2023-08-01 18:49:49
The issue of health and safety in the work environment has been a prominent theme in the Brazilian business context, especially in view of industrial growth and the diversification of ways of working. This emphasis reflects legal demands, as well as the ethical and social commitments of companies with their workers.
With the complexity of these challenges, the task of establishing and maintaining safe and healthy work environments requires meticulous attention from managers and occupational health professionals. This need transcends concern for the well-being of workers and touches on the sustainability and responsibility of companies.
In the last ten years (2012-2021), according to the International Labor Organization, Brazil registered 22,954 deaths in the formal labor market, according to official data. In 2021, 571.8 thousand accidents and 2,487 deaths associated with work were reported, an increase of 30% compared to 2020. This scenario underlines the imperative need for investments in the safety and well-being of workers. However, one concern is that health and safety measures are sometimes perceived by some companies as primarily a cost rather than a necessary investment.
Raíssa Squipano, founder of the Evolue Group and peacekeeper according to the UN, advocates a paradigm shift in the way companies approach health and safety at work. Her central argument is that investment in safety should not be seen as mere compliance with standards, but rather as a strategic element to increase productivity.
In addition, she emphasizes the need to involve management levels to implement these policies, with emphasis on the gender issue and the growing female participation in leadership. According to Squipano, this change of perspective is imperative not only for the well-being of workers, but also for the reputation and appreciation of companies in the market.
“Managing occupational health and safety effectively is a responsibility that goes beyond the HR sector or the safety technician. The company’s leadership must be directly involved, highlighting the importance that the organization attaches to the integrity of its employees”, emphasizes Raissa Squipano.
Failure to adequately invest in health and safety at work not only affects employees, but also the market value of companies. The lack of commitment to health and safety at work can damage the image and reputation of companies, often leading to financial losses.
With the advancement of technologies and social networks, companies are increasingly exposed to public scrutiny, and issues of health and safety at work are an integral part of this scenario. “Transparency is an important currency these days. Companies that do not adopt adequate health and safety practices at work are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks”, warns Squipano.
Raissa points out that despite the machismo still present in the sector, more and more women are assuming leadership positions and playing a fundamental role in changing paradigms. In addition, investing in Occupational Health and Safety promotes legal protection in possible labor claims.
The importance of training and continuing education for workers is also highlighted. “Personal protective equipment is essential, but it is equally important to invest in training and education so that employees understand the risks and know how to act to prevent them”, he explains.
At the same time, companies that invest in safety and health at work, as shown to be more resilient, competitive and sustainable. “The culture of health and safety at work needs to be seen as a strategic issue for companies”, concludes Raissa Squipano.
In this context, there is an increase in the importance of health and safety policies at work in companies. Those that analyze the issue as strategic tend to stand out more and more as a critical element in today’s business dynamics. Adherence to such practices is not only a guarantee for the physical integrity of employees, but also establishes a solid foundation for companies to adapt and remain resilient in the face of unexpected challenges.
The paradigm transition, which stops perceiving health and safety at work as mere costs to recognize them as strategic investments, is paving a new path for the corporate world in this century.
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