Health and Safety in Human Resource Management (HRM)

 Introduction



Health and safety in Human Resource Management (HRM) is crucial for creating a safe and productive work environment, directly impacting employee well-being, organizational performance, and legal compliance. In the context of HRM, health and safety not only focus on physical safety but also on mental health and the overall wellness of employees. HR professionals play a key role in integrating health and safety policies into the organizational strategy and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Health and Safety as a Strategic HR Function

In a strategic HR context, health and safety are seen as integral to achieving organizational goals, rather than merely being a regulatory requirement. HR managers are responsible for developing and implementing health and safety policies that align with organizational objectives and corporate culture. Creating a work environment that prioritizes the health and safety of employees ensures that the workforce remains productive, engaged, and free from work-related injuries or illnesses (Klein, 2020).

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Organizations must comply with national and international health and safety laws, which are enforced by regulatory bodies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK. HR managers must stay informed about these regulations and ensure that workplace policies align with legal standards (Lunt & Danziger, 2022). These policies should include provisions for risk assessments, emergency procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular safety training.

In addition to legal compliance, there is an ethical obligation to protect employees from harm. HRM's role extends to promoting a culture where employees feel safe and supported. HR can lead initiatives that address mental health issues, workplace stress, and harassment, which have increasingly become focal points in HR policy due to their significant impact on overall employee wellness (Smith, 2021).

Mental Health and Well-being

Traditionally, health and safety policies primarily focused on preventing physical injuries. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace. HRM strategies have expanded to include mental health awareness, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and stress management initiatives. Research shows that poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates (Hughes, 2019). HR professionals must therefore work alongside managers and employees to create supportive environments that reduce work-related stress and promote work-life balance.

Health and Safety Training and Awareness

One of the core functions of HR in health and safety management is the implementation of regular training programs. These programs ensure that employees are aware of workplace hazards and know how to respond in case of emergencies. HR professionals also need to ensure that new employees receive adequate health and safety induction training and that refresher courses are offered to existing employees periodically (Klein , 2020).

Additionally, HRM must integrate health and safety into the organization's culture by encouraging open communication and feedback about safety issues. Employees should feel empowered to report hazards and suggest improvements to health and safety protocols without fear of retaliation. Encouraging a proactive safety culture helps in identifying risks before they escalate into significant problems (Lunt & Danziger, 2022).


Employee Safety


Figure 01 - What is employee safety ?

Source - Human Resource Management Archives - Page 7 of 8 - Getuplearn.com

 


Video 01  - HR Basics: Employee Safety and Health

Health and Safety Practices in Sri Lankan Workplace

Health and safety practices in Sri Lanka are govern by the Occupational Safety and Health Act No 38 of 2009 .The same is in place mainly for the establishment of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health,. The main aim is for the formulation of a policy on occupational safety and health standards and  to create an environment for occupational safety while health at all workplaces to protect both the employers and employees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, health and safety are central to HRM’s strategic role in fostering a positive and productive workplace. By integrating health and safety practices into their policies, HR professionals not only comply with legal and ethical standards but also contribute to employee well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational success. HR professionals must continue to adapt and enhance health and safety policies to meet emerging challenges, including mental health concerns, and ensure that health and safety are prioritized at all levels of the organization.


References

Hughes (2019). Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction (5th ed.). Routledge.

Klein (2020). Managing Health and Safety at Work: An HRM Perspective. Wiley-Blackwell.

Lunt & Danziger (2022). Occupational Health and Safety and HRM: Aligning Safety Policies with Organizational Goals. Business and Professional Ethics Journal, 41(2), 124-139.

Smith (2021). Workplace Wellness and Employee Well-being: Mental Health Strategies in HRM. Journal of Human Resource Management, 33(4), 512-529.

Comments

  1. Chathuri SamarawickramaApril 4, 2025 at 6:23 AM

    Health and Safety in HRM is crucial for fostering a productive and positive work environment. Prioritizing employee well-being not only ensures legal compliance but also boosts morale, reduces absenteeism, and enhances overall organizational performance.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jasmine JayakodyApril 4, 2025 at 7:49 AM

    Health and safety in HRM are essential for creating a supportive work environment. By prioritizing employee well-being, HR can improve productivity and ensure compliance with regulations.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Prasanna KumaraApril 4, 2025 at 8:32 AM

    Health and safety are essential in Human Resource Management (HRM). Effective HRM ensures a safe work environment and supports employee wellness, all while adhering to legal regulations. Strong health and safety policies help prevent accidents and illnesses, boost productivity, and enhance employee morale and retention, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Manori KolonnageApril 5, 2025 at 12:14 AM

    Prioritizing health and safety measures by HRM creates a secure environment where employees can thrive, reducing absenteeism and improving morale. It reflects a company’s commitment to its workforce, enhancing trust and loyalty while also mitigating risks. In turn, this leads to higher productivity and long-term success of the organization at large.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kasun MaddumahewaApril 5, 2025 at 2:28 AM

    You’ve nicely explained health and safety in the HRM context in your blog post. I believe it’s not just about following legal and ethical rules, but also about supporting employee well-being, boosting job satisfaction, and helping the organization succeed. I really appreciate the detailed insights and look forward to more posts like this!

    ReplyDelete

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