Introduction

To promote the highest possible physical, mental, and social well-being of workers across various industries, Occupational Health and safety ( OHS) plays an immense role. OHS has become crucial in different parts of the world, like Africa and Asia, where working conditions are unsecured. These regions face challenges in managing child labour, unsafe practices, unsafe conditions, and migration to developed nations like Europe due to hazardous work environments. Due to stringent roles and policies in the European Union, OSH is closely monitored and improved. Still, many incidents and accidents have persisted, and the trend is not so encouraging due to a lack of sufficient safety measures and innovations. Beyond compliance, sustainability in healthcare emphasizes leadership, improvisation innovation, and stakeholder/s involvement.

Efforts are on to promote sustainable development to ensure worker safety and health. Innovative approaches are essential for businesses to reduce workplace accidents and prioritise employee welfare. A sincere and comprehensive health and safety approach must engage employees if workplaces must be made safer and more sustainable.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in Healthcare

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) refers to the efforts and measures taken to promote and maintain workers’ physical, mental, and social well-being in all occupations.

The following are the Principles of OHS:

• Prevention
• Protection
• Compliance
• Employee
• Engagement
• Continuous Improvement.

Unlike many countries, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces workplace safety and health standards in the highest possible manner in the healthcare industry.

The following are the key stakeholders responsible for OHS practices:

• Employers: Implement OHS policies and provide training.
• Employees: Follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment.
• OSHA and Regulatory Agencies: Monitor and enforce OHS regulations.
• Occupational Health Professionals: Assess hazards and conduct training.
• Trade Unions and Worker Representatives: Advocate for worker safety.
• Healthcare Industry Associations: Provide OHS resources and guidelines.
• Patients and Visitors: Contribute to a safe environment by following safety rules.

The Role of OHS in Promoting Sustainability in Healthcare

In healthcare settings, identifying occupational hazards and risks are paramount for ensuring worker safety and keeping the workplace safer.

This involves conducting risk assessments and identifying potential hazards, including biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors. By prioritizing these measures, healthcare facilities can proactively address potential dangers and implement effective safety protocols to protect employees from workplace-related injuries and illnesses.

The integration of sustainability practices into OHS policies can be achieved through the following procedures:

• Incorporating environmental considerations into healthcare facility design and construction
• Promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling in healthcare settings
• Implementing sustainable procurement practices for medical equipment and supplies

By juxtaposing OHS with sustainability efforts, healthcare organizations can create safer work environments for their employees while contributing to overall sustainability goals. Prioritizing OHS protects healthcare workers and ensures the long-term viability of healthcare operations and their impact on the environment.

Best Practices for Sustainable Healthcare through OHS

To achieve sustainable healthcare through Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), healthcare organizations should follow these best practices:

• Engage employees through a well-planned design approach, actively involving stakeholders in the improvement process for continuous learning and resilient change.
• Adopt a developmental stance, building on existing knowledge to reduce resistance and lower adoption costs for green building and resource management.
• Use key performance indicators for waste reduction, involving frontline staff and managers in participatory efforts for organizational learning.
• Set integrated goals for care quality, cost-efficiency, patient experience, and employee well-being, addressing all system goals in occupational health programs. This context-sensitive approach ensures sustainable healthcare improvements while avoiding single-goal pitfalls.

Future directions

The future of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and sustainable healthcare lies in integrating CSR principles into workplace safety regulations. Advancements in technology, such as AI and AR /VR technologies, will revolutionize OHS practices, enabling real-time monitoring and proactive interventions.

Considering workers’ physical, social, and mental well-being, sustainability will be emphasised, promoting a safer and healthier workforce.