Work Place Environment: Implications of Workplace Accidents and the Necessity for Safety cum Health Programmes in Organizations

Every employee is entitled to work in a setting where jeopardy to his health and security are suitably controlled. Hence, employers have a liability to consult with their workers or representatives on health and safety matters. Notwithstanding the laws mandating employers to guarantee the protection and health of their employees, several employees have been victims of work place accidents. While some have died as a product of an industrial accident, others have sustained different extent of injuries. The study examined the dimensions and implications of workplace accidents and the necessity for safety and health programme in establishments. The methodology of the study is qualitative and descriptive. Relevant data for the study were gathered through secondary source. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive-qualitative approach. The findings of the study, among other things, revealed that while work place accidents are of varied nature with wide adverse consequences, both employers and employees have significant roles to play in ensuring workplace safety and health. Moreover, the findings showed that an accident free plant or organization with good health and safety programmes enjoys certain benefits such as motivated workforce, increased productivity and profitability, cost savings, lower staff turnover, lesser absenteeism, lower insurance costs and good corporate reputation..