What Is Occupational Risk Management?

Safety in the workplace

Occupational Risk Management is a series of disciplines that were introduced by the Ergonomic Technologies Corporation in an attempt to make the workplace safe for millions of workers in every industry.



It is characterized by a pro-active approach at the corporate and management level. Business owners are encouraged to adopt these disciplines in an effort to reduce the number of work-based injuries and fatalities.

The Disciplines

Occupational Risk Management is divided into four disciplines: ergonomics, safety, health and environment. This four-pronged approach was designed to address all the facets that can put workers at risk.

Obviously, each industry will have different risk factors and degrees of risk. Managers and company owners should evaluate each of these risks and seek assistance from an EORM qualified consultant if they need assistance in determining any risks their employees face on a daily basis.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to equipment that is used on a daily basis by employees. For example, employees that spend most of their time at the computer can experience repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel. By introducing ergonomically correct chairs, monitor risers, keyboards and mice, companies can reduce the number of repetitive stress injuries and as such reduce the amount of workman's comp claims.

Safety

Safety is an issue with any company, but it is particularly vital in industries where chemicals, heavy equipment or anything hazardous is used. Even something as simple as a wet floor with no warning sign can be a safety hazard.

Occupational Risk Management is used to determine what safety risks your employees are facing and how to appropriately address these risks through proper training, warning signs and precautions that can be taken to increase worker safety.

Health

Employee health is also a consideration under Occupational Risk Management. In industries where workers are exposed to toxic or hazardous chemicals, or even dangers in re-circulated ventilation systems, precautions must be taken.

This area is more difficult in some cases than safety and ergonomics, particularly when it comes to dealing with health issues such as Legionnaires' disease that can be transmitted through air.

Risk assessment and frequent auditing should be used to identify and help protect against any health risks employees face.

Environmental

Environmental concerns in Occupational Risk Management refer to waste materials that are disposed of either on or off site. These materials may contain harmful chemicals or pollutants that are toxic not only to workers but also to the public at large.

With a proper Occupational Risk Management strategy, frequent auditing of containment measures can be used to reduce the overall risk to the public and to employees.

References

• Ergo World: Occupational Risk Management
• EORM: Occupational Health and Safety Consultation