What is Occupational Health and Safety?
Understanding the foundations of workplace safety and why it matters for everyone
Clear Definition of Workplace Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is the practice of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. It encompasses the identification, assessment, and control of hazards arising from or connected with work activities. OHS is not just about preventing accidents—it's about creating a comprehensive framework that ensures workers can perform their duties in an environment that minimizes risks to their physical and mental wellbeing.
Who is Affected and Why It Matters
Employees
Every worker has the right to a safe workplace and the responsibility to follow safety procedures. OHS protects employees from workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Employers
Employers have legal and moral obligations to provide safe working conditions. Effective OHS programs protect businesses from liability, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
Society
Workplace safety impacts families, communities, and national economies. Better OHS practices lead to reduced healthcare costs and increased economic productivity.
Global Workplace Safety Statistics
2.78M
Work-related deaths annually worldwide
374M
Non-fatal work-related injuries per year
4%
Global GDP lost due to poor OSH
6,000
Lives saved daily by OSH
Regional Focus: UAE, Europe & Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Fatality Rate : 3.2 per 100,000 workers
Europe
Fatality Rate : 1.8 per 100,000 workers
Key Industries : Manufacturing, Agriculture
Middle East
Fatality Rate: 4.1 per 100,000 workers
The Importance of Following OHS Regulations
Legal Compliance
Following OHS regulations is not optional—it’s a legal requirement. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, legal action, and business closure.
Moral Obligation
Beyond legal requirements, employers have a moral duty to protect their workers. Every person deserves to return home safely at the end of their workday.
Business Benefits
Effective OHS programs reduce insurance costs, minimize downtime, improve employee morale, and protect your company’s reputation.
Competitive Advantage
Companies with strong safety records attract better talent, win more contracts, and enjoy greater stakeholder confidence.
Ready to Build Your OHS Program?
Understanding what OHS is about is the first step. Now learn how to implement effective management systems in your workplace.