Work Place Environment: Implications of Workplace Accidents and the Necessity for Safety cum Health Programmes in Organizations

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XI, November 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Work Place Environment: Implications of Workplace Accidents and the Necessity for Safety cum Health Programmes in Organizations

Asadu, Ikechukwu, Ph.D^1*, Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Ph.D^2
1University of Nigeria, Nsukka Department of Public Administration and Local Government
²Department of Sociology, Chukwuemeka Odume Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State Nigeria
*Corresponding author

Abstract: Every employee is entitled to work in a setting where jeopardy to his health and security are suitably controlled. Hence, employers have a liability to consult with their workers or representatives on health and safety matters. Notwithstanding the laws mandating employers to guarantee the protection and health of their employees, several employees have been victims of work place accidents. While some have died as a product of an industrial accident, others have sustained different extent of injuries. The study examined the dimensions and implications of workplace accidents and the necessity for safety and health programme in establishments. The methodology of the study is qualitative and descriptive. Relevant data for the study were gathered through secondary source. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive-qualitative approach. The findings of the study, among other things, revealed that while work place accidents are of varied nature with wide adverse consequences, both employers and employees have significant roles to play in ensuring workplace safety and health. Moreover, the findings showed that an accident free plant or organization with good health and safety programmes enjoys certain benefits such as motivated workforce, increased productivity and profitability, cost savings, lower staff turnover, lesser absenteeism, lower insurance costs and good corporate reputation.

Key words: workplace, safety and health programme, employer, employee, accident

I. INTRODUCTION

Human resources are critical assets of creative enterprise. The health and safety of workers in organizations are not only paramount to the workers but also to the organizations and employers of labour. A worker who leaves his/her home to work place milieu apparently hopes to come back home safe and sound and healthy. Nonetheless, scores of employees have lost their fingers, ears, eyes, limbs and lives in course of employment operation. A report from International Labour Organization indicates that an estimated two million occupational fatalities occurred across the globe yearly (2003b). Hamalainen, Takala, and Saarela (2006) state that the overall rate of occupational accidents, fatal and non fatal, is estimated at 270 million.

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