of occupational safety and health all about?
Or what
concerns the discipline/field of occupational safety and health?
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a field that is concerned with the health, safety, and
welfare of people in the workplace. It is a vital aspect of every organization, and its
significance cannot be overemphasized. OSH concerns extend beyond the physical
environment to include psychological and social aspects of work. This essay will discuss
some of the major concerns in the field of OSH.
One of the primary concerns in OSH is workplace accidents and injuries. According to the
International Labour Organization (ILO), every day, 6,300 people die as a result of
occupational accidents or work-related diseases, and 317 million accidents occur on the job
annually. These accidents and injuries can result in physical harm, emotional trauma, and
financial loss, and can have a significant impact on the individual, their family, and the
organization.
Another significant concern in OSH is the impact of work on mental health. Stress, burnout,
and other mental health issues can result from work-related factors such as long hours, job
insecurity, and poor work-life balance. These issues can lead to absenteeism, reduced
productivity, and increased turnover, which can have significant economic consequences for
organizations.
OSH also concerns itself with the impact of work on social well-being. Work-related factors
such as discrimination, harassment, and job insecurity can lead to social isolation, reduced
self-esteem, and poor mental health. These factors can affect not only the individual but also
their family and community.
Lastly, OSH concerns itself with the impact of work on the environment. Work-related
activities can have adverse effects on the environment, such as pollution, waste, and global
warming. These impacts can have far-reaching consequences for the planet and future
generations.
In conclusion, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a crucial field that is concerned with
the health, safety, and welfare of people in the workplace. Workplace accidents and injuries,
the impact of work on mental health, the impact of work on social well-being, and the impact
of work on the environment are some of the major concerns in the field of OSH. Addressing
these concerns requires a collaborative effort between individuals, organizations, and
policymakers to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all.
Roles of field of occupational safety and health
The field of occupational safety and health (OSH) is concerned with promoting
and maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of workers in the workplace.
Some of the major roles of OSH professionals include:
1. Hazard Identification and Assessment: OSH professionals identify and

assess hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological,
and ergonomic hazards. They evaluate the risks associated with these
hazards and develop strategies to control or eliminate them.
2. Risk Management: OSH professionals manage risks in the workplace by
developing and implementing policies, procedures, and programs to prevent
or minimize workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
3. Training and Education: OSH professionals provide training and education
to workers and employers on workplace hazards, risk management, and safe
work practices.
4. Regulatory Compliance: OSH professionals ensure that employers comply
with federal, state, and local regulations and standards related to workplace
safety and health.
5. Incident Investigation: OSH professionals investigate workplace incidents,
accidents, and injuries to determine the root cause and develop strategies to
prevent them from happening again.
6. Program Evaluation: OSH professionals evaluate the effectiveness of
workplace safety and health programs to identify areas for improvement and
ensure that they are meeting their objectives.
7. Research: OSH professionals conduct research to advance knowledge and
understanding of workplace safety and health issues and to develop
evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.
Overall, the field of OSH plays a critical role in ensuring that workers are protected
from workplace hazards and that employers provide safe and healthy work
environments. OSH professionals work to identify hazards, manage risks, provide
training and education, ensure regulatory compliance, investigate incidents,
evaluate programs, and conduct research to advance the field.
References
Kim, Y., Park, J., & Park, M. (2016). Creating a culture of prevention in occupational safety and health
practice. Safety and health at work, 7(2), 89-96.
Kazutaka, K. (2012). Roles of participatory action-oriented programs in promoting safety and health at
work. Safety and health at work, 3(3), 155-165.
Watoni, M. H. (2019). The Effect of occupational safety and health and work discipline on employee
performance in the environmental services of Yogyakarta City. International Journal of Economics,
Business and Accounting Research (IJEBAR), 3(04).
Mohammadfam, I., Kamalinia, M., Momeni, M., Golmohammadi, R., Hamidi, Y., & Soltanian, A.
(2017). Evaluation of the quality of occupational health and safety management systems based on
key performance indicators in certified organizations. Safety and health at work, 8(2), 156-161.
Atombo, C., Wu, C., Tettehfio, E. O., Nyamuame, G. Y., & Agbo, A. A. (2017). Safety and health
perceptions in work-related transport activities in Ghanaian industries. Safety and health at work, 8(2),
175-182.
Rusu-Zagar, G., Iorga, I., Anghel, S. O., & Rusu-Zagar, C. (2013). Occupational safety and health in
national education. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 92, 832-837.
Chari, R., Chang, C. C., Sauter, S. L., Sayers, E. L. P., Cerully, J. L., Schulte, P., ... & Uscher-Pines,
L. (2018). Expanding the paradigm of occupational safety and health a new framework for worker
well-being. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 60(7), 589.

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What is the discipline/field of occupational safety and health all about?

Roles of field of occupational safety and health

1. Hazard Identification and Assessment: OSH professionals identify and

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