About The Event
This 4-day workshop, “Occupational health and safety,” is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices. It aims to equip employees, managers, and safety officers with the tools to identify, mitigate, and prevent workplace hazards, ensuring a safer and healthier working environment. The course will cover key regulatory frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and hands-on strategies to foster a safety-conscious culture in the workplace.
About this workshop:
The concept of occupational health and safety dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when hazardous working conditions in factories and mines led to the establishment of regulations aimed at protecting workers. Over the decades, OHS has evolved into a multifaceted discipline that covers physical, mental, and environmental factors that affect workers’ health and productivity.
The modern approach to OHS focuses on preventing accidents and injuries, promoting health, and ensuring compliance with regulations. International organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Health Organization (WHO) have played a major role in shaping global OHS standards, which are implemented through national legislations and workplace policies.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand the principles of occupational health and safety and its regulatory framework.
Identify common workplace hazards and assess associated risks.
Develop and implement safety protocols and emergency response plans.
Promote a culture of health, safety, and wellbeing in the workplace.
Conduct effective risk assessments and audits to maintain compliance.
Foster mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Course Structure:
Day 1: Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety
Session 1: The Evolution and Importance of OHS
Historical background of OHS.
The role of OHS in modern work environments.
Key OHS concepts: hazard, risk, safety culture, and prevention.
Session 2: Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance
Overview of national and international OHS regulations.
Understanding employer and employee responsibilities.
The importance of compliance with OHS laws.
Interactive Activity: Identifying key OHS regulations applicable to participants’ industries.
Day 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Session 3: Identifying Physical, Chemical, and Biological Hazards
Understanding different types of workplace hazards.
How to recognize, report, and mitigate hazards.
Session 4: Conducting Effective Risk Assessments
Step-by-step process for risk identification, assessment, and management.
Risk prioritization and control measures.
Group Exercise: Performing a risk assessment for a workplace scenario.
Day 3: Emergency Response and Workplace Safety Systems
Session 5: Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning
Importance of having a workplace emergency plan.
Key elements: evacuation procedures, first aid, and communication.
Fire safety and handling hazardous substances.
Session 6: Implementing Safety Systems in the Workplace
Safety systems like signage, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety audits.
Roles of safety committees and OHS officers.
Practical Exercise: Developing an emergency response plan for a specific workplace.
Day 4: Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace
Session 7: Addressing Workplace Stress and Mental Health
Identifying sources of stress and burnout in the workplace.
Strategies for supporting mental health and reducing work-related stress.
Session 8: Promoting Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
Creating initiatives that promote health and wellbeing.
Policies and programs for mental health awareness and support.
Workshop: Designing a mental health and wellbeing program for the workplace.
Day 5: Building a Safety-Conscious Culture and Continuous Improvement
Session 9: Fostering a Positive Safety Culture
How to cultivate a culture of safety in the workplace.
Encouraging employee participation in safety initiatives.
Session 10: Monitoring, Auditing, and Continuous Improvement
Conducting regular OHS audits and inspections.
Continuous improvement and integrating safety into daily operations.
Final Project Presentation: Participants present a safety improvement plan for their organization.
Course Conclusion:
The training concludes with presentations of safety plans developed by participants, followed by a reflective session on lessons learned and future implementation strategies. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for “Enhancing Workplace Safety and Wellbeing.”
This comprehensive workshop balances the theory of workplace safety with practical strategies for real-world application. Let me know if you’d like any revisions!
