Workplace Health, Safety and Security

Workplace Health, Safety and Security refers to organizational practices designed to protect employees' physical and mental wellbeing while on the job. As part of SHRM Certified Professional knowledge, this domain encompasses compliance with regulations, preventive measures, and response protocols. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) establishes minimum standards employers must follow. HR professionals should understand these regulations and help develop policies that meet or exceed these requirements. This includes hazard identification, safety training, and proper reporting mechanisms. Workplace safety covers physical hazards like machinery, ergonomics, and environmental factors. HR professionals coordinate risk assessments, implement engineering controls, and develop administrative safeguards to minimize accidents and injuries. Health considerations extend to air quality, exposure to chemicals, radiation protection, and biological hazards. HR teams must ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and that workers receive proper training on usage. Workplace security addresses protection against violence, theft, and unauthorized access. This involves physical security measures like access controls alongside protocols for handling threats or incidents. Emergency preparedness planning for natural disasters, medical emergencies, or other crises falls within this domain. Psychological safety is increasingly recognized as crucial, encompassing stress management, mental health support, and prevention of harassment or bullying. HR plays a key role in creating reporting mechanisms and support systems. SHRM professionals should help establish safety committees, conduct regular audits, and analyze incident data to continuously improve policies. They must also understand workers' compensation programs and return-to-work processes for injured employees. Effective workplace health, safety, and security programs require collaboration across departments, clear communication channels, and regular training. These practices not only ensure legal compliance but also contribute to employee engagement, productivity, and organizational sustainability.

Workplace Health, Safety and Security refers to organizational practices designed to protect employees' physical and mental wellbeing while on the job. As part of SHRM Certified Professional knowledg…

Concepts covered: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), Distracted driving, Monitoring, surveillance, privacy, Reducing workforce violence, Corporate wellness programs, OSHA citations and penalties, Communicable diseases, Testing for substance abuse, Security concerns at work, Data security, Alcoholism, drug abuse, Protection from retaliation, Job stress and burnout, Safety management, Ergonomics, Work/life balance, Creating a healthy work environment, Inspection, Investigating and reporting accidents, Crisis management teams, Enforcing safety rules, Proactive safety programs, Disaster preparation, continuity and recovery planning, Employee health