Describe the role of HR in offering Healthy and safe work environment to the workers. Also write the ways that Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA assist employers in creating a safer workplace. (The minimum number of words 250) Discuss the purpose and significance of Wellness Programs/Disease Management in the Organization. Support your answer with the example of two companies that provide these programs to their workers. The minimum number of words 100)

QUESTION

TOPIC: EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE ORGANIZATION

Organization officials have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that the workplace is free from unnecessary hazards. Employers hold responsibility for understanding what is necessary to keep workers safe from harm. Conditions surrounding the workplace must be secure for employee’s physical and mental health. As many organizations have implemented wellness program, that focus on smoking cessation, weight control, stress management, early diagnosis of health problems, prevention and education about life-style related and contagious illness. Wellness program can cut Employers health cost and lower absenteeism by preventing health related problems.

Reference: Textbook- DeCenzo, D. A., & Robbins, S. P. (2013). Human resource management , Chapter 13 Health and Safety.

Assignment Questions:

• Describe the role of HR in offering Healthy and safe work environment to the workers. Also write the ways that Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA assist employers in creating a safer workplace. (The minimum number of words 250)
• Discuss the purpose and significance of Wellness Programs/Disease Management in the Organization. Support your answer with the example of two companies that provide these programs to their workers. The minimum number of words 100)
• If you’re HR Manager, how can you support your employees during the Public Health Emergency/Outbreak? Present your HR planning to run the organization effectively along with employees’ safety.(The minimum number of words 150)

ANSWER

Employee Health and Safety in the Organization: The Role of HR and OSHA, Wellness Programs, and HR Support During Public Health Emergencies

Introduction

Ensuring a healthy and safe work environment is a critical responsibility for organizations. This essay explores the role of Human Resources (HR) in providing a healthy and safe workplace for employees, the assistance provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in creating a safer workplace, the purpose and significance of Wellness Programs/Disease Management, and how HR managers can support employees during public health emergencies.

Role of HR in offering a healthy and safe work environment

HR plays a vital role in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment. HR professionals collaborate with management and employees to develop and implement health and safety policies that promote employee well-being and address potential hazards. They conduct risk assessments to identify workplace risks and develop strategies to mitigate them (Safety and Health Managment, n.d.). HR also provides health and safety training to employees, educating them about safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the proper use of protective equipment.

OSHA’s assistance in creating a safer workplace

OSHA, a federal agency, sets and enforces safety standards that employers must follow to ensure workplace safety. They provide guidance documents, training materials, and online resources to help employers understand their responsibilities and implement effective safety measures. OSHA conducts inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, helping identify and rectify potential hazards in the workplace.

Purpose and significance of Wellness Programs/Disease Management

Wellness programs and disease management initiatives aim to improve employee health, prevent illness, and enhance overall well-being. For example, Company A offers a comprehensive wellness program that includes smoking cessation support, fitness programs, stress management workshops, and annual health screenings (Mattke, 2013). Company B focuses on disease management, providing resources and support for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension (Jones et al., 2019). These programs not only contribute to employee health but also offer benefits to the organization, such as reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and improved employee morale.

HR support during public health emergencies/outbreaks

During a public health emergency/outbreak, HR managers can implement the following HR planning to ensure effective organization operations and employee safety:

Communication: Establish clear channels of communication to provide employees with up-to-date information, guidelines, and support during the emergency.

Remote work arrangements: Enable and facilitate remote work options for employees whenever possible, ensuring they have the necessary technology and guidelines for remote work.

Mental health support: Provide access to counseling services, mental health resources, and encourage open dialogue to address employees’ concerns and alleviate stress.

Health and hygiene measures: Implement rigorous health and hygiene measures in the workplace, such as enhanced cleaning protocols and provision of hand sanitizers.

Employee assistance programs: Offer resources and support programs to help employees cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges posed by the public health emergency.

Conclusion

Creating a healthy and safe work environment is a shared responsibility between HR, employers, and regulatory bodies like OSHA. HR plays a crucial role in developing policies, conducting risk assessments, providing training, and supporting employees’ well-being. OSHA provides guidance, standards, and inspections to assist employers in maintaining safer workplaces. Wellness programs and disease management initiatives contribute to employee health and organizational benefits. During public health emergencies, HR managers must prioritize effective communication, remote work arrangements, mental health support, health and hygiene measures, and employee assistance programs to ensure organizational continuity and employee safety.

References

Jones, D. E., Molitor, D., & Reif, J. (2019). What do Workplace Wellness Programs do? Evidence from the Illinois Workplace Wellness Study*. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 134(4), 1747–1791. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjz023 

Mattke, S. (2013, January 1). Workplace Wellness Programs Study: Final Report. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4945172/ 

Safety and Health Managment. (n.d.). Health and Safety Authority. https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/managing_health_and_safety/safety_and_health_management_systems/