Occupational health and safety advocacy
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is the field of study and practice that aims to protect the health, safety, and well-being of workers and other people in the workplace. OHS is important for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, as well as for enhancing productivity, quality, and social responsibility. OHS advocacy is the process of raising awareness, influencing policy, and promoting action on OHS issues among various stakeholders, such as workers, employers, governments, civil society, and the public.
This essay will discuss the main challenges and opportunities for OHS advocacy in the 21st century, focusing on four key areas: climate change, migrant workers, sexual harassment, and COVID-19. These areas represent some of the most pressing and emerging OHS concerns that require effective advocacy strategies to address them.
Climate change is a global phenomenon that affects the environment, health, and economy of all countries. It poses significant risks to workers’ health and safety, especially in sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining, and transportation. Some of the hazards associated with climate change include heat stress, air pollution, extreme weather events, vector-borne diseases, and mental stress. OHS advocates need to raise awareness of these risks and advocate for preventive measures, such as heat stress management, personal protective equipment (PPE), early warning systems, and adaptation plans. OHS advocates also need to promote the transition to a low-carbon economy that creates green jobs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Migrant workers are those who move from one country or region to another for work purposes. They are often exposed to multiple OHS hazards due to language barriers, cultural differences, discrimination, exploitation, lack of legal protection, and poor working conditions. Migrant workers may also face difficulties in accessing health care and social services. OHS advocates need to advocate for the rights and protection of migrant workers in line with international standards and conventions. OHS advocates also need to support the integration and empowerment of migrant workers through education, training, communication, and participation.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. It can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or position. It can have negative impacts on workers’ physical and mental health, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and suicide. OHS advocates need to advocate for the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment in the workplace through policies, procedures, reporting mechanisms, sanctions, and support services. OHS advocates also need to promote a culture of respect and dignity that values diversity and inclusion.
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus disease that emerged in late 2019 and has since spread to over 200 countries and territories. It has caused millions of deaths and disrupted the lives and livelihoods of billions of people. It has also posed unprecedented challenges to OHS systems and practices around the world. OHS advocates need to advocate for the protection of workers’ health and safety during the pandemic through measures such as infection prevention and control (IPC), testing, tracing, isolation, vaccination, telework, sick leave, and income support. OHS advocates also need to promote the recovery and resilience of workers and workplaces after the pandemic through measures such as mental health support, social dialogue, innovation, and learning.
In conclusion, this essay has discussed some of the main challenges and opportunities for OHS advocacy in the 21st century. OHS advocacy is a vital tool for improving the health and safety of workers and other people in the workplace. It requires collaboration among various stakeholders at different levels to address complex and dynamic OHS issues. By doing so,
OHS advocacy can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) that benefit not only workers but also society at large.
Bibliography:
– International Labour Organization (ILO). (2019). Occupational safety and health advocacy guide: A guide to promoting safety
and health at work. Oxbridge essays pro research UK writings https://www.dev.ilo.org/publications/occupational-safety-and-health-advocacy-guide-guide-promoting-safety-and
– National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH). (2021). Policy advocacy.
– WorkWell. (2021). 11 work safety organizations you need to know.
https://info.workwell.com/blog/occupational-health-and-safety-organizations
– World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Promoting healthy,
safe and resilient workplaces for all.
https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-healthy-safe-and-resilient-workplaces-for-all
