Safety and health hazards are present in all workplaces. Employers have the responsibility to protect workers against these hazards by providing a safe and conducive working environment. This is because unsafe and poor working conditions can negatively affect a person’s physical and even mental health.

1. Health Effects of Unsafe and
Poor Working Conditions
Strategic Safety Australia
Address: 143 Coronation Drive, Milton QLD 4064
E-mail: irossow@ssaohs.com.au
Phone: 0733108816

2. Safety and health hazards are present in all workplaces. Employers have the responsibility to protect
workers against these hazards by providing a safe and conducive working environment. This is because
unsafe and poor working conditions can negatively affect a person’s physical and even mental health.
For the most part, unsafe or poor working conditions can be the cause of many occupational accidents.
Business owners need to invest in safety improvements, considering legislations, standards, and the cost
of improving working conditions.
Increased Physical Dangers
The changes in the occupational structure of today’s economy have increased the physical dangers for
workers. Those who work in mining, for instance, are exposed to harmful chemicals like asbestos, which
increases the risk of lung cancer. Task arrangements and jobs associated with repetitive work are linked to
repetitive-strain related injuries. These are more relevant, as they affect workers in production and
service.

3. Understanding the Consequences
Unsafe working conditions or work practices can have an enormous effect both financially and
emotionally. The pain, suffering, and possible death that come as a result of such accidents place a heavy
burden on families and community. Injury can also mean that the worker is unable to work, play sports,
walk, or drive. The ramifications include financial, human, and social costs.
Promoting Safety in the Workplace
It is a challenge for employers to address such work issues by providing the right tools, gear, and
equipment. Workers will be eager to follow safety precautions if they have the right tools to perform the
job. Modifying workplaces will also help promote and improve safety. Training and regular discussions
about health and safety are necessary to reduce risks to physical health and well-being.

4. Resources:
http://www.ssaohs.com.au/health-and-safety-consultants-australia
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813007/
http://www.business.gov.au/business-topics/employing-people/workplace-health-and-
safety/Pages/accidents-and-injuries.aspx
It is the responsibility of the employer to establish a safe working environment, free from any hazards and
complying with state and federal laws. This involves preventing work-related disease and injury, and
designing a workplace that promotes wellbeing. Knowledge is an important component in providing a safe
workplace. This is because knowing the correct procedures can keep accidents and injuries to a minimum.