Welcome to HSE Insider, a blog dedicated to providing information and resources about Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) practices. Our mission is to help people understand the importance of HSE and how to implement best practices in their workplace, community, and everyday life.
If you are in an
elevator: Most of the elevators in university buildings are programmed to
automatically stop at the nearest floor in the event of an earthquake with a
seismic intensity of four or more. If you are in an elevator during an
earthquake and the elevator automatically stops, leave the elevator
immediately and
evacuate the building using the stairs. If the elevator stops between floors,
etc., and you are confined in the elevator, use the intercom or another method
(banging on the door, etc.) to call for help, and wait for assistance.
Workplace safety is equal
to all workers whether they are permanent working or temporary and contract workers.
When it comes to workplace safety, every employee deserves the same level of
protection. However, temporary and contract workers are often overlooked when
it comes to creating a positive safety culture in the workplace. This is a
significant concern, as these workers are often the most vulnerable and at risk
of workplace incidents. In this article, we will explore the steps employers
can take to create a positive safety culture for temporary and contract
workers.
Why is creating a
positive safety culture important for temporary and contract workers?
Safety training and
awareness : Temporary and contract workers are often brought into a industrial or
construction workplace for a short period of time for the temporary work or any
specially work, which means they may not have the same level of safety training
or awareness as employees working in the workplace for the longer days. This
lack of familiarities with the workplace can make them more vulnerable to incidents
and injuries.
Reporting of Hazards at
Workplace:
Temporary and contract workers may feel less empowered to report
safety hazards or concerns, as they are not permanent employees and may fear
retaliation or losing their job. This means that creating a positive safety
culture is crucial for protecting these workers and ensuring that they feel
comfortable reporting any safety concerns.
Steps for creating a
positive safety culture for temporary and contract workers.
Include temporary and
contract workers in safety training
When it comes to safety
training, temporary and contract workers should be included in the same
training as full time employees. This will ensure that they have the same level
of knowledge and awareness when it comes to safety hazards and procedures.
Employers should also make sure that temporary and contract workers receive
site specific safety training, so they are aware of any unique hazards or risks
in the workplace.
Provide the necessary Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers are
responsible for providing the necessary PPE to protect workers from hazards.
This includes temporary and contract workers. All the employees should be
trained for the correct use of the provided PPEs. Employers should make sure
that all workers have the appropriate PPE for their job, and that it is
properly fitted and maintained.
Employers should
encourage all workers, including temporary and contract workers, to report any
safety concerns or hazards they encounter. The system to be made for the easy
reporting and all employees should have the access to it. Employers should make
it clear that workers will not face retaliation for reporting safety concerns,
and that they will be taken seriously. Employers should also have a clear
reporting process in place, so workers know how to report safety concerns.
Foster a culture of
safety
Creating a positive
safety culture is not just about following safety procedures; it is also about
creating a culture of safety. Employers should make safety a top priority and
communicate this to all workers. Employers should also recognize and reward
workers who prioritize safety in their work. This will help create a culture
where safety is valued and prioritized by all workers.
Employers should
regularly monitor and evaluate safety performance in the workplace. This
includes tracking safety incidents and near-misses and identifying any patterns
or trends. Employers should use this information to make improvements to safety
procedures and practices. Employers should also communicate safety performance
to all workers, so they are aware of the workplace's safety record.
Conclusion
Creating a positive
safety culture is crucial for protecting all workers in the workplace,
including temporary and contract workers. Employers should include these
workers in safety training, provide necessary PPE, encourage reporting of
safety concerns, foster a culture of safety, and monitor and evaluate safety
performance. By taking these steps, employers can create a workplace where all
workers feel safe and protected.
Environmental sustainability
has become a crucial concern for individuals, organizations, and governments
worldwide. With the increasing environmental degradation and climate change, it
has become imperative for businesses to implement effective environmental
sustainability programs. These programs aim to reduce the negative impact of
human activities on the environment and promote a sustainable way of living. In
this article, we will discuss the key steps involved in implementing effective
environmental sustainability programs.
The first step in
implementing an effective environmental sustainability program is to assess
your environmental impact. This involves identifying the areas where your
organization is contributing to environmental degradation. For example, if you
are a manufacturing company, you may be contributing to air pollution, water
pollution, and waste generation. Once you have identified the areas of impact,
you can develop strategies to reduce or eliminate them.
Step 2: Set Goals and
Targets
Once you have assessed
your environmental impact, the next step is to set goals and targets. These
goals and targets should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and
time-bound. For example, if your organization is contributing to air pollution,
you may set a goal to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by 20% in the next
five years. Setting goals and targets provides a clear direction and helps in
monitoring progress towards achieving the desired outcomes.
A sustainability plan
outlines the strategies and actions required to achieve the goals and targets
set in step 2. The plan should include details on how to reduce the negative
impact of your organization's operations on the environment. For example, it
may include measures to reduce energy consumption, water consumption, and waste
generation. The sustainability plan should be integrated into the
organization's overall strategic plan to ensure its effective implementation.
Step 4: Engage
Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement
is crucial for the success of environmental sustainability programs.
Stakeholders may include employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. It
is essential to involve them in the development and implementation of the
sustainability plan. This helps in creating awareness and building support for
the program. Engaging stakeholders also provides an opportunity to identify
potential barriers and opportunities for improvement.
Monitoring and
evaluation are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of environmental
sustainability programs. Regular monitoring and evaluation help in identifying
areas of improvement and making necessary adjustments to the sustainability
plan. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate successes and share them
with stakeholders. Monitoring and evaluation should be based on the goals and
targets set in step 2.
Step 6: Communicate
Results
Communicating the
results of environmental sustainability programs is essential for building
credibility and maintaining stakeholder support. Organizations should develop a
communication plan to share their progress with stakeholders regularly.
Communication channels may include annual reports, social media, newsletters,
and websites. Communicating results also helps in creating awareness and
inspiring other organizations to adopt sustainable practices.
Implementing effective environmental sustainability programs requires a
systematic approach that involves assessing environmental impact, setting goals
and targets, developing a sustainability plan, engaging stakeholders,
monitoring and evaluating progress, and communicating results. It is crucial
for organizations to recognize their role in promoting environmental
sustainability and take action to reduce their negative impact on the
environment. By implementing effective sustainability programs, organizations
can not only contribute to a sustainable future but also benefit from cost
savings, increased competitiveness, and improved reputation.
