Occupational health and welfare: an overview
Concerns in different industries
Depending on the sector in which you operate, you and your employees are likely to face specific occupational health issues. Here are some of the concerns associated with different industries and business activities:
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Transport - you should be considering drivers' comfort and posture as well as the hours they spend at the wheel.
- Building and construction - consider employees' fitness for particular tasks as well as prevention of injury and exposure to excessive noise, vibration and hazardous materials. You can read about occupational health in the construction industry on the HSE website.
- Manufacturing - take into account a range of hazards, from excessive noise, cold and heat and time pressures to potentially dangerous processes, materials and chemicals.
- Agriculture - consider possible causes of stress such as long hours and isolation as well as possible exposure to dangerous chemicals, pesticides and zoonoses (diseases that can be spread from animals to humans).
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Offices - look at the ergonomics - seating, desks, lighting and screens, noise levels.
- Food and catering - consider the risks of allergies and infections posed by contact with certain substances.
- Warehousing - consider how exposure to sudden changes in temperature, lifting heavy items and poor lighting can affect health.
Regardless of the industry, you should pay particular attention to the needs of new and expectant mothers. Read about health and safety for new and expectant mothers on the HSE website.
Many industries have very specific health and safety requirements - it's essential to ensure you're familiar with those affecting you.
Subjects covered in this guide
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