Adverse environmental conditions can include exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, dust, fumes, and other hazardous substances.
Physical and psychological harm can result from being exposesd to hazardous materials, machinery, or hazardous equipment. Staff need to have the appropriate amenities and a physical environment that is suitable to do their job. When a poor physical environment is combined with isolated work conditions,poor support and high job demands it can be considered a workplace hazard. These conditions can negatively impact the physical and emotional wellbeing of employees.
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Physical and psychological harm can result from exposure to hazardous materials, machinery, or equipment. Staff need appropriate amenities and a physical environment that supports their ability to perform their job effectively. When a poor physical environment is combined with isolated work conditions, inadequate support, and high job demands, it can become a workplace hazard. Such conditions can negatively impact the physical and emotional well-being of employees.
The risk of developing health problems due to poor environmental conditions is increased by:
- Severity of the exposure
- Duration of the exposure
- An individual’s susceptibility
Example: Lisa has just completed her qualifications to become a qualified electrician and has landed her first dream job. Lisa, will be doing remote work which will involve travelling long distances with male colleagues. She is a little bit daunted at the prospect of spending up to 12 hours in the sole company of older guys, but she understands that this is part of her role.
On the trips that take 4 to 5 hours on the road, there is one guy in the group who has a habit of making very derogatory comments towards females. For the first few days Lisa pretended that it didn’t matter and she simply ignored the conversation. However, as the days passed she noticed that the conversation became more and more about being negative to women. Lisa is significantly younger than her work colleagues and feels intimidated to bring up the issue with her boss.
What contributes to a Poor Working Environment
- Lack of the correct equipment and resources
- Excessive temperatures
- Chemical hazards
- Excessive dust, noise, adequate transport
Negative consequences of a Poor Physical Environment
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Reduced productivity
- Increased absenteeism
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
- Long-term health problems, such as respiratory disease, cancer, and hearing loss
Strategies to mitigate a poor physical environment:
Provide Adequate Resources and Support: Ensure that employees have access to the necessary tools, equipment, and support to perform their jobs safely and effectively. This includes providing proper protective equipment, maintaining machinery, and ensuring that help is available when needed.
Enhance Safety Protocols: Develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment. Regularly review and update these protocols to address any new hazards or changes in the workplace. Provide employees with ongoing training on safety practices and the proper use of equipment.
Improve Workplace Facilities: Ensure that all employees have access to suitable amenities, such as clean and private restrooms, adequate break areas, and ergonomic workstations. Regularly inspect and maintain facilities to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
Workplace risk assessment: Conduct a workplace risk assessment to identify and assess the risk of poor environmental conditioins
Training: Providing training to management on how to mitigate poor environmental conditions
