Workplace Health
Workplace Health is about the effects of work on people’s health and vice versa. Work, if managed properly, is generally good for a person’s physical and mental health.
Workers should be able to work in an environment which protects and promotes their health.
Workplace Health Topics
Work can result in employees being exposed to a range of physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial factors which can affect their health.
Workplace health addresses such topic as:
- Behaviour
- Bullying
- Ergonomics
- Manual handling
- Physical, chemical and biological agents
- Sensitive risk groups
- Stress
Workplace Health Regulations
The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007 (1.6 MB opens in new window) contain specific workplace health regulations on the following:
- Display screen equipment
- Manual handling
- Noise and vibration
- Pregnant employees, night and shift workers, children and young persons
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations, 2001 )(82KB opens in new window) regulate exposure to Carcinogens
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 2006 (83KB opens in new window) regulate exposure to Asbestos and the REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 prohibits the placing on the market, the supply and use of asbestos fibres of all types and of products containing Asbestos fibres.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994 as amended in 1998 (102KB opens in new window) sets down the minimum requirements for the protection of workers from the health risks associated with Biological agents in the workplace.
The Chemicals Act 2008 (390KB opens in new window) and Regulations made under the Act regulate the use of Chemicals in the workplace.