Workplace Well-being and Safety
Definition of Health at Work
Regulations and procedures designed to protect the physical and mental well-being of workers from health risks specific to their job responsibilities, functions, duties, and work environment.
Definition of Industrial Hygiene
A specialty focused on preserving workers’ health, particularly through analyzing industrial processes and operations involving high-risk chemical compounds.
Safety at Work
Crucial for ensuring worker security, confidence, and a positive attitude, leading to improved productivity and satisfaction.
Definition of Ergonomics
Derived from the Greek words “ergos” (activity) and “nomos” (rules or laws of nature), ergonomics is the discipline of designing and maintaining products, jobs, tasks, and equipment in harmony with human characteristics, needs, and limitations. Neglecting ergonomic principles can result in injuries, occupational illnesses, reduced productivity, and inefficiency. Ergonomics considers the physiological, psychological, pathological, and sociological aspects of humans, integrating them with equipment, tools, and environmental signals. It examines human performance in relation to environmental factors, safety, hygiene, and well-being at work. As a practical and interdisciplinary technology, ergonomics aims to optimize the human-machine interaction, considering:
- Anthropometry: The study of human body measurements (size, shape, strength, work capacity) within specific populations and age ranges.
- Biomechanics: The study of the human body from a mechanical and biological perspective, incorporating knowledge from occupational medicine, physiology, anthropometry, and anthropology. Its objective is to maximize performance, address disabilities, and design safe and efficient tasks.
- Environmental Ergonomics: The study of physical conditions (thermal environment, noise, lighting, vibration) affecting human performance. This knowledge aids in designing and evaluating workstations to enhance performance, safety, and comfort.
- Cognitive Ergonomics: Focuses on information processing, reception, and action. It considers the exchange of information between humans and machines, including operator controls and system feedback.
- Design and Evaluation: Involves designing and evaluating equipment, systems, and workspaces based on anthropometric, biomechanical, sociological, and customary data. It considers the diverse needs of users to ensure safe and efficient work practices.
- Specific Needs: Focuses on designing equipment for people with disabilities, children, and specific user groups with unique requirements.
- Preventive Ergonomics: Works closely with safety and hygiene disciplines to analyze and improve work conditions.
Industrial Safety
A technical advisor who informs and supports the application of safety programs across departments, including fire prevention, emergency response, training, equipment maintenance, signage, and worker training.
Legal Framework
- Constitution of the United Mexican States, Section A, Article 123
- Federal Labor Law
- Federal Regulation of Safety, Hygiene, and Working Environment
- Social Security Act
- Law of the Social Security Institute and Social Services for State Workers
- Federal Law on Metrology and Standardization
- Mexican Official Standards on Safety and Hygiene
Health Problems in Organizations
- Work-related stress
- Exposure to chemicals
- Poor dietary habits
- Irresponsible self-medication
- Harmful habits
Proposed Solutions
- Ensure access to clean air
- Install clean and dry ducts
- Avoid materials emitting odors and toxins
- Provide appropriate equipment
- Ensure a clean and mist-free environment
- Provide adequate lighting
Elements of a Safety and Health Program
- Define staff roles and responsibilities
- Assess working conditions, industry, company size, and location
- Extend safety measures beyond the production area
- Ensure appropriate staffing
- Enforce safety compliance
- Conduct accident simulations and aid training
Health and Safety at Work and Quality of Life
Quality of work life involves protecting the health and well-being of individuals while performing their job duties. Work risks include accidents and illnesses related to work activities (FLL Article 473). Any location where work is performed is considered a workplace, and any time spent on work-related activities is considered working time. Risk factors are phenomena, elements, or actions (physical, chemical, organic, psychological, or social) that contribute to accidents or illnesses. A general risk is the possibility of an unwanted event, while a risk factor is the trigger. Both must occur at a specific time and place under certain conditions to affect a worker.
Work and Health: Occupational Hazards
Work changes the environment, impacting worker health. Preventing health damage requires controlling both personal factors (physical and mental) and environmental working conditions.
Work Environment
- Organic Environment: Factors that can harm a worker’s physical health:
- Mechanical factors: Machinery and tool use
- Physical factors: Temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, radiation, lighting
- Chemical factors: Toxic substances in solid, liquid, or gaseous form
- Biological factors: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi
- Psychological Environment: Stems from the human environment. Modern work organization and technology (monotony, automation) can lead to psychological problems (inadequacy, dissatisfaction, stress).
- Social Environment: Societal values and relationships can create problems within and outside the company, affecting worker interactions.
Risk Factors
- Safety factors
- Physical, chemical, and biological factors
- Factors related to the nature of work
- Factors related to work organization
Consequences of Work Risks
- Temporary disability: Partial or complete inability to work for a limited time
- Partial permanent disability: Reduced capacity to work
- Total permanent disability: Complete and permanent inability to work
- Death
Legal Liability (Article 489 LFT)
Employers are liable even if:
- The employee assumed the risks
- The accident was caused by worker negligence
- The accident was caused by a coworker’s or third party’s negligence
Unsafe Acts
Actions caused by worker ignorance or carelessness that can lead to accidents. Reasons for unsafe acts:
- Inadequate training
- Performing tasks outside of job description
- Personal initiative
- Helping a coworker
- Following superior’s orders
- Curiosity
- Non-ergonomic equipment
- Physical limitations (obesity, limited vision)
- Emotional problems
- Negative attitude or rebellion
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Fear of performing work
Unsafe Conditions
Environmental factors contributing to work-related uncertainty. Common examples:
- Poor housekeeping
- Inadequate or defective protective equipment
- Unsuitable or defective tools/equipment
- Improperly installed equipment
Prevention Recommendations
- Involve all staff in safety programs
- Gather necessary resources and support
- Evaluate potential risks
- Continuously improve safety programs
- Ensure clean air
- Install clean and dry ducts
- Avoid hazardous materials
- Provide appropriate equipment
- Maintain a clean environment
- Provide adequate lighting
- Use helmets and protective gear
- Use less hazardous products
- Install speed limiters
- Implement noise barriers
- Reinforce structures
Work and Health: Occupational Hazards
Work alters the environment, impacting health. Preventing health damage involves managing personal and environmental factors.
Environment
- Organic Environment: Factors potentially harming worker health:
- Mechanical factors: Machinery and tool handling
- Physical factors: Temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, radiation, lighting
- Chemical factors: Toxic substances (solid, liquid, gas)
- Biological factors: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi
- Psychological Environment: Modern work systems and technology can cause psychological issues (monotony, automation leading to inadequacy, dissatisfaction, stress).
- Social Environment: Societal values create internal and external relationship problems, affecting worker interactions.