Course:SPPH381B/Essays/Occupational health policy; prevention and compensation - Rachael

Introduction

Modern occupational health policy is comprised of many regulations and guidelines, that function symbiotically to create safe workplaces in British Columbia (BC) today. This essay will highlight the need for occupational health policy, in addition to introducing what modern occupational health policy specifically entails; mainly, injury and disease prevention and compensation. The prevention practices will be highlighted, followed by compensation explanation, and a listing of issues within the policy realm, and among associated organisations.

Is there need?

Occupational health policy, which includes both prevention and compensation, is a necessary legislation in today's workforce. This is because workers are exposed to risks, a combination of hazard and exposure, on a daily basis, which pose potentially life-threatening health outcomes. According to Takala et al (2014) , 2.3 million deaths are due to occupational injuries and work-related diseases globally each year. Those with the biggest fatality are work-related cancer (32%), work-related circulatory diseases (23%), communicable diseases (17%) and occupational accidents and violence (18%) as seen in Figure 1. These diseases and injuries occur from exposure to a variety of workplace hazards; chemical, physical, psychosocial, biological, ergonomic and safety . An increasing number of occupational risks are associated with longer latency disease rather than injury in the modern workplace . These risks undoubtedly require policy, and for the optimal health of the workers, in addition to the cost-effectiveness it poses for society, prevention is a large aspect of occupational health policy.

Work-related annual deaths (Figure 1: Takala et al 2014)

Occupational health policy

Firstly, occupational health policy in BC is governed by the Worker’s Compensation Act, which requires WorkSafeBC in addition to the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Tribunal to apply associated policies when making decisions. Furthermore, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) contains legal requirements, which also must be upheld by WorkSafeBC . Most workplaces are included within this act in BC, however with the exclusion of mines and federally contracted workplaces for example banks, interprovincial and international transportation, telephone systems, and television, cable and radio services . The OSHR is vital in promotion of occupational health and safety, and to protect workers in the workplace, from work-related risks, in addition to their health, safety and well-being. As these requirements are upheld, workers and employers can, in cooperation, solve workplace health and safety concerns . These requirements act as a foundation upon which effective health and safety programs are to be built.

Prevention in health policy

So how does this policy evoke preventative practice? Under the OHSR, there are various requirements that must be upheld. These begin with the Core Requirements, which apply to all workplaces, and detail many parts . Part 4 includes the General Conditions section, which enlists requirements for such aspects of workplace safety as building and equipment safety, emergency preparedness, preventing violence, working alone, ergonomics, illumination, indoor air quality, smoking and lunchrooms . Parts 5 – 19 continue further along to include General Hazard Requirements – which focuses more so on higher-hazard operations. These topics include the safe use of chemicals, confined space entry procedures, guarding of machinery and the use of mobile equipment , and approaches the topic of the Seven Deadly Sins, which will be further explored shortly. Of the previously mentioned topics, in many work places, only some of these requirements are applicable. Lastly, in Parts 20-34 OHSR cover the topic of Industry/Activity Specific Requirements . For example, dealing with requirements that relate to specific industries such as forestry, oil and gas, and construction . Furthermore, this Part covers firefighting and rescue, which include specific hazardous activities, such as diving and blasting . Despite the lengthy list of precautions and guidelines for safe practice, there remains caveats in some practice settings, for example construction and the infamous Seven Deadly Sins .

Example: Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins, are known as unsafe work practices leading to death and injury in construction, and remain the largest cause of industry work-related death or injury in the workplace . These “Seven Deadly Sins” include asbestos exposure risks, confined space risks, unsafe evacuation, lack of fall protection, roll over dangers, lockout violation and unsafe practices near powerlines . For example, falls are the costliest and most frequent type of injury across the construction sector, representing 44% of all claim costs, which is followed by asbestosis, with nearly 42% of fatal claims relating to exposure to asbestos . Unfortunately, it is evident that despite strict guidelines for the prevention of illness or injury in such industries, these sometimes fatal events still occur. In the case that an injury is sustained, both the worker and the employer are covered by WorkSafeBC, which will be further explained below.

Compensation in health policy

In BC, when an employee is injured or diseased at work, they are protected by WorkSafeBC insurance coverage . This system is a no-fault insurance system, meaning both the worker and employer are protected. Employers and registered firms must register with, and pay WorkSafeBC cover insurance premiums to receive the no-fault protection . The primary benefit to employers that follows, is that workers cannot sue employers for injuries during the course of their employment. Furthermore, employers receive tools and advice for all preventative, safety and management issues, in addition to collective liability; meaning the cost of claims are shared by the industry . For the worker, the benefits of the no-fault protection are ubiquitous, and include a multitude of services such as compensation and support for recovery, wage loss benefits and rehabilitation, to ideally enable a safe return to work . Additionally, workers are protected from a lawsuit by another worker who is injured in the workplace . In some cases, employers may be eligible to buy alternative insurance coverage, such as Personal Optional Protection (POP) - however, not registering for WorkSafeBC coverage when required is illegal, and would result in serious financial liability if an employee was injured or killed .

From 2006 to 2015, work-related death claims remained the highest within the construction sector, followed by a close second, the manufacturing sector, and with trade holding the lowest amount of work-related death claims by sector, as seen in Figure 2 . In considering the construction sector, it can be reasoned that both parties play a role in injury and disease prevention, however in practice, issues may arise here, which is seen across all industries.

Figure 2: Work-related deaths 2006 to 2015

Occupational health policy issues

While modern occupational health policy in BC is efficient, there remain central issues in regulating OHS and the organisation of the Act. From the owner to the employer, and then to the employee – each party has responsibilities and obligations . To illustrate, the employer is responsible for; applying for insurance coverage, knowing who must be covered, reporting payroll and pay premiums, contacting WorkSafeBC about changes to the business, reporting injuries and diseases, and reporting and investigating incidents . However, the onus is also on the employee, to report on any unsafe practices that are occurring in the workplace. In this situation, the owner has ultimate responsibility on all practices, and it is evident that the employer holds much of the responsibility if an accident was to occur .

References

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