HOW & WHY OF HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORKPLACE
For businesses today sustainability and risk management has become important. Also, various researches have shown that workforce productivity is directly linked to the work environment. In most organizations, the workplace health and safety management is characterised by strong leadership involving all stakeholders from employees, suppliers, facility managers, contractors and clients. WHY HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORKPLACE IS IMPORTANT? One of the biggest benefits of creating a safe and healthy workplace is the workers increased efficiency and productivity. In addition, reduced down-time caused by illness and accidents means less disruption in business. Moreover, fewer accidents require less downtime for safety investigations, minimal costs for worker’s compensation. Avoiding workplace injuries and damage to equipment will incur fewer expenses and increase profit. What’s more, in current times, investors, partners and even job seekers are inclining towards organizations that are following ESG benchmarks. On the other hand, customers too favours companies that follow ethical work practices and show social and environmental commitment. Undoubtedly, good health and safety at work secures long-term benefits for the business, people and society. Implementing a health and safety management system in the organization is the first step towards it. Moreover, the strategy has to be led by the top management to ensure legal and corporate compliances and also to get all the stakeholders participation. WORKSPACES IN 2023 AND BEYOND In 2023, workplace safety has become a critical issue and wellbeing of employees has become a priority for business. Sharing their thoughts on these new developments, facility management experts, Pradeep Lala, MD & CEO – Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd and Manu Sethi, CEO, TalbotFORCE give their opinions. How are current workplaces transforming to enhance employee productivity? Pradeep Lala - Like how our homes must be ideally designed to create an aura of peace and tranquillity, workspace ergonomics need to demonstrate the pathways to collaboration and productivity. Today we see how our open-meeting rooms, open workstations, rejuvenation rooms, green walls, etc. are all assisting our employees and appealing to their needs as the next gen. We also see many of our clients investing in ergonomic workstations like standing workstations that reduce fatigue, laptop stands to reduce neck strain, table top planters to improve air quality, temperature controlled bays, etc. These are small yet significant steps to improve the employee experience and hence productivity. Manu Sethi - Effective facility management can have a significant positive impact on organizational performance. By ensuring that the workplace is well-maintained, safe, and comfortable, facility management can contribute to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business success. What’s the role of technology in reducing occupational hazards for a safe workplace? Pradeep Lala - Automation can reduce the need for human workers to perform dangerous tasks, such as working at heights, working with hazardous materials, or operating heavy machinery. Robots can perform hazardous tasks that are not safe for humans, such as maintenance of equipment in hazardous environments. VR technology can be used to simulate hazardous situations and provide workers with a safe environment to learn and practice safety procedures. Sensor technology can be used to analyse data from sources to identify potential hazards, prevent overcrowding, and even prevent accidents before they occur. Health tracking wearables can help employees' track their health and alert them to potential risks such as high blood pressure, lack of oxygen, dehydration, etc. IoT technology can be used to monitor equipment and environmental conditions like IAQ in real-time, allowing for early detection of potential hazards. Manu Sethi - Over the years, technology has completely revolutionized the facility management sector. The use of innovative technologies in FM not only helps in improving operations efficiency and cost optimization but also helps in reducing occupational hazards and providing a safe & sustainable workplace. How has the engagement of facility management companies changed? Pradeep Lala - While new buildings are already being designed to meet the standards set by bodies such as GRESB, IWBI, LEED, etc., the ones that are already operational present numerous challenges that can be effectively addressed through proficient facility management. Since businesses are now liable to a more sustainable approach, engaging FMs for energy efficiency, water stewardship, zero-waste management, etc. are among the important areas of focus. Most importantly, transitioning operational buildings to meet sustainability benchmarks presents FMs with the scope for project management consultancy as renovations are a pre-requisite, as well as renewable energy consultancy since it will be the only source of power for us in future. Manu Sethi - In response to the growing awareness of the impact of businesses on the environment and the need to mitigate risks associated with climate change, facility management companies have become increasingly focused on business sustainability and future proofing. As a result, FM companies are significantly embracing sustainable practices, adopting technology, collaborating with stakeholders, focusing on employee well-being, and developing greener strategies, to support business sustainability and create a sustainable future. What are the best practices to manage mental & physical health at workplace? Pradeep Lala - When we say the definition of best practices, we pursue it as an ISO certified organization, as also recipients of the Sword Of Honour from the British safety Council – the highest accredit in the world for OHSMS. It requires us to address physical and mental health & safety at work with utmost importance. To meet these standards, we need to provide a workspace that is physically comfortable, provide mental health assistance through counselling, curate skilling and training programs on EHS, and also address stigma and discrimination around mental health. These need to be furthered by the publishing of surveys and reports. At Embassy Services, we have taken initiatives such as WoW (wellbeing on the web) to assist our employees on areas right from health and fitness to technical skilling and financial wellbeing. Offered to our staff as a value add not only assists our employees in leading better lives, it also positions us as an employer that cares, reiterating our people centric values that ‘Embassy Cares’. Manu Sethi - As a new-age facility management service provider, TalbotFORCE is creating a greener and safer environment for its occupants through its sustainable practices. We use a combination of technology, techniques, and skilled human resources to efficiently manage facilities and the safety demands of our clients. Horticulture Services: Creating thriving indoor and outdoor landscapes to create a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere for the occupants of the facilities, while also reducing the carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable future. Green Chemicals: Using non-toxic building materials, cleaning products, and other household items that can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants. Water conservation: By way of low-flow showerheads and faucets, as well as implementing water conservation practices to help reduce water usage and protect the environment. GIVEN THE PAST EXPERIENCE OF GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS, IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR BUSINESSES TO FOCUS ON WELLBEING AND SAFETY TO BUILD TRUST AND BRAND REPUTATION AS WELL AS ENHANCE WORK PERFORMANCE TO ENSURE BUSINESS PROFITABILITY. SINCE ESG POLICIES AND REPORTING OF SDG ARE BECOMING A MATTER OF COMPLIANCE RATHER THAN CHOICE, FACILITY MANAGEMENT TEAMS NOW HAVE A PLACE IN THE BOARD ROOM WITH IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES NEEDED FOR FUTUREPROOFING AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY. PRADEEP LALA MANAGING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS AT THE WORKPLACE IS ESSENTIAL FOR ENSURING THE WELL-BEING AND PRODUCTIVITY OF EMPLOYEES. TO ENSURE, EMPLOYEES’ HEALTH, BUSINESSES HAVE BECOME EXTRA PRECAUTIONARY AND PREFER SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES. MANU SETHI
Tags : Health Safety Workplace facility management organizations businesses sustainability leadership expenses profit employees suppliers efficiency productivity Pradeep Lala MD & CEO – Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd Manu Sethi CEO TalbotFORCE