Occupational Safety and Health
Interest of Society and Individuals in Workplace Safety
The highest level of safety, i.e., minimizing unwanted consequences such as work-related injuries, occupational diseases, and work-related health issues, is of utmost importance for both society and individuals. The goal is to create working conditions in which employees feel satisfaction while performing their tasks.
The significance of workplace safety and health can be observed from several perspectives:
- Human Aspect: Working in a safe and healthy environment is a pleasure for every individual, as well as for organizations and society.
- Social Aspect: This is reflected through the large number of employees who are injured or fall ill at the workplace, with society taking responsibility for their care.
- Economic Aspect: Workplace safety and health directly impact productivity and business efficiency, as workplace injuries and occupational diseases lead to absenteeism, which ultimately results in costs that burden businesses and social security funds.
The Law on Occupational Safety and Health (“Official Gazette of the RS,” Nos. 101/2005, 91/2015, and 113/2017), written in compliance with EU directives and the International Labour Organization standards, enables employees to ensure a safe working environment.
This law regulates the implementation and improvement of safety and health at work for individuals involved in work processes, as well as for those who may be present in the working environment. Its aim is to prevent work-related injuries and occupational diseases.
The Law on Occupational Safety and Health establishes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a governing body within the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Policy, and defines its jurisdiction. More details can be found on the official website: Ministry of Labour.
For more about the basic provisions, preventive measures, employer obligations, employee rights and responsibilities, and organizing safety work, refer to the following link: Occupational Safety and Health Law.
Considering the above, employers are advised to certify their management systems in compliance with the ISO 45001 standard to facilitate legal compliance.
The Occupational Health and Safety Management System focuses on improving workplace safety and aims to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. The foundation for ISO 45001 is compliance with the Law on Occupational Safety and Health.
Benefits of ISO 45001:
- Greater employee protection
- Increased stakeholder trust
- Enhanced productivity
- Reduced costs due to workplace injuries and occupational diseases
- Encouraging participation and responsibility from management
- Reduced risk from hazards
- Identifying opportunities to improve safety
- Competitive advantage
- Transition from a reactive to a proactive safety approach
- Motivation of employees through safer and better working conditions
Organizations in industries with high-risk working environments, such as construction, manufacturing, and machinery, must pay special attention to employee protection. ISO 45001 defines every segment of operations, leaving no room for unsafe practices.
Workplace safety and health protection are fundamental rights for every individual. A healthy and safe working environment enables productive work and is one of the key factors for a dignified life for every person.