Occupational health and safety, also known as occupational safety and health (OSH), is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work. It involves various disciplines such as occupational medicine, nursing, ergonomics, psychology, hygiene, and safety. The primary goals of occupational health and safety are to promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations, and to improve working conditions and the working environment to be conducive to safety and health.
Key aspects of occupational health and safety include:
- Prevention of Hazards: Identifying, preventing, and controlling health and safety hazards in the workplace, such as chemical and biological hazards, radiation exposure, excessive noise, lack of ergonomic equipment, and dangerous workflow processes.
- Advocacy for Workers Safety: Occupational health and safety specialists advocate for workers safety in various settings, including offices and factories, and devise innovative safety programs to keep workers healthy while at their jobs.
- Regulatory Oversight: In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
In summary, occupational health and safety is a crucial field that aims to protect and promote the well-being of workers in all occupations, and it involves a wide range of measures to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
