OHS

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

A comprehensive system for maintaining safe and healthy workplaces, grounded in prevention and continuous improvement.

Prevention of Harm

The primary goal of OHS, focusing on preventing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace.

Worker Participation

The involvement of employees in OHS efforts, including safety committees and reporting hazards.

Continuous Improvement

Regular review and updates of OHS systems to ensure effectiveness.

Risk Assessment and Control

Systematic identification and management of workplace hazards.

Legal Compliance

Adherence to local, national, and international regulations to ensure safety.

Hazard

A potential source of harm or adverse health effects in the workplace.

Risk

The likelihood that a hazard will cause harm, considering severity and probability.

Safety Culture

A workplace culture that prioritizes safety and encourages commitment to safety practices.

Workplace Wellbeing

Focus on mental health, stress, and harassment as part of overall employee wellbeing.

Hierachy of Controls

A structured approach for managing risks, prioritizing elimination of hazards.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

Systematic reporting and investigation of accidents and hazardous situations.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Sets international labor standards, including conventions related to occupational safety and health.

ISO 45001

An international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety management system.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

U.S. legislation that sets and enforces safety standards for healthful working conditions.

Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA)

U.K. legislation outlining the general duties of employers and employees regarding workplace safety.

Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA)

Legislation governing workplace safety standards in Singapore.

Worker's Compensation Laws

Laws that shift the burden of workplace injuries from workers to employers.

Factory Acts (U.K.)

Early legislation aiming to regulate child labor and set minimum safety standards.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The agency responsible for overseeing health, safety, and welfare at work in the U.K.

Safety Management System (SMS)

A systematic approach to managing safety in the workplace.

Risk Control Measures

Strategies to eliminate, reduce, or control identified risks in the workplace.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Clear plans for responding to emergencies, such as fires and chemical spills.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Periodic inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Psychosocial Risks

Workplace risks that affect mental health and emotional wellbeing of employees.

Employee Empowerment

Encouraging employees to take an active role in safety management and reporting hazards.

Globalization

The influence of international standards on workplace safety practices across countries.

Holistic Approach

Consideration of physical, mental, and emotional health in workplace safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Devices or clothing worn by workers to protect against workplace hazards.

Workplace Safety Training

Programs designed to educate employees about hazards and safe practices.

Health Surveillance

Monitoring the health of employees to identify work-related illnesses at an early stage.

Accident Investigation

The process of determining the causes of workplace accidents to prevent future occurrences.

Workplace Ergonomics

The study of designing work environments to fit the needs of the worker.

Behavior-Based Safety

A safety management approach that focuses on employee behaviors to reduce incidents.

Occupational Health Nurse

A nurse specializing in workplace health and safety assessments.

Emergency Response Plan

A documented plan outlining procedures to follow during emergencies.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

A communication system for hazardous materials used in Canadian workplaces.

Near Miss Reporting

Documenting incidents that could have resulted in injuries but did not.

Workplace Safety Audits

Comprehensive examinations of workplace safety practices and compliance with regulations.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A technique to identify hazards associated with specific job tasks to enhance safety.

First Aid Training

Education on basic medical care to provide immediate assistance in emergencies.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Documents providing information on the properties of hazardous substances in the workplace.

Return-to-Work Program

A system designed to help injured employees resume work safely and effectively.

Slip and Fall Prevention

Measures to minimize the risk of slips and falls in the workplace environment.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized approach for managing emergencies and coordinating response efforts.

Substance Abuse Policy

A guideline concerning the effects of drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace.

Workplace Violence Prevention

Strategies to mitigate and manage aggression and violence in the workplace.

Behavioral Safety Observations

Monitoring and feedback on employee behavior to improve safety practices.

Impact of Workload on Mental Health

Stress due to excessive workload can lead to anxiety, depression, and a lack of job satisfaction.

Workplace Bullying Effects

Bullying and discrimination can lower morale and contribute to mental health issues among employees.

Work-Life Balance and Burnout

An unhealthy work-life balance can result in employee burnout, fatigue, and decreased productivity.

Mitigation through Ventilation

Providing proper ventilation and ergonomic equipment helps promote physical health in the workplace.

Supportive Work Environment

Encouraging clear communication and support reduces stress and enhances employee well-being.

Health Surveillance Purpose

Regular health monitoring detects occupational illnesses early, ensuring timely intervention.

Ergonomic Workstation Design

Ergonomically designed workstations minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries through better alignment.

Stress Management Techniques

Encouraging breaks, physical activity, and mindfulness practices improves employee mental health.

Key Hazards in Construction

Construction hazards include falls, heavy machinery, noise pollution, and exposure to hazardous substances.

Fall Protection Measures

Implementing guardrails, safety nets, and harnesses helps prevent fall-related injuries on construction sites.