Create safe and healthy workplaces for employees
At present, as industrial and manufacturing sectors continue to develop worldwide, ensuring occupational safety in workplaces that employ large numbers of workers has become an important process. In Myanmar, some factories and workplaces that rely on large labour forces remain significantly below international standards, as evidenced by workplace safety reports and information concerning occupational accidents.
Workplace hazards take various forms, including unexpected injuries during operational procedures; outbreaks of diseases and other health problems caused by machinery operation; and the side effects of exposure to materials and chemicals, including toxic, explosive, and hazardous substances and equipment. Additional risks include extreme heat from machinery, poor ventilation, infectious diseases and pandemics, unsanitary working conditions, threats from wild animals, natural disasters, and man-made incidents such as riots and armed conflicts.
Although workplace accidents can result from various factors, both employers and employees generally show weaknesses in adhering to worksite safety rules and regulations. Moreover, some officials fail to provide adequate supervision for worksite safety. In addition, employees often ignore relevant worksite disciplines and restrictions. Consequently, the failure of some employees to follow safety protocols can compromise the health and safety of other workers.
Injuries and illnesses in the workplace can cause losses not only to employees and their families but also to the affected organizations. Various types of workplace hazards, including machinery operation, chemical use, electronic equipment, exposure to intense light, noise and vibrations, fires, chemical explosions, and gas leaks, can result in significant financial losses and endanger the lives of workers. The International Labour Organization reports that approximately 2.9 million employees, both female and male, lose their lives each year worldwide, while around 395 million workers suffer injuries from workplace incidents annually.
Although workplace accidents can result from various factors, both employers and employees generally show weaknesses in adhering to worksite safety rules and regulations. Moreover, some officials fail to provide adequate supervision for worksite safety. In addition, employees often ignore relevant worksite disciplines and restrictions. Consequently, the failure of some employees to follow safety protocols can compromise the health and safety of other workers.
All employers are responsible for preventing deaths and injuries in the workplace. Governments must provide the necessary infrastructure, including laws and services, to ensure that workers remain employable and that enterprises thrive, thereby promoting safe workplaces. At the same time, employers must prioritize the creation of safe and healthy working environments. Employees are responsible for working safely, protecting themselves, avoiding actions that endanger others, knowing their rights, and participating in the implementation of preventive measures. As such, authorities, employers and employees have to join hands in operating safe and sound workplaces to save the lives and limbs of employees and their families. In this way, safe and healthy workplaces contribute to the socioeconomic well-being of employees.
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Photo: Full Sail Leadership Academy
