Occupational Health and Safety Training: Key to a Healthy Work Environment.

Authors: D. Pena and C. Valenzuela.

Training in occupational health and safety, including mental health, is a priority for modern organizations. It is not only a legal requirement but also essential for the well-being of employees and the organization’s success [1]. In this blog, we will see why investing in these training programs is essential, the main benefits for organizations, and how it contributes to effectively implementing an occupational health and safety management system under ISO 45001.

· Importance of Occupational Health and Safety Training [2].

Accident and Illness Prevention: Training enables employees to identify and manage occupational risks, significantly reducing accidents and illnesses. This translates into less sick leave and lower compensation and medical care costs.

Mental Health Promotion: Mental health training programs enable employees to learn how to handle pressure situations, promoting an emotionally balanced and healthy environment.

Improved Work Climate and Productivity: A well-trained team in health and safety tends to be more productive and motivated. In addition, employees who feel that their well-being is a priority are more committed to the organization.

· Benefits for Organizations [3].

Reduced Operating Costs: By preventing accidents and illnesses, organizations reduce the costs associated with absenteeism, personnel turnover and the payment of occupational risk premiums.

Strengthening Reputation: Organizations that prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees build a good reputation as responsible employers, which can attract talent and improve customer relationships.

Increased Innovation and Creativity: A healthy work environment fosters creativity and innovative thinking, driving continuous process improvement.

· Training and ISO 45001: An Effective Occupational Health and Safety Management System [4].

Occupational health and safety training plays a key role in the compliance and success of a management system under ISO 45001 as it contributes to:

Competence and Awareness: Ensures that employees understand their responsibilities within the OH&S management system, contributes to risk management and general health and safety awareness, including mental health.

Participation: Training employees in these areas increases awareness and enables them to actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the OH&S management system.

Continuous Improvement: Continuous training of employees in new regulations, safety techniques and mental wellbeing ensures that practices within the organization are updated and adapted to new risks and needs.

Performance Evaluation: Training is also aligned with the need to evaluate the performance of health and safety activities, helping to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the system is working effectively.

Occupational health and safety training is a strategic investment for organizations. It protects employees, improves productivity, reduces operating costs, and strengthens organizational culture. By investing in staff’s physical and mental well-being, organizations create a positive work environment that translates into long-term success.

References:

[1] OIT. Trabajar para un futuro más prometedor. Comisión Mundial sobre el Futuro del Trabajo, Ginebra. Descargado de: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—dgreports/—cabinet/documents/publication/wcms_662442.pdf el 21/03/2025. [2] Deloitte. El impacto de la salud mental en la productividad corporativa. Descargado de: impacto-de-la-salud-mental-en-la-productividad-corporativa.pdf el 21/03/2025.

[3] C. K. K. Chung, C. C. Méndez y V. C. A. Benítez. “Importancia de la salud mental en la productividad laboral: Un estudio cualitativo basado en la realidad del Paraguay, 2023.” UNIDA Salud Health Journal. Vol 3. Num. 1. pp. 17-21. 2024.

[4] Sistemas de gestión de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Requisitos con orientación para su uso. ISO 45001. 2018.