Health & Workplace Safety

Three agencies within the United States Department of Labor hold the responsibility for the administration and enforcement of laws enacted by the federal government to protect workers' health and safety. Most jobs fall under the umbrella of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, with the exception of self-employed workers, employees covered by another federal agency and the immediate family members of farmers who don't pay outside workers. Practicing proper workplace safety increases the likelihood of maintaining your health.

Quick Facts

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, recorded 3,696,100 non-fatal injuries and illnesses attributable to the workplace in 2008. Less than half of those incidents translated into days away from work, and more than 200,000 involved back injuries. Fatal injuries at work in 2008 numbered 4,670 in the private sector, as reported by the BLS. In 2008, the private sector reported that more than 1,000 workers died in highway incidents, 658 fell to their deaths and 453 were killed in a homicide.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration drafted the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which passed in 1970, to prevent workers from incurring injuries and fatalities at work. This act requires employers to provide working conditions free from known dangers. OSHA provides assistance, information and safety training to employers and their workers. Workers have the right to request an OSHA inspection of their workplace, file a confidential complaint against their employer and review records of work-related injuries.

Emergency Preparedness

Your health and life may depend on your knowledge of emergency response procedures in the workplace. Emergencies on the job include fires, chemical spills, unanticipated violence and equipment malfunctions. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recommends participating in fire drills, along with reviewing the prescribed escape routes and locations of fire exits and extinguishers. Familiarize yourself with the whereabouts of eye wash stations and defibrillators to assist a co-worker in an emergency. Comply with parking permit and identity badge protocols to guard against unwanted visitors.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific study of workers with the goal of reducing stress, improving health and eliminating injuries. You must employ the science of ergonomics if you want to set up your workstation to improve your posture and prevent overuse of muscles during repeated tasks. Create a workspace that fits your physical capabilities and limitations, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For instance, you may want to add proper lighting, a gel wrist pad in front of your keyboard, or a supportive and adjustable chair.

Indoor Air Quality

The indoor air quality at your workplace can impact your health and productivity. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, certain indoor environments may contain more pollutants than found outside. The EPA reported to Congress that improving the quality of indoor air can result in improved employee health. Healthy employees require fewer lost work days and lower medical care costs.