The Importance of Being an Advocate for Occupational Health
Occupational health is a critical aspect of any workplace. Healthier employees have been found to be more productive and perform better in their roles. Additionally, prioritizing occupational health can help reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and healthcare costs.
In spite of this, many workplaces don’t prioritize occupational health. Employees often don’t know how to advocate for their own health, either. Here’s why individuals and companies should prioritize advocating for occupational health:
The Risks of Poor Occupational Health
The cost of poor occupational health can be high. Many employees are exposed to dangerous chemicals, poor air quality, and a lack of ergonomic support. These issues can lead to chronic illness and contribute to the development of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and asthma.
Employees with poor occupational health may also experience decreased overall wellness. This can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism – where an employee comes to work despite illness or injury. These issues can significantly impact workplace productivity and profitability.
Advocating for Your Own Occupational Health
Advocating for your own occupational health is an important part of taking charge of your own wellness. Here are some steps that you can take to advocate for your occupational health:
- Understand your workplace’s occupational health policies and regulations
- Be proactive about reporting any potential hazards
- Take breaks and stretch regularly to prevent injuries
- Ask for ergonomic equipment like a standing desk or ergonomic keyboard
- Suggest wellness programs and mental health days in the workplace
Taking these steps can help you prioritize your own wellbeing at work. It can also signal to your employer that occupational health is a priority for you, and can potentially lead to better policies and company culture surrounding wellness.
The Importance of Company-Wide Advocacy
Individual advocacy can only go so far. To truly prioritize occupational health, organizations need to prioritize it as well. Here are some steps that companies can take to prioritize occupational health:
- Develop and enforce a comprehensive occupational health plan
- Offer wellness programs and incentives for healthy behaviors
- Provide ergonomic equipment and support
- Regularly evaluate and update the workplace to minimize hazards
By prioritizing occupational health, companies can create a culture of wellness that values employee health and productivity. This can improve overall workplace morale and lead to more engaged, satisfied employees.
Conclusion
Occupational health is a vital aspect of workplaces. Prioritizing it can lead to better productivity, decreased absenteeism and presenteeism, and lower healthcare costs. Employees and companies alike should advocate for occupational health by being proactive about reporting hazards, taking preventative measures to prevent injury, and advocating for wellness initiatives and policies.
